“Stop what?” I whisper.
“Stop looking like you are going to bolt. I promised I wouldn’t pry, and I don’t lie. When you run, make sure you have a plan. In fact, make sure you have three, because things rarely go off without a hitch. But one thing is for sure—having no plan will get you caught quickly. So take the month and make a plan with the money and vehicle you will have at the end of it. That’s how you survive—not running in the night on a wing and a prayer.”
I swallow the knot in my throat and nod. “Okay.”
He smiles as he moves through the water toward me. “I’m going to get some laps in, then I’ll sort us some lunch.”
“I don’t eat lunch.”
His arms come down on either side of me and he tilts hishead. “That changes now. Like I say, I will ensure you start to look after yourself. Can’t have you fainting in my arms everyday; people will talk.”
I huff before dropping into the water and swimming under his arm and out of the cave. I pull myself out of the pool and drop onto the lounger before wrapping myself in a towel. He’s impossible. Sexy, but impossible. Wait, what? No, not sexy. Not him. I grab my book and turn to the bookmarked page before losing myself in the words. Well, I attempt to. My gaze keeps getting dragged to the man making short work of the laps in the pool. The way the muscles on his back tense and bunch as he works his arms. That shouldn’t be hot. I close my eyes, letting the book fall to my side. My fingertips tingle as I imagine how those muscles would feel beneath my hands as he powers inside of me. My core clenches.Fuck, no.Fictional men only.
My eyes fly open, and I gaze at the impossibly blue sky for a moment before grabbing my sunglasses to shield my eyes from the sun. Yes, that’s their purpose in life. I grasp the book and nibble the inside of my cheek as Fox approaches the edge of the pool directly in front of me, his hands landing on the side and he launches himself out of the water. My breath catches in my throat. Hot damn. Okay, fictional men and hot fantasies about my housemate. That’s acceptable.
He smirks as he stalks to stand over me. “Good book?” he asks with a nod.
“Hmm?” My gaze drops to the open novel. “Oh yes, I’m engrossed.”
“Really?”
“Yup, totally.”
He snags the corner of my towel which has loosened from my breasts. “Do you mind? I forgot mine.”
I arch my spine as he drags the towel from underneath me and uses it to dry his face and hair. The water trails down hischest and his abs to the waistband of his shorts.Fucking hell.His hand grabs the book and snatches it from my hands.
“Hey,” I protest.
He spins the book one hundred and eighty degrees before placing it back in my hands. “Helps the experience if the words aren’t upside down.” My mouth drops open. He chuckles as he stalks off into the main house.Oh. My. God.
My gaze darts to the pool house. Maybe I can just hide in my room for the rest of the day? Or week? Perhaps the month? Remote working is a thing now, right?
“Don’t even think about it. I will drag you back out of that bed naked if I have to,” Fox calls out just before his delectable ass disappears into the main house. Duke comes bounding out like he’s not seen me in days, instead of hours.
“Your dad is a domineering asshole, you know that, right?” Duke huffs in agreement as he lies next to my lounger. I refocus on my book and without the distraction of Fox and his ungodly muscles, I’m able to slip into fantasy land. So much safer. No one can hurt you in books. No one can judge you for what turns you on or off.
Fox reappears after I’ve devoured a few chapters, and I pause at a scandalous moment. I peer at him over my sunglasses as he lowers a large plate onto the small table between the loungers. The man has prepared me fruit. Not just any fruit, but pineapples, grapes, apples, pears, oranges, peaches, and pomegranates.
“I won’t be able to eat all of that.”
He sits on the lounger next to mine and grins. “That’s why I’m going to help you.”
My hand reaches out, ready to pluck a juicy piece of pineapple as my mouth waters. He smacks my hand away. “Ah, ah, I said I was going to help you.”
“Yes, by sharing.”
“No.”
He picks up a piece of the sacred pineapple. “Open.”
“What? No. I’m not a baby.”
He quirks a brow and drops the delicious fruit into his mouth before licking the sticky juice off his fingers. Jesus. Now my brain is focused on his tongue wrapping around his thick fingers. I need to get off. It’s been way too long since I’ve had an orgasm, but I just can’t reach that point—although God knows I’ve tried. But I haven’t attempted it since having a safe place to sleep, so maybe it’s time to try again. Goodness knows Fox gives me enough visuals to help.
He picks up a slice of peach and drops that into his mouth as I glare at him. “Close your eyes,” he murmurs. I fold my arms and blank my features. Like fuck am I being that vulnerable. He drags in a breath as his eyes drop to my lips. “Trust me?”
It’s the plea in his tone that makes my eyes flutter closed and my mouth part as he pushes a piece of fruit inside. Fresh watermelon explodes on my tongue as his fingers linger a little longer than necessary on my bottom lip.
