Loving Lies(9)

We’re both lounging on the pool chairs. I asked when I first got here if the pool was off limits for staffers but was assured it was okay. I don’t usually go into the pool though unless no one else is in it, so I breathed a sigh of relief when we walked in to find it empty.

“So what did you think of the Cave the other night?”

“It was great.”

Saturday night was a blast. I thought all the summer crew were goodie-two-shoes until I saw them for real the other night. They’re just like me. Some more messed up than others but we all had fun. Drinks and lots of people pairing up. Not me though. The locals and customers are all off limits to us even though I noticed a few of the staffers clearly ignoring that rule. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to find a man for the night, there just were none that interested me. Unlike Blake who is totally off limits.

“I can’t wait for next weekend.”

I smile but don’t offer anything. I’m actually hoping to spend the week working on getting my lab set up.

“So I heard you’ve got a place to work on your photography. Have you been able to get it organized yet?”

“Nope. I’m going to go tonight. I’ve got to work four hours tonight. Did you see what Chrissy did to her ankle?”

“Yeah. She tripped getting of the shuttle bus. How totally lame. The nurse said it wasn’t broken, just a severe sprain.”

“Well, I covered for her last night, but she says she can manage the afternoon crowd. I took one look at her hopping around and felt like a shit for leaving, but I’ve been dying to flake out by the pool for weeks.”

“Don’t worry about her. She’ll manage. Plus if she can’t, Roger will hunt you down.”

I laugh. She’s got that right. Roger is our boss. He manages the bar and the staff in the two restaurants.

“Actually, I felt so bad, I told Roger I’d come in around four to help out.”

“You’re far too nice.”

I’m really not that nice. I need the extra money for the lab supplies. I’m listening to Becca, but just then I see a shadow by the small pool door and then the latch opens and in walks Blake. He’s wearing board shorts and a white t-shirt plastered to his body that clearly outlines his well-defined muscles.

Becca leans closer to me. “Who’s the hottie?”

“A customer,” I say, giving a small wave to Blake when he flashes a smile at me. I let out a breath when he claims a lounge chair on the other side of the pool.

“Oh my god, he’s so hot. I’d do him.”

I laugh. Becca might seem to be all sweet, but ever since she started to hang around with a few of the return summer staffers she’s developed a potty mouth.

“And so would you, so laugh all you want.”

“Maybe,” I answer, hoping she’ll drop the topic.

“Maybe. Honey, are you dead or something? By the way, he’s totally checking you out. Stretch out your right leg and bend your left.”

“What?”

“Just do it.”

I grin but follow her instructions.

“Oh yeah, he’s dreaming of doing you too. Did you just see him…he had to adjust himself. Oh, I so wish I could stay and watch that man-candy get into the pool, but I’ve got to make that damn phone call.”

Becca dresses quickly and dashes off with a demand for a full report later tonight. I tell her nothing will happen. She doesn’t buy it.

He waits for about two minutes before moving from across the pool to claim the lounge chair Becca vacated.

“I thought she’d never leave.”

“That’s not nice to say.” I can’t stop my eyes from roaming over his naked chest and for the first time I get a full view of his beautiful tattoo. It’s a fierce looking eagle. His chest hairs I had gawked at yesterday are within two feet of temptation. I pick up my water bottle and take a drink. Distraction is a must.

“I assume she’s a staffer.”

I nod.

“I’m surprised to find you here. I thought for sure you’d be working today.”

“Actually, I’ve only got another two hours before I’m on shift. This reprieve is a welcome treat. I wasn’t supposed to work last night so Roger gave me some time off today.”

Why the hell am I telling him that?

I pick up my coconut lotion and I’m about to reapply when he takes the bottle from my hand.

“May I?”

My stomach churns and my eyes glance toward the door. He cracks a smile.

“Easy, Alyssa. We’re alone. Plus I’m only applying lotion to you. Not like I’m kissing you.” He leans closer and I smell a hint of his cologne—cedar and leather. “But I really want to.”