Older || 18+

14. Emma

The pool is heated, the water a welcome relief from the hot sun.

Skylar is already swimming laps.

"About time," she teases, pulling herself up to the edge of the pool.

"Sorry," I say, trying to keep my voice casual. "I couldn't find my top."

Her eyes trail to something behind me. "And who is this? I thought it was just going to be the two of us," she says, a slight frown marring her features.

"This is Ares," I introduce, praying that she doesn't notice how red my face is. "Archer's brother. He's in town for work and is staying here for," but I can't finish my sentence because he never told me how long he would be here.

"A few weeks," he finishes for me.

"Nice to meet you, Ares," she says, eyeing him appreciatively. "I didn't know Archer had a brother."

"It's a surprise to most. It's a pleasure to meet you," Ares replies, his voice smooth.

I'm surprised at his sudden professionalism. He had no problem teasing me and flirting just a moment ago, and now he's all charm and propriety.

"Would you care to join us?" I ask, motioning to the pool.

He shakes his head. "I have some work to do. But you two enjoy yourselves. I'll make lunch in a couple of hours."

"Sounds good," Skylar says, flashing him a smile.

As he strides away, Skylar doesn't miss a beat, her eyes tracking his every move. "He's hot," she declares, a note of mischief in her voice that instantly puts me on edge.

"Don't even think about it," I warn, shooting her a pointed look.

"What?" She grins at me, that all-too-familiar twinkle in her eye. "He's a total silver fox. I bet he's wild in bed."

"Skylar!" I gasp, feeling my face flush with embarrassment. I quickly glance over my shoulder, half expecting Ares to have magically reappeared, but thankfully, he's nowhere in sight.

Her laughter rings out, clear and carefree, as she playfully splashes water in my direction before effortlessly floating away on her back. "I'm just kidding," she says, but I can see the way she's looking at him.

I dip my toes into the water before sinking in.

"So, how's your love life?" I probe, hoping to change the subject.

She shrugs. "It's meh, the usual non-starter love life. But enough about me—spill about last night with that hottie Alex."

I can't help but groan at the memory, even as I float on the water's surface. "Well, it ended with him practically carrying me home from the party."

Skylar cackles. "You're such a lightweight, dude."

"I know, but I was having a good time," I explain, rolling my eyes. "And you know I'm not good under peer pressure. He just kept refilling my cup."

Skylar glides through the water with the grace of a mermaid, circling me like a shark that's spotted something interesting.

"So, spill the beans. Did anything happen between you two?" she prods.

There was the kiss, but that meant nothing, so I don't even bother bringing it up.

"Nothing worth talking about," I mutter, trying to sound as indifferent as possible. "I've told you a million times, Skylar, he's not my type."

She waves off my words like they're just flies buzzing around her head. "Oh, come on. He's a total babe. How can you not be even a little bit tempted?"

"Why don't you go after him, then?" I throw back, half joking, half serious.