One Hot Summer

Chapter 3: The New Lifeguard

RILEY

7am. While my mind told me to get up as my alarm sounded, my body begged me to sleep longer. I snoozed my alarm for 5 more minutes. Then again for 5 more. I continue to play this little game for another 15 until I finally pulled myself out of bed.

I slipped into my bathing suit and pulled over a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Trying to be as quiet as possible I slipped into the bathroom that connected my room to Bennetts and brushed my teeth.

I’m not going to lie. I’ve been itching to catch a glimpse of him. I was already in bed when he got here. The only pictures I’d seen of him were family photos from before Sam was in the picture.

The entire house was quiet as I slipped out the front door with an apple in hand. The sun was out and the sky was clear, a perfect day for the pool.

As I got out my car I could see the blue water from the parking lot. My body was already begging to get into the water. I set my stuff down in one of the employee lockers and walked to the office.

“Morning Ann” I say leaning against the door frame.

“Good morning, Riley. Are you ready for today?” She asks handing me a clipboard.

“I believe so. Everyone is getting here at 10 right?” I asked looking through the names of my lifeguards. I knew about 5 of them, as they were returning from last year. Ann nods and walks out to the pool area.

“f**k yes!” I cheer seeing that my work bestie, Olivia would be returning.

Ann and I did our regular checks and got equipment out for the lifeguards. We went over protocol and my checklist for the meeting. Ann was going to let me lead it this year which made me excited.

“I’m going to take a dip before everyone gets here” I tell her setting my clipboard down. I pull my shorts and shirt off, throwing them down with the board.

I walk up the steps of the diving board, feeling the wind caress my skin. Closing my eyes I feel calm and at peace. The smell of chlorine hits me. Here’s to a good summer. I open my eyes and step forward, bouncing a few times before diving in. The cold water wraps around my body as I cut through it.

I swim laps for about 30 minutes, enjoying the peace and quiet.

“There she is!” Olivia yells as she runs over and jumps into the water. She swims over to me and hugs me.

I start laughing, “oh my gosh, hi!” I say hugging her back.

“Congratulations, head lifeguard” she squeals as we swim around talking about our past year. Olivia goes to school in Georgia. I was so excited she was home and going to be working with me again.

“Are Tyler and Jade back this summer?” Olivia asks. I nod.

“And Nick and Sadie” I tell her.

“Yay! The crews gonna be back together” Olivia says floating on her back. I giggle and swim to the edge, pulling myself out to dry off.

Olivia does the same and we wrap in towels.

“I do not miss the chill of being out of the water” she says shivering.

“Go stand in the sun” I tell her and I pull my shorts over my bottom half.

More people start to arrive. I greet those from last year and introduce myself to the new lifeguards. I look down at my clipboard to see who we are missing. There are still a handful of people that haven’t arrived.

“Oh my gosh, that guy is checking you out hardcore” Olivia whispers into my ear. I glance up and see Milo, one of the new lifeguards I just met. He was very attractive, with his toned body and shaggy blonde hair. He was staring at me intently. I look behind me to make sure he was not just looking at someone else. Nope.

“Shut up, I’m still with James” I tell her. She pouts and rolls her eyes.

“You’ve been window shopping before, right. Same rules apply” she says. I shove her.

15 minutes later I do a headcount. I glance down at my clipboard. We are still missing one lifeguard and it’s passed 10.

“Okay, listen up. We’re going to go ahead and start now” I say as everyone grabs seats at the tables in the refreshment area.

“Hi everyone. My name is Riley Jaxen. You can call me Riley or Ri” I start.

“Or little Jax!” Nick yells from the back.

“You have to earn that one” I say pointing a finger at Nick, smiling.

“Anyways, I’m really looking forward to this summer. As your lead lifeguard I do have some rules that I want to lay down. Rule #1: Be on time. Not only do your coworkers rely on you so does the public. Be courteous. If you know that you’re going to be late at least call or text me or Ann as soon as possible. Rule #2: You’re free to be on your phone and socialize during breaks but phones are not allowed at your stations at all. We need you all 100% focused at every station. Rule #3: Be respectful of EVERYONE who comes through those doors. Whether it’s one of your coworkers or one of the swimmers. I don’t care what beef you had with them outside of here. It stays outside”

I continue through a few more rules and the consequences.

“If you break any of these rules or chose to disrespect me as your boss I will make you swim laps. If you continue I will send you home. After that we will sit down with Ann and go from there” I say before continuing.

“Whistles, suits, and shirts will be ordered and delivered by Friday. CPR training will be held Wednesday at 10am. If you are already certified I need proof that’s dated, otherwise I will make you go through the training. Any questions?” I ask. The group is silent which makes my job much easier.

“Sweet! Let’s have a good summer. I want everyone to show me their swim techniques before you leave. Also, please pick up a packet on your way out. This packet has payroll information on it as well as our first 2 week schedule. It also has both phone numbers of Ann and I” I say blowing my whistle.

I watch three guards at a time demonstrate different strokes. Everyone seems proficient which makes me happy.

