Julian's POV
Lucy tugged on my arm, her soft fingers sliding between mine. "Come swim with me," she said, tilting her head with that practiced, innocent pout.
I shook my head, forcing a lazy smile. "Not tonight. I'm not in the mood for a swim."
Her shoulders fell, her lips pulling into a slight frown.
Ethan, who was lounging on a chair beside me with a drink, chuckled and came to my rescue. "Don't take it personally, Lucy. The mighty Julian Vaughn just doesn't like sharing pool water with the rest of humanity."
Lucy giggled lightly, the sound half shy, half seeking attention. "Oh," she said, glancing between us. "Then… maybe next time?"
"Yeah," I replied, keeping my tone light. "Next time, I promise."
She smiled again and without another word, reached behind her neck and untied the straps of her sundress. I tried not to look, but the motion was impossible to ignore.
