I can tell myself to keep my heart out of this, but then Sam Beaulieu walks toward me and every rule I made for myself falls apart.
I’m fully aware of the eyes on us. I don’t know who’s watching—neighbors, friends, maybe even my kids—but I know it’s mostly the women. And honestly, like Sin said, I can’t blame them.
“Damn.” Sam’s voice is low and gravelly as he leans close. “You in that bikini has me on fire.”
His breath is hot against my neck as his finger traces a slow, deliberate path from my collarbone down the curve of my arm to my wrist. My skin lights up under his touch, tingles racing across every inch of me. “And that’s saying a hell of a lot, since it’s already a scorcher today.”
A nervous, frayed giggle escapes before I can stop it. My knees weaken, and I grab his biceps—strong, warm, solid—to steady myself.
I brush a teasing fingertip along the waistband of his swim shorts, leaning in close. “Well, you’re pretty hot yourself.”
His abs tense beneath my touch, his grin turning wicked as his hands slide to my waist and pull me closer. “Uh-uh, you’re the hottest thing here.”
Before I can come up with a snarky reply, his tongue flicks against my skin, then his teeth graze my neck. “I think you need to cool off.”
My breath catches. A pulse of heat coils low in my stomach, my body screaming to forget everyone else and just give in.
But before I can either push him away or surrender completely, his words hits me and I pull back. “Wait… What?”
I don’t even get the chance to finish. The world tilts and then?—
Splash.
Cold water shocks every nerve in my body as I hit the pool, shrieking, sputtering, and gasping while his deep, infectious laughter booms above me. When I surface, hair plastered to my face, he’s doubled over on the deck, laughing like a kid who just got away with murder.
“Sam.” I hurl water in his direction.
He wipes at his face and grins down at me, dimples on full display. “Worth it.”
And damn it, he’s right. It is worth it.
We stay for the barbecue, laughter and teasing carrying long into the evening until the sky turns indigo and the air hums with crickets. It’s after nine when we finally make it home, full and happy and sun-drunk.
Paige kicks off her flip-flops, glancing between us.
Drew heads for the stairs, pausing halfway up. “Hey, Sam, want to play some ball in the morning?”
Sam chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ah, I’d love to, but I don’t think I can swing it. By the time we play, I shower, check out, and make it to the airport, I’ll miss my flight.”
“Check out?” Drew frowns.
“At the hotel.”
Paige crosses her arms, head tilted. “Mom, why does Sam stay at a hotel when he comes to visit?”
“Um, I…”
“It’s stupid. He should stay here. It’s a waste of money.” Drew turns to me, eyes narrowing in challenge. “And if it’s because of us—Mom—we’re fine with Sam staying here.”
“Absolutely.” Paige emphatically nods.
I just stare at them, completely undone. These kids.
Sam’s eyes meet mine, amusement dancing behind the warm gleam. He doesn’t say a word; he just waits, letting me decide.
“Sam can stay the night.” I lock eyes with him.
That’s all he needs. His smile spreads slow and dangerous, dimples cutting deep into his cheeks. He steps inside, bag slung over his shoulder, and quietly closes the door behind him.
