“I forgot to mention the pool so you could bring your suit. We’ll do that tomorrow.”
She wanted to tell him she wasn’t coming over tomorrow, but after seeing this pool, how could she not? It was entirely too tempting. Like the man who lived here.
“It’s really lovely out here. I imagine you spend your entire summer in the pool.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty great. I enjoy it a lot. But you have a pool at your apartment, don’t you?”
“It’s an indoor pool. Not even close to being the same thing. This is outside, where it’s warm. And just steps from your house. It’s so private.” Whereas she had to share their pool with everyone in the building. No privacy. No sunshine. No fresh air.
If she lived in a house—and really, what must that be like—she’d be out here first thing every morning with her coffee, watching the birds and the butterflies and listening to the sounds of nature, then swimming a few laps before breakfast.
“You could take a dip now if you want to.”
He had moved behind her, and laid his hands on her shoulders. The warmth of them seared through her.
She tilted her head back to look up at him. “No suit, remember?”
“Oh, I remember. But I have a lot of privacy. No one will see you. Except me, of course. And it’s not like I’d complain.”
The thought appealed, especially since she’d want to swim with him.
Naked. Which caused her to entertain visuals of the two of them entwined in the water, her legs wrapped around his waist, his hands sweeping over her body.
Her nipples tightened, her sex becoming all too aware of her needs.
And that was dangerous territory. Light and easy, remember? Not naked and passionate. That would only lead to trouble.
She shook her head. “Not gonna happen. Let’s go see the rest of your house.”
Upstairs were four bedrooms, all well decorated, as well as the master, which was huge and had a great deck overlooking the yard and pool. She could well imagine waking up in the morning and spending more leisure time out there, or having a last glass of wine before bed talking over the day with—
Well, it wasn’t like that was going to happen anyway, so no point fantasizing about it.
“You have a lovely home, Grant,” she said as he led her back down the stairs toward the kitchen.
“Thanks. Would you like something to drink? I have tea, soda, water, wine, and beer. Or I can make a mixed drink.”
“Aren’t you just a regular bartender?” She went for a glass of white wine, and he told her to select from his wine fridge. She picked a chardonnay and he opened the bottle and poured her a glass, then pulled a beer from the refrigerator for himself. They headed outside and sat on the deck overlooking the pool.
It was hot, yet there was a breeze. She didn’t care. It was beautiful out here and that pool still tempted her. So did his suggestion to swim in it.
“How did the shoot go today?”
She liked that he was interested enough to ask.
“It was good. We shot at the Jewel Box.”
“Great place for a wedding shoot. It’s beautiful there.”
“So you know it.”
“Sure. I’ve been there a few times.”
She took a sip of her wine, leaned back and studied him. “Been married a few times?”
He laughed. “No, but I’ve been in a few friends’ weddings and photos were taken there. Pictures turned out pretty good. I imagine yours will be better.”
“I don’t know about better. Just different, since these are bridal gown shots for a magazine, as opposed to wedding photos. Though they are bringing in some other models tomorrow to do actual wedding party photo shots. Those should be fun.”
“Ah, so tomorrow you get a groom, huh?” He took a long swallow of his beer and arched a brow. “Some hot stud that will perfectly complement the gorgeous bride?”
She laughed. “Something like that. I have no idea who it is. Likely someone I’ve worked with before.”
“And maybe dated before?”
She wrinkled her nose. “God, no. I don’t date models.”
“Why not?”
“Well, for one thing, and as I mentioned before, I don’t date. And the other is that there’s too much potential for conflict. Models tend to weave in and out of each others’ lives all the time. If you have a relationship with one and it ends badly, then you have to do a shoot with them, that animosity is going to be reflected in your work.”
She shrugged. “It just makes it harder to do our jobs, and our jobs are difficult enough as it is. The last thing I need is to be half-naked, sweating, and body to body with someone I can’t stand.”
“I agree. That’s why I don’t date any of my offensive linemen. I need them to protect me on the field, and if I broke one of their hearts, they might just let the defense knock me on my ass a few times for payback.”
Katrina laughed. “Yes, I’d steer clear of them if I were you.”
“I do. Besides, wide receivers are more my type.”
She snorted, then pushed her empty wineglass away. “I think one glass will be enough for me.”
He picked up the glass. “Oh, no. You need another. We’re just getting started.”
Grant went inside and refilled Katrina’s glass, then grabbed another beer. He was enjoying seeing her unwind—even laugh. He wanted her relaxed.
And in his pool tonight.