𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎̀ 𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎 | John Price

Chapter Three

It's a hot summer's day in Liverpool, the perfect weather to host a pool party/backyard barbecue to welcome a certain Captain back home. Daisy and Melody are busy setting up, the smell of sizzling sausages and burgers on the grill wafting through the air as they hang up decorations and blow up floaties.

Daisy's wearing a white bikini that shows off her curvy body, and Melody's in a black one-piece that complements her figure. The pool is a sparkling blue, surrounded by a bustling neighborhood eager to catch a glimpse of Captain Price.

The party is in full swing when John emerges from the house, wearing board shorts and a tight white t-shirt that clings to his muscular frame. He looks every inch the hero that he is, and the neighbors can't help but ogle him.

Daisy's heart does a little flip at the sight of him, and she quickly pours herself another drink to calm her nerves. She's been trying to ignore the way he's been looking at her since that night, the way his eyes seem to linger a moment too long, the way his smile seems to reach for her soul. But she tells herself it's just the nostalgia of having him back.

Melody notices the exchange and nudges her friend. "I told you, Daisy. The eye-fucking is real. You two can't even be in the same room without it."

Daisy rolls her eyes, but she can't help the heat that spreads through her body. She takes a large gulp of her drink, hoping the alcohol will ease the tension. "Don't start, Melon. You're just trying to stir the pot." Melody laughs and jumps into the pool, leaving Daisy alone with her thoughts and a growing attraction she can't ignore. "Girl needs to stop trying to set me up with her daddy," Daisy grumbles to herself while flipping the burgers.

"What was that?" John chuckles, walking over to the grill and grabbing a pair of tongs. Daisy pretends not to hear him.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Daisy Bloom. You've had a crush on my dad since you were—" Melody whispers as she sneaks up behind Daisy, trying not to laugh.

Daisy turns around, slapping her hand over Melody's mouth. "Shut it, you little shit!" Melody snorts and nudges Daisy into John's side before jumping back in the pool.

John looks at Daisy, his smile fading slightly. "Is that true?" He asks, his voice low enough that only she can hear.

Daisy's heart races. "It's not a crush, Melody's just messing around. You know how cheeky your daughter is, Captain," she replies, trying to sound casual. "Plus, I have a boyfriend," she says for the hundredth time, the words now tasting bitter on her tongue. "I'm not the type to date and crush at the same time."

"Just making sure we're on the same page, kiddo," he says, the warmth back in his eyes. He starts flipping the burgers with a renewed vigor, and Daisy lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

As the afternoon progresses into evening, Daisy finds herself dancing in the yard with Melody and a few of their other friends. The music is loud, the laughter is louder, and the drinks keep flowing. She tries to push John from her mind, but every time she looks over at him, she catches him watching her. She can't decide if it's her imagination or if he's actually more interested in her than he should be.

She's just about to go for another swim to cool off when she feels a tap on her shoulder. "Hey, Daisy," a deep voice says, and she turns to find Xander, one of the neighbors, standing there, a beer in his hand and a flirtatious look on his face.

"Oh, hey, Xander. What're you up to?"

He leans in closer, his breath hot on her neck. "I was wondering if you'd like to take a little break from the party and join me for a... private swim." His eyes dart to the pool, and Daisy can feel the heat of his gaze on her body.