“Tell me something I don’t know,” he says.
I chortle. “I hate bread that’s been in the freezer. It feels like a crime.”
He laughs, and it’s deep and hearty, masculine and strong. “Maybe I agree, unless it’s bagels. That’s totally cool to freeze.”
“Hmmm, maybe. Something about you?”
“I have a thing for cactuses in my house. Not sure how that came to be.”
I look at him strangely. “I guess it’s the manliest of plants.”
“I’m also a baby whisperer. I can get my niece to calm down in four minutes and fifteen seconds flat.” He snaps his fingers. “Yeah, we’ve timed it.”
I’m impressed, and he must observe it on my face. “Whoa. You have a cuddly side.”
“Nah, I just enjoy quiet, and the screech of a baby can be a headache,” Stone says, trying to downplay it.
I kick a pinecone out of the way. “I have a thing for animal crackers shaped as dinosaurs. They’re so good.” He bursts out laughing. I shrug “What?” My voice rises. “You asked, and I’m delivering.”
“Okay, you should probably question that more. But hey, I have a thing for deep-frying turkey for the holidays, but at least that’s a normal thing. I do it all the time with my brother.”
“Poor turkeys. Contributing to Stone Madden’s protein diet.” God, my chest feels empty of any ill feelings. It feels near jubilant. I’m not thinking about anything but the decent conversation we’re having. It’s keeping me occupied in only having a better day.
Stone leads the way, and we turn onto another pathway that has a steady incline. “Not going to lie, I’m circling us back to the inn. We’ll sneak past Gloria who probably gave up on us already yesterday.”
“Why are we heading back?”
“Rain’s coming. You can feel it in the air.”
I chuckle. “Are you a boy scout or something?”
“Nah, but it sounded legit. Plus, I have a better idea.”
“What would that be?”
He flashes me a mischievous frown. “You’ll meet me at the indoor pool.”
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit.”
“Doesn’t matter.” My eyes go wide, and his smoldering gaze hits me. “No, naked only crossed my mind for a second, maybe three. But that’s not happening.”
Now, I’m intrigued, which is why I agree. “Okay. I’ll follow your wicked ways and ditch the rest of the day.”
“You always listen to me.” There is that sizzling innuendo again, causing my body to warm a degree or two, with my nipples growing sensitive and tingly. I’m forgetting about my lack of sleep and numb morning before he came along.
* * *
Staringat Stone as we stand next to the pool, shoeless and with my sweater removed, so I’m only in leggings and a t-shirt, I’m waiting for an explanation.
Luckily, we’re all alone. The pool is a gorgeous turquoise tile, with a pattern on the bottom of the clear water. It seems to be heated, as a thin level of steam grazes the water’s edges.
“Do you trust me?” he asks, and his hand shoots out, inviting me to take it. Without hesitation, I do. “Jump in with me.”
My face puzzles. “We’re wearing clothes.”
“Makes it all the better. Jump in with me,” he encourages, firm in tone, as if he won’t give up on me.
I squeeze his hand. “This is unusual, probably crazy, but… I’m in.”