I check off each lifeguard. As most of the lifeguards make their way out, I hear whispers as my glance slides upward. My heartbeat quickens in my chest and my mouth feels dry. Walking toward me is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen in my life. He towers over me by a good several inches. Wearing a pair of black swim trunks that ride low on his hips showing off his perfectly sculpted torso, tapered waist, and V shape that disappears below the band of his shorts. He has tattoos along his chest and left arm with almost a complete sleeve down his right arm. My eyes travel upward, admiring his thick black hair and hazel eyes.

“Ben” is all he says.

“Excuse me?” I say snapping out of my daze. He smiles showing his pearly whites.

“Ben Madden” he says pointing at my clipboard. I feel my blood start to boil.

“The Ben Madden who didn’t show up two hours ago like he was supposed to?” I ask crossing my arms.

He smiles, “That’s me” he says.

“Well Ben.. I don’t appreciate you being late but since it’s just a first meeting I’ll be kind. 30 laps for being late. After that I will need you to show me your technique in the water. Then we can sit down and go over the other information” I tell him trying not to eye his body.

“That won’t be necessary. I’m sure Ann will vouch for me” He says before turning around to walk toward the pool. What an ass! I think to myself as my eyes travel downward. Holy s**t, what an ass. I shake the thought and quickly walk over and get in front of him.

“Ann may know you but she’s not your boss. I am” I tell him. He chuckles like I just said something funny.

“She’s your boss though, right?” He smirks.

“Listen, Ben. Regardless of whose boss she is, it doesn’t matter because I am over you and you answer to me” I say crossing my arms. He steps closer to me and licks his bottom lip.

“I certainly don’t mind a woman on top” he says. I scoff and furrow my brows.

I sigh and smile, “okay, we got off on the wrong foot. I’m Riley Jaxen” I say sticking out my hand. He smiles and grabs my hand. His grip is firm and sends tingles up my arm.

“Hi, Riley. I’m Ben Madden” he says, going along with my charade.

“You’re not giving my head lifeguard any trouble are you?” Ann says walking toward us.

“Not at all Ann. You know I just like to ruffle feathers” Ben says.

“I’d be careful with this one, she’s a tough cookie. She’ll keep you in line” Ann says taking the clipboard from me. I smirk at Ben. His eyes travel up and down my body making me feel hot.

“Do as she says” Ann says before walking back toward the office.

Ben looks over at me and smiles his charming smile.

“I’m all yours boss. Was it 30 laps?” He asks taking off his shoes. I nod and swallow hard. He dives into the water and I have the perfect opportunity to watch his body move through it. You have a boyfriend I think to myself as I snap out of it. I see Olivia lingering by the girls locker room entrance. She motions me over.

“Who the hell is that gorgeous guy?” She asks. I pretend to wipe drool off her mouth and she slaps my hand away.

“Ben Madden. Our 15th lifeguard” I tell her as we both look back into the water.

“Lawd, please let me have shifts with that man. He is eye candy” she says fanning herself. I c**k my head and look at her.

“Slow down, I need you focused” I tell her.

“Oh, come on mom! Let me just play for a little bit” she says pouting with her hands clasped together.

“I don’t care who you “play” with as long as you stay focused during shift” I tell her. She squeals. I shake my head and walk back to the water. I crouch down by the edge as Ben makes his way over to me.

“Help me out?” He asks reaching his hand up. Like an i***t I reach out only to be pulled into the water. Opening my eyes underwater I see Ben close to me looking back. I push myself upward. We both surface at the same time. I push my hair back.

“You looked like you needed to cool down” he says wiping the water off of his face.

“Funny” I say slipping off my shorts and tossing them onto the concrete.

“Well, since you’re in the water show me your techniques” I say hugging the ledge. Ben moves closer to me gripping my waist, his body pressed against mine.

“What the hell are you doing?” I ask, shoving him away.

“Showing you my techniques” he says smirking again.

“My god, you’re impossible. I meant your swim techniques” I tell him.

“I know, boss. I’m just messing with you. You’re not my type anyway” he says swimming off.

I know that I shouldn’t be but for some reason I’m deeply offended. I get out of the pool and watch Ben move through the different strokes.

“You’re free to go. Grab a packet on the way out” I say without giving him much attention.

He walks toward me but I walk away from him, headed toward the office.

“See you Wednesday, boss” he says walking by. I ignore him and keep my eyes down.

After everyone has left, I help Ann move everything back into place. I grab my shorts which have now dried.

I’m ready to get home, shower, and get some food into my stomach.

I text Brynn, “Long day. Starving. Food?”

Within seconds I get a reply, “Awe, come home

Babes. Yes! Mom got Thai food. Bennetts favorite”.

Oh s**t. I had completely forgotten that I’d finally get to meet Bennett. I raced home excited to tell Brynn about my day.

Walking through the front door I shout, “honey, I’m home” to which I hear Brynn shout “I’m in the living room”. I move through to the living room removing my flip flops as I walk.

“You will never believe my day” I tell her.

“Oh! Tell me all about it!” She says turning on the couch.

“We have a handful of new lifeguards and they all seem pretty cool except I got a real doozy this summer. He’s totally gorgeous but an absolute prick” I say crossing my arms over my chest.

“I need details. Name?” She asks getting on her knees to listen.

“His name is..” I start but am interrupted when a tall figure emerges from the kitchen.

“Ben??” I say confused…