Slippery When Wet || Tyren AU

Chapter 4

Even though she knows she doesn't have to, the next day Lauren decides she's going to bring Ty a glass of rosewater again, partly because she still feels a tiny bit bad about the pool pushing incident and partly because he seemed to genuinely enjoy the drink. And maybe, just maybe, partly because she secretly enjoys the little rush she gets while interacting with this man.

When she hears his van pull up, she immediately pauses Netflix and makes her way up to the kitchen. She doesn't intend to stay outside too long since she's really into the documentary she's watching, so she only pours a beverage for Ty since she can get her own later. Remembering he commented on the cucumber garnish yesterday, she places two slices onto the rim today, then adds a few fresh mint leaves before heading outside.

For the third day in a row, she sees the shed door hanging open, concealing the pool cleaner at work somewhere behind it. Figuring Ty must always start his daily routine with a visit to the pool shed, she wanders over his way and calls out when she gets within earshot.

"Hmm, I could've sworn that door was closed earlier, maybe I should go shut it again," she jokes loudly.

Muffled laughter sounds from inside the shed, and moments later Ty appears from behind the door. Pool skimmer in one hand and bucket of chemicals in the other, he gently kicks the door closed with an amused grin on his face.

"So first you wanna knock me out, now you wanna kidnap me?" he teases. "Guess you really wanna keep me here awhile."

Lauren blushes profusely, completely not expecting the conversation to take this turn. She fumbles over some random vowel sounds as Ty walks a little closer.

"It's okay to admit you like having me around," he shrugs nonchalantly, though it's clear from his voice that he's thoroughly enjoying how he's making her squirm.

Lauren's cheeks burn so hot she knows she has to be fire engine red by now, but she can't pull her eyes away from his with the way he's looking at her, almost like he's endeared by the situation. He stops his approach about two feet away from her, softening his wide grin into a gentle closed-lip smile.

"I'm just playing, Lauren," he soothes, though the sound of her name drenched in the tender tone of his voice only rushes more heat to her already flaming cheeks.

A bead of condensation running down the cold glass in her hand finally helps her refocus. "I gotchu, Ty," she reassures with a smile, as she recalls her purpose for being out here in the first place. "I just thought maybe you could use some rosewater again, it's been pretty hot out here."

"Yeah, been getting hotter too," Ty agrees with a smirk and a wink, placing down his heavy bucket of chemicals and readjusting the cap on his head.

Lauren internally vows not to get flustered over the potential double-meaning of his response and plows forward like his comment wasn't laced with innuendo. "So I'll leave this over there by the table again and, uh, let you do your thing."

But Ty won't let her off that easy, smoothly countering her statement. "And here I thought you were coming to hang while I 'do my thing'. I don't mind the company, you know," he hints casually.

"I... umm, I'm actually sort of in the middle of watching something right now," she sheepishly admits.

Ty picks up on her hesitation and probes further. "Watching... 'something', huh?" he asks somewhat suggestively, holding up a pair of tatted fingers and curling them around the word 'something'.

For whatever reason, the air quotes strike a nerve and snap Lauren back into it. "Yes, and by 'something' I mean a documentary on the complexities and legalities of the global water crisis and potential avenues for sustainable solutions," she retorts, her voice gaining strength and confidence with every word.