rm tropical sun kissed her skin while the cool water cradled her body. She could hear Lily laughing somewhere behind her,

with both hands and pushed himse

eemed

d ran in rivulets down the deep V that disappeared into his dark swim trunks. The late afternoon sunlight caught the droplets, making them sparkle against his

h caught in

y fu

yes followed every movement as Alexander reached for a towel, but he didn't wrap it around himself immediate

Dad, you're showing off again. Save so

warmth pooling low in Mia's belly. "Just tryin

ard the steps near where Mia stood. Each step made the muscles in his

he shallow area

o her curves, the droplets sliding between her breasts, the way her long wavy hair stuck to her sun-kissed shoulders. When his eyes returne

spark igniting de

as the

m. The infinity pool's edge made it feel like they were standin

her voice low enough that Lily still

his damp hair, water dripping from his fingers. "

ile her eyes told a completely different story. "Like

ce. "You're my daughter's best friend. You've practically grown u

e was close enough to see the individual droplets clinging to his chest,

ed. "Maybe I'm done pretending I haven't wanted you since

owel tighter in his fist. "You're eighteen, Mia. Eightee

mach flips every time you say my name. How I've spent years watching you take care of everyone else while no one takes care of you." She

y sounds were the gentle lap of water against

ent years doing the right thing. Raising Lily alone. Building something stable. I can't just throw all that aw

omise. "Then maybe you should stop fightin

but Lily suddenly paddled closer on her float

join the fun?" Lily complained playfully. "Mia, come try this float. I

mile for his daughter. "I'll grab us some f

d down his back, following the powerful lines of muscle. She

is going to cha

wanted him. She was

okay? You look like you're plot

masking the intensity burning inside her. "Just e

"I'm so glad Dad brought you. It wouldn'

y drowned out by the memory of Alexander's heated stare a

inks. He had thrown on a loose linen shirt, but it hung open, still revealing plenty o

e bartender at the main bar said i

erly. "Thanks, Dad

his as she did. "Thank you, Alexander," she said, her voice soft and wa

flict was clearer desire warring with du

Mia," he murmured when Lily was di

it to be difficult. I want you to think about me when y

round his own glass. "You're

closer, her lips curving. "M

the golden hour light turned everything magical. Lily chattered happily about plans for the week snorkeling, boa

onger than necessary. Every time their bodies accidentally brush

to twilight, Mia made

o longer j

f something dangerous, r

all down if that's what it to