Page 72 of Don't Date Your Nemesis

I stopped and set her down, turning her to face me.

“I know.”

22

I TRUST YOU

DEEPIKA

I wondered if I could have just kept my mouth shut that night.

We were watching a reality show on TV that neither of us cared about when he turned to me and asked, “Wait, are you still afraid of water?”

I stopped mid-bite, chewed my popcorn and replied, “I’m not afraid. Just... cautious.” Lies. I was still afraid.

“That’s my fault,” he said earnestly. “The ring and... scaring you.”

“We were kids.”

“Let me make it right. Let me teach you.”

I tried to wave him away. “That’s not necessary.”

“Come on! I’m an Olympic swimmer. I’m literally the best person to teach you.” He grinned and continued, “There’ll be no cameras, just us. So... let me make up for ruining your childhood pool experiences?”

“No cameras?” Because I didn’t trust him not to record me while I’m drowning and post it on his Instagram.

“Scout’s honor. This is just us.”

I narrowed my eyes and pointed out, “You were never a scout.”

“Fine,” he rolled his eyes. “Swimmer’s honor.”

And now here I was, standing at the edge of an Olympic-sized pool, wearing a dark one-piece that hugged every curve, feeling more exposed than I had in any designer gown.

More exposed than that bikini.

Liam was already in the water, and he swallowed when he saw me. His throat bobbing, his stormy gray eyes going dark before he looked away.

“Are you ready?” he asked, extending his hand.

I stared at the clear and deep water. “What if I panic?”

“Then I’ve got you. I promise.”

I took his hand and paused. “If you murder me, Kiara will kill you,” I promised.

“I know,” Liam said gravely, with a nod. “And Ethan will help her dig my grave.”

With a deep breath, I got into the pool, holding his hand.

The water was warm. It wasn’t hot-tub warm, but comfortable enough, like a bath that had cooled to the perfect temperature. It came up to my chest in the shallow end, lapping gently at my collarbones.

Liam’s hands found my waist immediately, steadying me.

It didn’t feel sexual. At least, not yet.

“First rule,” he said, his voice calm and professional. “Trust your body. It wants to float.”