“It’s what I’m afraid of,” she mumbled as she went inside in search of a swimsuit. It crossed her mind to tell him she didn’t have one.
“Victoria bought you several suits. She said they’re on your bed,” Jameson called. “I’ll meet you out here.”
Damn it.Sighing, she walked into her room to find several bathing suits already washed and ready. Her mouth dropped open when she viewed the skimpy suits, and the only one-piecesuit contained a sheer panel under her boobs, displaying her midsection.
Fuming, she went into the closet and pulled out a T-shirt to wear over the garments. Slipping out of her clothes, she put on the one-piece and the tee before heading outside.
Jameson pulled his arms over his head and removed his shirt, and Caroline stared at the wall of bulging muscles on his arms and chest. His stomach seemed made of steel.
Placing the towels on the pool chairs, Jameson walked into the shallow end and held out his hand. Caroline gripped the edges of her shirt and stood on the edge.
“Come on, Honeybee,” he said, using her dad’s nickname for her. “You can do this.”
Caroline’s chin rose higher, and she steeled herself as she put her foot in the water.
“How long do we have to stay in here?” she asked as she gripped the railing for dear life.
“We don’t have a time limit. It can be five minutes or four hours. Whatever you’re comfortable with,” he assured her.
“Then, can we abandon this idea now?” she said, biting her lip.
“I’ll stay right with you. But you do have to get into the water. You’re not a duck and can’t swim with only your feet,” he said, trying to make light of the situation.
“How do I know you can really swim?” she challenged. “Maybe you’re a recreational swimmer.”
Jameson narrowed his eyes and swam backward, dove underwater, and swam up to the steps.
“Do you feel better?” he asked, moving closer.
“Not really,” she said uneasily.
“I have you, Caroline. I didn’t let you down when I said I’d find you. I won’t let anything happen to you now,” he assuredher, standing and walking closer to her. “We’ll start slow and go at your pace.”
“All right,” she said, resigned, twisting the edge of her tee.
Jameson took her hand and led her off the stairs.
“Relax,” he soothed. “It’s a beautiful day, and we’re enjoying the waves in the pool.”
Copying his movements, she bent her knees and bobbed in the water.
“I’m moving behind you to hold you,” he instructed. “I want you to relax against me and let the water carry you.”
Caroline waited stiffly as he wrapped his arms around her. The safe, familiar feeling of lying in his arms floated over her as she rested against his chest.
“Let your limbs turn into noodles,” he instructed. “I’m walking you along the edge of the pool. I won’t let go, but I want you to close your eyes.”
“Why?” she asked, panicking.
“Because I want you to feel the personality. If you become one with it, the water can act like a lover’s arms, lulling you to sleep, safe in its arms. If you fight it, it can become aggressive and pull you under. If you move with the waves, it can dance with you,” he said softly into her ear.
“Did they teach you this at SEAL school? I can imagine you in Garrett’s arms while the water lulls you to sleep,” she said sarcastically.
Jameson nipped her ear, causing her to squeal and giggle.
“Okay, Miss Smarty Pants. I’m working here,” he said, chastising her between his laughter.
“You call this work? I thought Navy SEALs were tough, badass men. I didn’t know they struggled to pull a girl through water in the shallow end and called it a day.”
