The water sloshes against the sides as Covey moves to the seat next to me.
“Hey, it’s ok.I'm mentally exhausted too.Your dad sent me home early today because my head isn’t in it.”
He tugs me into his side and presses a soft kiss to the top of my head.
“Do you want to talk about whatever is bothering you?”He asks softly.
“It’s just some guy at work who keeps trying to flirt with me.Uncle Parker stepped in and put an end to that, so now he’s being difficult.”
“Did you tell Parker?I’ve met him and I wouldn’t want to mess with him.”
“I told Uncle Luke.He said he would handle it and let me know how it went, but I haven’t heard from him.I was going to stop at his office before I came home but I lost track of time and he left before I did.”
“Do you want me to beat him up?”He grins down at me.
“Somehow I don’t think that would help the situation.”
“Maybe not, but I’d still do it for you.”
He holds me a little tighter against his side.I curl into him, enjoying the feel of his arms around me.I’d give almost anything to make this a daily thing.
“Are you falling asleep on me, beautiful?”Covey tips my chin up until I'm gazing at him.
“No, but this is the most relaxed I’ve been in weeks.”
“Is that my doing or the hot tub?”There’s a hint of vulnerability in his tone.
“That’s all you,” I whisper.
We’re quiet for another ten or fifteen minutes before Covey breaks the silence again.
“Do you want to go in and go to bed?You look exhausted.”
“No, I don’t want you to leave.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want you falling asleep in the hot tub.”
“Do you want to come inside?”My voice comes out as barely a whisper.
I don’t know if this is smart or not, but I feel like Covey and I could be amazing together.I just need to convince him to take a chance on us.To risk upsetting my dad and brother.
He glances at his watch before turning his attention back to me.
“I can come in for a little bit… but my bathing suit will be wet.”He wrinkles his nose.
“I have a few sets of clothes that Cord left here.I'm sure you’re about the same size.We could throw your bathing suit in the dryer while we watch TV.Then you can change into them until you leave.Cord never needs to know you stole his clothes.”I grin, trying to tease him.
“Sounds like a plan.”
Covey rises from the warm water first.He grabs his towel and wraps it around his waist before he grabs mine off the table and holds it out for me.As I step towards him, he closes his arms around me, wrapping me up in the fluffy fabric.
But he doesn’t let go of me.
He tugs my body into his and stares out at the backyard.We stay like that for a few moments before Covey leads me inside.I could get way too used to letting him take care of me like this.
Chapter 8
Covey
