‘I’m not going to dignify that with a response.’
‘You just did.’
‘Goodbye.’
She snatches the books and mutters, ‘It’d better be good.’
I’m distracted by a group of kids who barrel their way past, holding pool noodles and floaty toys. They laugh and shriek and jump into the pool in one big screaming heap.
Xavier soon sinks into the turquoise water and puts up a net. ‘Don’t push his head under,’ he says to one particularly rambunctious kid. There’s always one.
‘Aww, OK,’ the kid says. ‘Can I be on your team?’
The kids gather round Xavier while he splits them into two teams to play pool volleyball. I’m trying hard to focus on the business of selling books but whoa, it’s not easy. Too many distractions around a noisy pool. Like for instance, the way the water rolls down Xavier’s body and – and – and…
‘Excuse me, earth to Harper!’
I snap back to the present. ‘Yes?’
‘Here’s your box of books that you insisted I rush over to bring,’ Joji says, following my line of sight. ‘Oh. Boss man. Hot, right? A solid ten.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t…’
‘You would so.’
‘Joji!’ Xavier yells. ‘Get in, we’re one person short.’
Joji leans close to me and whispers, ‘Doesn’t have to ask me twice.’ And winks.
Joji is about to pull his shirt off when Mariola arrives. ‘Joji, you’re needed in guest services.’
‘Can’t it wait?’
‘No!’
Xavier turns to me. ‘Then it’s you, Harper.’
‘Me?’ My voice comes out in a high-pitched screech. ‘No, I’m working as we just discussed.’ In a demanding tone, I might add.
‘Come on! Look at their little faces.’ Suddenly, Xavier is a different person; gone is the boss man of not two minutes ago, replaced with a soft paternal type. Huh.
The kids drop their bottom lips and ham it up, as if it’s a disaster they’re one short when really, it’s not the Olympics, is it?
‘No. I’m not dressed for swimming.’
‘You’re in shorts and a singlet, that’s good enough.’ Before I can react fast enough, the kids jump out of the pool and surround me, pushing me in the back. ‘No! Absolutely not. Don’t you manhandle?—’
‘You shouldn’t gender it, lady.’
‘Leave her be.’ Xavier laughs. ‘Harper doesn’t want to swim in her clothes.’ I give him a thankful nod but my attention is soon dragged away as the kids continue their campaign to push me into the pool, not listening to a word Xavier says.
‘Hey! Don’t you personhandle – ARRGHHH!’ Those little rascals and their surprising strength. I go tumbling, windmilling my arms, which I’m sure is decidedly attractive, and am about to splat into the pool when Xavier comes into view and catches me. Instead of glorious cool water breaking my fall, the man mountain does.
‘Sorry,’ he says, staring deep into my eyes. I swear the earth slows its spin and for a moment all I can feel is his arms around me, the way his touch makes my skin ignite. This is what they talk about in the books! That overwhelming sensation where the world fades to black and all you’re left with is this person who…
Before I can finish the thought, one of the little monsters places his hands on my head and dunks me under. When I come up for air, Xavier has lifted him up and spins him away. He soon swims back, shrieking for more. We spend the next hour launching kids from one end of the lagoon to the other. I swear I won’t be able to move tomorrow but I’ve never laughed quite so hard, and I look at Xavier in a whole new light. When he’s relaxed and fun like this, it’s like he’s a whole other person. And I won’t lie – it’s intriguing to me. Maybe the man is more than just a hot bod.
* * *
