New Pet
768 Words
MAYA
Heat surged through me, pooling low. I wanted to melt as he walked toward me.
“My invitees disappointed me.” His thick voice filled my ears like honey. “So, it looks like I have time to make good on Becca’s promise to teach you how to swim. You should also have fun like the rest.”
He’d traded his usual signature short for simple grey boxers that hung low on his hips, revealing the outline of his d**k. I wondered what he was thinking when he wore that.
Robert had more tattoos than before and I was irrationally annoyed that his ex-wife’s name was written on his arm. It wasn’t my business, but I found myself getting worked up about it.
He was staring at something, which made me self-conscious. I followed his gaze only to realize my bikini top had turned see-through from being soaked.
I swallowed hard, panic flaring. This wasn’t a safe move.
“This—this was all Becca’s idea,” I stammered, pointing to the bikini. “She picked this, not me. And you don’t have to teach me to swim if you don’t want to. I don’t even want to learn.”
He jumped into the pool, water splashing everywhere, with the few strands of hair on his chest, lying smooth.
I really wondered how old he was to be this energetic. Yes, Becca and I were age mates, only that she was three months older.
His eyes fixed on me, unreadable. “Get into the pool.”
My throat tightened. “I said—”
“Get in the pool, Maya,” he repeated.
I didn’t know when I started obeying orders. No one had ever successfully convinced me to get into a pool. Swimming was a trauma for me.
I stood by the last step of the pool, clutching the rail. Before I knew it, Robert lifted me effortlessly and plunged me into the water.
I surfaced with a gasp, sputtering, hair plastered to my face. Rage and thrill tangled in my chest.
God, Maya, I whispered to myself. Don’t be stupid. This is your chance for him to see you differently. Stop acting your age.
My heart screamed at me. If I wanted him, I needed to be bold.
I flipped my wet hair back, letting it cling to my neck. My left hand trailed slowly down my throat, to the curve of my breasts, lingering there deliberately, praying his eyes would follow.
And they did.
He closed the space between us, water rippling with his movements. His hand touched my waist, steadying me.
“I want you to hold your breath before I take you down into the water,” he said.
Hell no! Why would I want to deprive myself of this wonderful view between his legs? “Can’t I keep my eyes open?”
The corner of his mouth ticked. “You can. If you want.”
Then his hand pressed the back of my head, pushing me down, water swallowing my face.
I forced myself to go along, if it meant a good conversation between us.
After only a few seconds in the pool, I shot back up, gasping and clinging to him shamelessly.
“Shh,” he soothed, one hand automatically moving to stroke my wet hair back from my face. “You did good. Better than I expected.”
Why couldn’t he praise me differently? A deep kiss would do.
“Can we try again?” I asked, pretending I was interested. “I want to get better.”
His smiled approvingly. “That’s my girl.”
Did he mean it the way it sounded, or was it just an expression? The uncertainty tortured me.
Slowly, I guided his other hand lower, resting it against the curve of my bare ass. I had to bite my lip to keep from moaning at the contact. My heart thundered as I waited, hoping and praying he would squeeze and claim what I was offering.
But his hand slipped away, leaving me burning with disappointment.
“I’m scared, Robert,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling myself closer until my breasts pressed against his inked chest. “What if I go under and can’t come back up?”
“You’re safe with me,” he said, his voice sounding like controlled restraint. “I won’t let you get hurt.”
Those words were all the permission I needed. I let go, surrendering myself to the water and letting myself drown.
I’d do anything to have my best friend’s dad.
- Writer
