Page 8 of Arranged Scars
“Your job.”
I snort and splash him lightly. “I hadn’t even thought about it.”
“Liar.” He continues to circle me. “Are you going to take a sauna tomorrow night?”
“Are you insinuating you want this to happen again?”
“No.” He stops suddenly. I glance over, surprised at the intensity in his reply. But he’s smiling still. “I mean, I would never be so presumptuous.”
I get the feeling something just changed. I don’t know what, but I get off my back and sink under the water slightly, covering my naked chest. I feel cold, even though the pool is heated to a comfortable temperature.
“I should go. I mean, I’ve already taken up all your time.”
“You don’t need to leave.”
“I’m not. It’s just, you know. I have other clients.” Which is a total lie. I feel guilty saying it, but I don’t know how else to extract myself.
He doesn’t seem to believe me, but he doesn’t call me on it either. “Then we’ll leave it here.”
I hesitate. What do I do now? I’ve never had a one-night stand before. A few minutes ago, we were kissing and fucking like wild. Now I feel the distance slam down between us again.
I’m just some girl. Maybe he thinks I’m pretty, God knows why, but it ends there. He doesn’t want more, and I don’t think I do either. He’s too intense and it’s like he lives in a different world.
I knew luxury like this, once upon a time, but I gave all that up.
Now I clean gorgeous apartments. I don’t live in them.
Whatever this was tonight, it was a one-time thing. I can’t risk repeating it.
I swim to the ladder and hesitate. He’s going to see me naked if I get out. But what’s that matter? He already has.
Finn watches carefully as I climb out. I’m very aware of his eyes on my body as I hurry over to grab a towel from a pile near the door. I dry myself and awkwardly dress while he continues to stare. Once my clothes are on, I start feeling like myself again. The dream shatters and fades.
I’m the help. He’s the millionaire.
I’m the one who will clear up our mess tomorrow night.
“Same time?” I ask, feeling shy.
“Same time,” he confirms.
“And will you…?” I trail off, feeling awful for asking.
But he still doesn’t seem insulted. “No, Caroline. I won’t be here.”
I’m not relieved. I thought I would be, but I’m not.
“Okay. Well. I won’t use the pool anymore.”
“Feel free. No, really. When you’re finished, feel free to sauna and swim. I’ll leave you alone if I happen to catch you.”
I bite my lip. I want to say,you don’t have to, but I keep my mouth shut. Because is that something I really want? To get tangled up with some terrifying, beautiful rich man?
Better to keep my distance.
I learned that many times the hard way.
“Good night, Finn.”
