Patting my hair dry I lay on my chair, legs enjoying the direct sun while the rest of me is shaded. I’d spent the last three days exploring with my friends and enjoying all the sights, but when they decided to head out for some fishing today I decided I’d much rather make some progress on my latest read and work on my tan by the pool. I’d come out early enough to snag a great spot with an umbrella right by the pool. Some greenery separates some of the lounges and there are canopy beds set a little further from the pool.

Its the kind of resort from my daydreams, I’d pictured this exact moment a hundred times while slaving away at my office job. The only thing missing is the handsome holiday fling I’d fantasized about.

I drape my towel over my middle so I can rest my book without it getting wet, my black two piece is still nicely soaked from the pool, the breeze helping to keep me from warming up too quickly. I put my sunnies on and start reading, thanking the waiter as he brings me my drink.

As I turn the next page of my book I’m pulled out of the story when I hear a loud laugh coming from one of the canopy beds. They are set back a little more from the pool with greenery placed to make them almost private. The curtains are pulled back and out of the corner of my eye I can see the owner of the laugh standing by the bed, pink string bikini looking incredible against her tanned skin. She seems to be talking with someone inside I can’t see from this angle. I sip my drink and focus back on my book, quietly wondering if they’re newlyweds or something more interesting.

I’m about to have some more of my drink when someone comes storming past my chair, knocking over the table holding my drink, spilling it all over my thigh. Luckily my reflexes were fast enough to save my book, I held it up and away from the spill. I look up and the woman in the pink string bikini is storming off in the direction of the bar without looking back. Stunned, I sit there holding my book, the ice from my drink slowly melting on my legs.

“My apologies” a deep voice calls over as I stand “let me replace your drink” he said waving over a waiter. “What were you drinking

“Oh, thank you. A mojito, I really appreciate that.”

The man steps closer, and I finally get a good look at him. He’s tall, with sun-kissed skin and dark, slightly unruly hair that looks like it’s been tousled by hours in the sun. His eyes are an intriguing shade of hazel, flecks of green catching the light. A towel is slung casually over one shoulder, and his swim trunks are damp, suggesting he’s just come from the pool.

“I’m Alex,” he says with an easy smile, offering a hand. “And I’m really sorry about… that.” He nods toward the bar, where the woman in the pink bikini is gesticulating animatedly to the bartender.

“Looks like you’ve got your hands full,” I reply, shaking his hand. His grip is firm but gentle, and for a moment, I forget about the spilled drink and the damp patch on my leg. “I’m… just trying to relax by the pool. Or was, anyway.”

His smile turns sheepish. “Yeah, about that. I should probably explain—she’s my sister-in-law. And trust me, she’s way more dramatic than she needs to be.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Not your girlfriend or something scandalous? That’s a relief.”

“Not even close,” he assures me, a twinkle of amusement in his eye. “My brother’s wife. Lovely most of the time, but when things don’t go her way, well… let’s just say I’m glad she’s not my problem.”

I smirk. “Doesn’t sound like you’re the doting in-law.”

He chuckles. “I do my best, but sometimes, self-preservation comes first. I’m here to relax, not referee.”

The waiter arrives with a fresh mojito, setting it down carefully on the now-righted table. “On the house,” Alex says with a grin. “For the trouble.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking a sip. It’s icy and refreshing, just the way I like it. “So, Alex, what’s your excuse for being at a resort like this? Work stress, too?”

“Something like that,” he replies, leaning casually against the back of the lounge chair next to mine. “I figured a week of sun, swimming, and reading would do the trick. Though I didn’t expect to make such a messy first impression.”

“Well, you’re making up for it,” I admit, gesturing to my new drink. “And speaking of swimming, the pool does look inviting.”

His smile widens. “It’s the best part of the place, if you ask me. Come on, I’ll prove it.”

I hesitate, glancing at my book, but the idea of cooling off in the water is too tempting. “Why not?” I say, setting my drink down and grabbing my towel. “Lead the way.”

Alex flashes a grin and offers me his hand again, this time to help me up. “Careful, I might have to make up for splashing you this time.”

“Let’s hope your aim is as bad as your sister-in-law’s temper,” I tease, laughing as we make our way to the pool.

