I put on my red bikini and studied myself in the mirror. How the red pops against my sun-kissed skin, making it look even tanner. I ran my hands over my stomach. I’m not all muscle, but I am strong and lightly toned. My body is slim, with soft curves at my hips and breasts. I like my body. But I still feel nervous showing it for some reason.
I put on a mask of confidence and left my room.
The way Lucas looked at me when I walked in the living room sent shivers down my spine and gave me the confidence boost I needed. I almost giggled at the way his jaw dropped, it was adorable.
Especially after what happened today, it’s nice seeing a man look at me the way Lucas does.
He follows me outside to the pool area, and the blistering summer heat hits us the second we leave the air-conditioning. It makes me even more excited to dive into the pool.
His house is gorgeous, but this backyard? It’s an oasis—peaceful, green, and so inviting… it feels like a dream.
Lush green ferns and tropical palms frame the pool, their leaves swaying lazily in the breeze.
The water sparkles under the sun, turquoise and tempting.
Beyond the pool, the land stretches out in open, sunlit acres. The grass well maintained, until it reaches the end of the property whererows of towering gumtrees dance in the wind.
I faintly smell something salty drifting through the breeze.
That’s when I notice how close the water is, I see a glint of blue between the trees.
The beach.
Right there, hidden just beyond the tree line.
I blink, smiling in disbelief.
I still can’t believe I get to stay here, even just for a little while.
Oh, right. That reminds me.
I turn back to Lucas, who’s trailing behind me.
“Shit, sorry, Lucas. I forgot to ask how much you want me to pay for rent while I’m here?”
He looks up at me, clearly caught mid-checkout.
“Oh, uh… nothing, Cammie,” he runs a hand through his hair.
My eyes linger for a moment. That gorgeous face. That dark hair, all silken and messy under the sun.
No. Focus.
“No, I can’t accept that. I have to pay something.”
He lifts a hand to my cheek, brushing it so gently it sends a ripple through my chest.
“Really, Camille. I don’t expect anything from you. I just want to help. I don’t need any extra money, and honestly, I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking yours.”
God, this man.
“I really appreciate that,” I say quietly. “But I don’t feel right not contributing. So how about this. I love to cook, it’s kind of a passion of mine. Maybe I can make dinner most nights? Maybe even free haircuts?”
His mouth lifts into a smirk as he nods.
“If that makes you feel better, then absolutely. We could definitely use more home-cooked meals around here. A haircut sounds greattoo, I’ve been meaning to book in with you every time Tyler brings you up. I’ve been seeing the same barber I saw since I was little and always felt bad going elsewhere, even though I wanted to. At least now I have the perfect excuse.”
I smile. I was wondering why he hadn’t come in for a haircut before, nervous he’d tell me he didn’t want me to cut his hair.
