Lucy’s hands and Rowan’s paws seem to be caught in a battle of wills. I haven’t a clue what I’m witnessing right now. She quickly wrestles him into submission and plops him onto the flamingo raft. And then we’re treated to a massive spritz of water as he shakes himself dry.
My arms are covering my face as I attempt to block the spray so I don’t see Lucy charging until she’s right in front of me, shoving me into the water.
Her hands press down on my shoulders as she attempts to drown me. It’s cute that she thinks she can overpower me when I’m more than twice her size. I easily resist going under as I wrap my arms around her middle to hold her in place. She fits perfectly here. It takes more effort than I care to admit not to slide my hands lower.
“Hey, not fair.” She swats at me but my hold keeps her body still, and flush against my chest. My temperature rises steadily with each second we’re connected. I’m struck with her scent, sweet like a sugary concoction with a touch of citrus. I wonder if she always smells like dessert. “How am I supposed to get you back when I can’t even move?”
Now she’s kicking her feet, well, trying. She’s splashing herself more than her intended target.
“Lucy, stop resisting!”
“Stop squeezing me so hard!”
“You’re kicking me!”
“I’ll stop when you let me go!”
I loosen my grip on her and she immediately shoves me down again, this time kicking up her legs for more leverage. I let her push me under just once, feeling the need to reward her efforts, but I get her back right away, easily dunking her below the surface.
“Henry!” She’s giggling as she simultaneously curses at me and spits out water. Distracted by her laughter, I miss her charging again, trying to submerge me once more.
This time I wrap one arm around her legs and the other around her back, cradling her against me like a baby. She’s locked in place, going nowhere. I expect her to resist some more but she just leans into me, her head against my chest.
“This feels kind of nice actually. It’s like I’m weightless.” She dips her head back so her hair floats around her in the water like a fluid crown. Her grin has me awestruck. She looks drunk on life.
“You feel kind of nice.” I definitely did not mean to say that aloud.Shit. She picks up her head and turns toward me, our noses almost touching. I should release her but I feel frozen in place. I don’t want to let her go.
“Ahhh!”
“Oh my God, Row!” Lucy’s dog just leapt from the raft, directly onto her lap. I’m certain his claws made permanent grooves on my chest. She moves out of my arms and grabs him forcefully, dragging him out of the pool. “Bad boy! Henry is our friend. I was fine!”
I’m in mild shock. Just seconds ago I had Lucy wrapped in my arms. “Erm, what just happened?”
“I’m sorry, Henry. He’s not used to seeing me that close to anyone.” She looks down at her feet like she’s ashamed. “He must have thought I was in danger. I’m so sorry. I should go dry him off before your whole house smells like wet-dog.”
“It’s no problem. Thanks for the, erm, swim.”
16
Lucy
“Graham!Graa-haam! Can you come down here? I need help with this zipper. I don’t know how but my boobs have somehow grown or something.”
I’m not sure exactly why I chose to wear a real dress for the first time in months. Maybe it’s all the beautiful women in LA, maybe it’s Adamma’s comment about this being a date, but I felt the need to up the ante just a bit with my wardrobe tonight. And now I remember why I always wear things that are loose and stretchy and easy. I got the zipper halfway up my back and now it’s stuck with both of my arms twisted in knots trying to work it up.
I don’t remember this dress being so tight, though it has been over a year since I’ve worn it. The soft yellow color is not something everyone can pull off, but I love the way it plays off my honeyed hair and peachy complexion. Plus the material’s just thick enough to hug every curve and not be remotely see-through, which is especially good since I can't wear a bra with it.
“Graham! Whereareyou?” I yell up the stairs one more time.
“Hi. Do you need something?” Henry strolls into the living room as I’m waddling around trying to keep my dress from falling down.
And he looksgood.
He’s in dark jeans, a crisp blue shirt that brings out his eyes. My eyes, unfortunately, are drawn to the gleaming H on his Hermes belt.
Shake it off, Luce.
“Hey. Yeah, I’m just having a little trouble zipping up my dress. Do you mind? I don’t know where Graham is.”
