“You’re assuming the ladies will join us in the hot tub.” Leo throws a wicked grin towards Abby and Jess.
Abby looks at me, and I hold my hands up.
“I guess he has a point,” I innocently mention and shrug a shoulder.
Abby and Jess look at each other. They seem to have a secret code going on.
“That’s fair. Seems like a perfect time for the hot tub. We will be right back.” Abby grins, almost seductively, as the ladies go inside to change.
Soon, the guys are in the hot tub with drinks in hand. There’s steam coming off the water due to the combination of warm water meeting cool air. The sky is clear tonight too and the stars are out. A perfect winter night.
“Give us a code word for when you want us to leave,” Max suggests.
I laugh. “Not needed. Abby and I are just catching up.”
Just then, we turn our attention to the ladies who emerge in towels and bikinis. Luckily, there’s enough space between the tub and where they are throwing their towels off. Because we are not only enjoying the show but staring at the sight and commenting.
This feels like slow motion with the Verve’s “Lucky Man” playing in the background.
“Wasn’t expecting this.At all.Fuck, that woman is trying to kill me,” Leo mutters as he enjoys the view, almost speechless. Something tells me he isn’t focusing on Abby. Which is good, because she is for my eyes only, and again, I’m not sure why that thought appears in my thoughts.
Peach-colored bikini, hair tied in a knot on her head, and her face smooth and soft. This image will now be imprinted in my head forever.
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the hot tub in winter.
Gorgeous, heavenly, and suddenly my body remembers that it hasn’t had any activity outside of my hand in months.
“Always pegged Abby as America’s sweetheart, but right now my guess is there is a dirty image of her in my brother’s head,” Nate nudges me.
I splash some water at him.
I swallow. “She is…whoa.” It barely comes out and maybe for my ears only.
Jess and Abby join us in the hot tub, with Nate helping them in. Abby finds a spot next to me, and so desperately, I want my hand to find her thigh or drape around her shoulder. More than that, I wish I’d taken Max up on the code word to make everyone leave so Abby and I can be alone to talk.
We all enjoy a few minutes in the tub and talk about the latest hockey game as Nate reminisces about his old days. My attention turns to Abby when I hear her ask, “What is your new house like?”
“Well, I had the best real estate agents in town help me buy it.” I tip my bottle of beer towards Max and Jess who high-five each other. “But it’s actually just down the street and also with a pool. I had to gut the bathrooms and kitchen, though. Hopefully in a month it’ll be finished. I wanted to stay close to my parents, because of Theo. They go crazy about him and they’re free babysitters,” I shrug.
“Are you still going to give him a space-themed room?” Jess questions as I mentioned it the other week at lunch.
“Absolutely. I’ll arrange it before I move in. Already ordered the furniture so just need to get the small stuff.”
Nate stands up in the water and gets out. “Alright, peeps. I am out. I want to check in on Matchbox before heading to bed.”
“Or you are going to Matchbox to pick up a girl and then head to bed,” Max clarifies. “But I’m heading out too. I need to see my mom tomorrow morning.” Max follows Nate.
Quite obviously, I can see Jess talking to Abby through eye language. Leo and I can’t hide it much better either.
“Come on, Jess, let me take you home,” Leo offers and touches her arm that she jerks away.
“Wishful thinking.” Jess gives Leo a steely look. “You can drop me off at the door.”
“You make my chivalry so easy,” he sarcastically says as he follows her out of the hot tub.
Finally. Abby and I are alone.
“Those two really need to sleep together,” I comment.