The water is cool and refreshing as I ease into the pool, my skin tingling as the warmth of the sun meets the crisp chill of the water. Alex dives in effortlessly, surfacing a few feet away with a wide grin. His wet hair sticks to his forehead, giving him an even more carefree, rugged look.

“Told you it’s the best part,” he says, floating on his back for a moment before treading water closer to me. “Though I didn’t think I’d be sharing it with someone quite as captivating.”

I arch an eyebrow at him, trying to keep the heat rising in my cheeks from showing. “Smooth. Is that the line you use on everyone here, or am I just lucky?”

He laughs, a deep and genuine sound that makes me smile despite myself. “What can I say? I’m inspired. But no, you’re the first person I’ve had the pleasure of spilling a drink on.”

“Oh, lucky me,” I reply with mock sarcasm, dipping below the water to cool off further. When I resurface, Alex is even closer, his hazel eyes locking on mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.

“So, what’s your story?” he asks, his tone softer now. “Why the solo poolside lounging instead of joining your friends?”

“I needed some ‘me’ time,” I explain, leaning against the pool’s edge. “Work’s been crazy, and I’ve been daydreaming about this kind of vacation for months. What about you? Why’s the brother-in-law stuck babysitting?”

Alex chuckles, swimming closer until there’s only a few feet between us. “Babysitting wasn’t part of the plan. My brother had a work thing come up, so he begged me to keep her company for a few days. Guess you could say I’m doing my civic duty.”

“You’re a saint,” I tease, brushing water droplets from my face. “Though I have to admit, you’re not bad company yourself.”

His grin turns mischievous. “Careful, I might start thinking you’re flirting with me.”

“Who says I’m not?” I counter, feeling a surge of boldness. The playful glint in his eye tells me he’s enjoying this just as much as I am.

He swims a little closer, his arms resting on the edge of the pool beside mine. “In that case, I should probably let you know I’m a terrible influence. I might convince you to skip your book entirely and spend the rest of your trip with me.”

I tilt my head, pretending to consider. “Tempting, but I’d need more convincing than just your word.”

Alex’s grin widens, and there’s a flicker of mischief in his hazel eyes as he leans in, close enough that I can feel the warmth of his breath against my damp skin. “Oh, I’m more than capable of convincing you,” he murmurs, his voice dropping an octave. “But fair warning—you might find me hard to resist.”

I raise an eyebrow, letting my lips curl into a playful smile. “Confident, aren’t we?”

He inches even closer, his hand brushing against mine under the water, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. “It’s not confidence,” he says smoothly. “It’s certainty. I mean, here we are, alone in a pool, and you’re already smiling like I’ve got you exactly where I want you.”

“Bold of you to assume you’re the one in control,” I quip, my voice softer now, my pulse quickening. The proximity is electric, the air between us charged with something undeniable.

He smirks, clearly enjoying the banter. “Oh, trust me, I’m happy to share the control… for now.” His gaze dips briefly to my lips before returning to meet my eyes. “But if you’re not careful, I might start wondering if you’re trying to seduce me.”

I laugh, but it’s breathy, even to my own ears. “And what if I am?”

Alex’s expression shifts, his playful demeanor taking on a more smoldering edge. His fingers skim lightly along the edge of the pool, tracing small ripples in the water. “Then I’d say you’re doing a damn good job of it,” he replies, his voice barely above a whisper.

The moment stretches, heavy and intoxicating, until a burst of laughter from across the pool breaks the spell. I glance away for a second, grounding myself, but when I look back at Alex, his eyes are locked on me with an intensity that makes my stomach flutter.

“Tell you what,” he says, his voice returning to its usual playful tone but with a seductive undercurrent. “Why don’t we grab another drink? We can sit somewhere quieter and see just how much convincing I need to do.”

I bite my lip, pretending to hesitate, though I know my answer is already written across my face. “Lead the way, Alex. Let’s see if you’re as charming as you think you are.”

His laugh is warm and confident as he hoists himself out of the pool and offers me a hand. The way his gaze lingers as I step out, water dripping from my skin, makes it clear this is a game we’re both eager to play.