007

OLIVIA

 

I swallowed hard, forcing a small, uneasy smile. “Yes, Jenna… anything you say,” I murmured even though I heard nothing. 

 

Her eyes narrowed. “Why is your face so red? Is there a problem?” she asked, moving closer, her hand checking my temperature.  

 

My gaze flickered to Christian; he shot me a knowing look, as if he could read every thought behind my flush. 

 

I gave a short laugh that barely reached my eyes. “I’m fine, Jenna,” I said as I stepped back from her.  

 

Her brow furrowed, but I gave her an assured smile. She sighed before turning to her father.  

 

“I thought you were working today, Daddy?” 

He shook his head. “No, I'm going to the supermarket. Do you want to get anything?” he asked as he strode towards the towel stand, took a towel, and placed it around his shoulder.  

 

Jenna clasped her hands together. “Tampons,” she said with a smile. “And mint chip ice cream, also add those hazelnut chocolates!”

Christian nodded, then Jenna stepped back cautiously before diving into the water.

 

I was about to walk towards the pool when his voice stopped me. “Olivia?” His voice sent shivers down my spine. “Do you want to get anything?”

My gaze flickered from him to Jenna, who was floating on top of the water. “Not really, Mr. Hayes,” I muttered, smiling awkwardly.  

 

“Mr. What?” Jenna shouted.  “Liv, my daddy is not a granny. Call him Christian or Dad or anything but that name!” she concluded. 

 

Christian's lips curved into a smile, his eyes still on me.

I bit my lower lip. “You can get a few chocolates for me too, Christian.” 

He nodded.

 I didn’t give him the chance to speak; I turned and dived into the pool.

 

The water made me shiver, and I knew my face was turning red again. What the hell was going on with me?  

 

He was my best friend’s dad, for crying out loud. Why was I blushing and turning as red as tomatoes around him?  

 

I sighed.

 “Liv.” I heard a snap of fingers in front of my face. My eyes widened as I fluttered my lashes at Jenna.

 

“You’re still thinking?” she asked with a frown.  

 

At this point, it's only a matter of time before Jenna finds out, with how swept up I'd gotten.

 

“It’s the breakup,” I lied again.  

 

The thought of Ethan hadn’t even crossed my mind once since that night, yet he was the excuse I kept using. Lord, forgive me.  

 

“Well, I have got good news,” she squealed, splashing the water on my face. “I found a perfect match for you.”

 A sigh escaped my lips. “I don’t think…”  

 

“You don’t have to think about a thing, Liv. I got you, and I know you’re going to like him,” she said with a wink.  

 

My heart skipped, “And who are we talking about?” I asked, my expression turning serious. .  

 

She placed her finger under her chin. “It’s a secret. He asked for a date tonight. All you have to do is go on a date with him,” she replied.  

 

My mouth hung open. It wasn’t like I didn’t want to go on a date. Scratch that, I should be going on a date.  

 

“Okay,” I said in a low voice before diving deeper into the water. We didn’t swim for long when I heard Jenna's voice.

 

“My body aches. I don’t know why I’m having pre-cramps without seeing my period,” Jenna said suddenly.  

 

I halted, my legs playing with water while staring at Jenna with the corner of my lips raised. “You will probably see it soon. And if you don’t…” I paused with a teasing smile.  

 

“And if I don’t… don’t be ridiculous, Liv,” she said with a low chuckle while walking out of the pool.  

 

I laughed slowly. Well, it was kind of impossible for her to get pregnant. I mean, Jenna was into women and not men, so…  

 

“You aren’t coming?” she asked, turning to me.  

 

I shook my head. “I will catch up with you later.”

 

She nodded before walking out of the door.

 After swimming to my satisfaction, I made my way to the lounge chair. 

The sun hung high, draping my skin in golden warmth.

I sank into the chair as I reached for my straw hat on top.  

I placed it on my head, closed my eyes, savoring the sunlight and quiet around me.

 

Nothing felt as perfect as this, letting the sun coat me in its warmth without the intrusion of a single chill.

 

Suddenly I heard footsteps. 

“How are you feeling now?” I asked, without moving an inch.

 

No response…just silence.

My brow furrowed as I turned, thinking something might be wrong with Jenna.  

 

I tilted my head, removing the hat blocking my view.

And on seeing who it was, I felt like all the air had been  snatched out of my lungs. 

I blinked, staring at Christian, who stood with his hand in his pants pocket while the other held a box of chocolate.  

 

I swallowed hard. “Mr. Ha…sorry, Christian,” I murmured, sitting up.  

 

He chuckled silently, settling on the chair beside me. “I brought your chocolate,” he said, passing the box to me.  

 

My fingers stretched, coincidentally brushing his as I took it from him.  

 

My heart did a somersault. Damn, why was it so hot in here?  

 

“You look good,” he said with a quick glance at me.  

 

Heat crept up my cheek as I stared down at the box on my thigh. “Thank you,” I whispered.  

 

We fell into silence, with just the cool sound of the air. I was about to rise to my feet when his voice beat me to it. “You’re making this obvious, though,” he said suddenly, staring at the sky.  

 

I pressed my lips together. “I don’t understand…” 

 

He sighed, his ocean blue eyes meeting mine.  “Your face is red, which is a sign you’re blushing, and your nipples are hard, almost poking out of your bikini. And I bet your puss…”

He didn’t get to finish his word when my hand flew to his lips, stopping the rest of his words.  

 

My breath hitched as embarrassment clung to me like a second skin; how could he say something like that indifferently?  

He smiled as I removed my hand from his mouth. “This is exactly what I’m talking about. Look at your face,” he added, leaning closer.  

 

My tongue slipped out, brushing my lower lip as my hand curled into a ball trying to calm my racing heart.

 

His eyes darkened, staring at my wet lips. 

“Shit! Olivia…” he murmured, his hand brushing my neck as he pulled me closer…so close that I could feel his breath on my slightly parted lips.