The sound of water splashing and the sight of Nash’s head appearing above water as he slows his strokes has me instantly near the edge.
I lean down and offer my hand which is ridiculous, as he’s too strong for me anyhow. “This wasn’t how this conversation was supposed to go.”
“Really? Wouldn’t have thought.” He’s sarcastic but reaches up for my hand.
In a flash, he curls his hand around my wrist and yanks me, causing me to lose my balance and plunge into the water with him.
What the hell?Now I’m furious all over again.
I flail my arms until I find stillness. My nipples are hard as pebbles, and I’m already freezing. I’m completely soaked, and my makeup is probably melting down my skin.
“Are you crazy?” I yell. “It’s the end of September and the water is cold.”
“Oh yeah? Then why did you cause me to fall in?”
I’m stunned. “Are you serious? You tripped!”
“Because you just casually mentioned something quite key to this little set-up my brother has thrown me into.” Nash sounds livid.
“Ugh, I’m reminded why I think that I might hate you.”
He swims closer to me. “Maybe I hate you too, exceptyou know, that I never could, and I’m sure you know the sentiment.”
“Fine! I dislike you with a strong dose of anger.”
He pushes water toward me. “Ditto, Summer.”
I splash water at him, frustrated. “Well, now you know. I married Zac when he told me he was sick and he had a wish. He was my best friend, something felt right about it. I cared so deeply for him, and I knew he loved me. I'd already been feeling alone for some time, and then he asked. I was overwhelmed.”
Nash’s nostrils flare. “Why didn’t you clue me the fuck in about your marriage situation?”
“Really? That’s your concern? You weren’t at the top of the list of who to inform. Because if I recall, you sure as hell weren’t dropping by for weekly family dinners or expressing an interest that you would come crawling back to me.”
“I had hockey, and I had to stay away from y—” He cuts his statement short.
I growl as my legs whirl underneath the water. “Well, I made sure that happened. Besides, some things made sense between Zac and me. We were friends who made one another happy. Just not…”
Deeply in love.
“And Bo?”
“Sue me. We did something a few times, and maybe it was even an unspoken compromise because I’ve always wanted to be a mom. We ended up with a great child, your nephew.”
Nash blinks as everything sinks in, literally.
Now that he knows this, everything is more dangerous between Nash and me.
We shouldn’t be around one another. But right now, ourbodies are nearly pressed together because I take hold of his shirt.
“Why the fuck did you have you to tell me this?” He nearly sneers.
“What?” My voice squeaks as I look up the sky because now I think Nash is crazy.
“This tidbit of information might have been useful.” He’s flippant. “Especially when deciding to stay here.”
Because it makes it all even more complicated.
I shake my head and shove water his way. “No shit.”
