POOL PARTY
288 Vouchers
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POOL PARTY
JESS
I stood in front of the mirror, squinting at my reflection as I adjusted the straps of my bikini for the hundredth time. The material stretched over my chest like it was fighting a battle it wasn’t winning, and I let out a long, frustrated groan.
“I look like a whale,” I muttered, frowning as I turned sideways, tugging at the waistband of my bottoms.
Behind me, Laura snorted. “You are literally creating a life, so who the hell cares?” She walked up and plopped onto the bed with a dramatic flop. “Plus, you’re glowing.”
“Yeah,” I said, shooting her a dry look through the mirror. “That’s because creating a life in the middle of summer makes me sweat. The glow is actually shine. Don’t come too close.”
Laura chuckled, leaning back on her elbows. “Stop being so dramatic. You look great. Honestly, if you weren’t so insecure about it, I’d hate you for looking this good while pregnant.”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to the mirror, cupping my chest with both hands. “And these are massive.”
“Complaining about a free upgrade?” Laura teased, waggling her eyebrows.
“Nothing fits,” I complained, letting go and flopping backward onto her bed. I covered my face with my hands, groaning into my palms.
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POOL PARTY
11 288 Vouchers
“You’re being ridiculous,” Laura said, grabbing a throw pillow and smacking my stomach lightly. “Luke thinks you’re hot, and he’s basically blind to anyone else, so why are you even worrying?”
“It’s not about him,” I mumbled, peeking through my fingers at her. “Okay, maybe it’s partially about him, but also, everyone’s going to be out there. Josh and his friends, Sarah-”
“Sarah has been nothing but great,” Laura interrupted, raising an eyebrow at me.
I sighed, sitting up. “I know. And honestly, it’s weird how not weird it’s been. She works all these shifts, so she’s barely at the pool house, and when she is, she’s super quiet. She’s been… normal.”
Laura nodded, twirling a strand of her hair. “Exactly. So why stress? This party is about relaxing. Have some fun. Plus, Josh has been so focused on rehab that I’ve been feeling a little neglected. This bikini should get him to put more energy in the right place.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Oh, he’s already doomed. You’re his kryptonite, and he doesn’t even know it yet.”
“Doesn’t he, though?” Laura smirked, then tossed me another bikini top from the pile we’d accumulated. “Now put this one on and stop whining. It’s cute, and I don’t care if you think it’s too tight. You’re rocking it.”
I laughed despite myself and got off the bed. Maybe she was right. It wasn’t about looking perfect; it was about letting go and enjoying the moment.
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POOL PARTY
288 Your bes
Slipping into the bikini top, I turned to Laura with a smirk. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
Laura and I walked out onto the patio, the heat of the sun kissing our skin as the scent of sizzling burgers and charcoal filled the air.
My nerves prickled as a couple of the guys let out loud, appreciative whistles the moment we stepped outside.
I felt the blush rise up my neck, burning into my cheeks. “Oh my god,” I muttered, tugging at the edge of my bikini top as if it could magically make me invisible.
Laura, ever the confident one, shot me a wicked grin. “Just smile and own it. You look hot.”
Before I could respond, both Josh and Luke turned from their post at the grill, their expressions immediately darkening as they zeroed in on the whistling culprits.
“Fuck right off,” Josh called out, his voice loud enough to make heads turn. “They’re off–limits, assholes.”
Luke added with a grin, “Or better yet, stop breathing.”
Their teasing, possessive tones sent the group into a chorus of laughter, and Laura rolled her eyes.
“Such gentlemen,” she muttered as Josh abandoned the grill and sauntered toward us, his tall, broad frame cutting a path through the crowd. His cocky grin only widened as he reached Laura. Without a word, he scooped her up into his arms like she weighed nothing.
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POOL PARTY
“Josh!” Laura squealed, pounding a fist against his chest.
11 228 vers
“What? You’re too hot to be standing out here!” he shot back before sprinting toward the pool.
“Don’t you dare!” she shrieked, clutching at his shoulders.
Josh only laughed as he jumped in, taking her with him. They hit the water with a massive splash, leaving me blinking as droplets rained down over me.
Luke walked over to where I was standing, his smirk almost wicked as his dark eyes roved over me. His muscular arms were folded across his chest, his biceps straining the sleeves of his T- shirt. Sweat glistened on his tan skin, and I could make out the hint of his abs under the fabric.
“You wouldn’t dare,” I warned, backing up as he stopped a few steps away from me.
Luke’s grin turned wolfish. “I’ll be gentle. Promise, babe.”
Before I could get another word out, he stepped forward with surprising speed and scooped me up as if I weighed nothing. One strong arm braced under my knees and the other around my back, pulling me against the solid wall of his chest.
“Luke!” I squealed, clutching at his shoulders.
He grinned down at me, the heat of his gaze momentarily distracting me. His dark hair was slightly messy from the summer heat, and his jawline was sharp enough to cut glass. His grip was firm but tender, the strength in his arms making it impossible to fight back.
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“I got you,” he murmured, stepping into the pool. The cool water lapped at his calves, then his thighs, and I knew what was coming.
“Luke, no-”
With a wicked grin, he shifted his hold, lowering me gently into the water–until he suddenly dunked me completely under.
The shock of the cold water stole my breath, and I came up sputtering, shoving at his chest. “You absolute jerk!”
Luke laughed, his deep, rich chuckle rolling over me as he grabbed my hands to stop my weak attempts at retaliation.
Before I could give him another piece of my mind, the air around us went unnervingly still. The laughter from the guys had stopped, and I realized everyone’s attention was turned toward the pool house.
Luke stiffened next to me, his grip on my hands loosening as we both turned to look.
Sarah had just walked out onto the patio, wearing the tiniest blue bikini I’d ever seen. The fabric clung to her in all the right places, highlighting her long legs and slim figure. Her hair was swept to the side in soft waves, and she had a tentative, shy smile on her face
