I scream when he lunges forward at the shallow end of the pool, one arm outstretched like he’s going to grab me. I’m laughing so hard I can’t get out of his reach fast enough.
“Get her, Easton!” Phoebe cheers from the water, loving every second of this. “Get her!”
Traitor!
I dance around the patio chairs to put some distance betweenus.
But it’s no use.
Easton’s faster. Bigger. Stronger, and he knows it.
He has me cornered, my back to the pool—and with one quick move, he grabs my wrist and pulls me toward the edge.
“No! No! Easton, stop!” I shout in protest, laughing as my bare feet lose purchase on the wet concrete.
“I gave you a chance,” he says, his voice low and gravelly. “You could’ve just come in willingly.”
“Easton Westermann, you put me down!”
He has me by the waist.
“You’re gonna regret this!” I threaten.
“I don’t think so, babe.” He kisses my nose. “You’re so cute when you’re pissed off.”
And before I can protest again, he lifts me off my feet in one smooth motion, scooping me up.
I let out a high-pitched squeal as he hoists me into the air, carrying me like I weigh nothing.
“Put me down this instant!” I demand, half laughing, half serious as I flail in his arms, trying to hold on to my dignity—or at least my dry swimsuit.
“You’re going in.”
I let out one last scream as he jumps into the water.
The cool splash hits me instantly, soaking my skin as I go under. For a split second, the world is nothing but bubbles and swirling water, and when I resurface, I gasp for air. Wipe the water from my face.
Easton is laughing beside me, his wet hair slicked back, while Phoebe claps her hands, pleased with herself and her part in having me tossed into the pool. Little sneak!
I push the hair off my face, glaring at them half-heartedly.
“You are both in so much trouble.”
“Are we?” He grins, reaching for me beneath the water. “It was worth it.”
He always says that!
Phoebe splashes us, laughing as she swims circles around herbrother.
“Told you you’d get wet!”
“I can’t believe you let him drag me in,” I say to her, playing the part of being affronted. She is eating it up!
Easton shrugs his big shoulders, slipping his hand around my waist as we float.
“It’s not like you had a choice.”
“I always have a choice.” I tilt my chin defiantly.
