Page 14 of Broken Prince

I managed to get my mind off things for a little while. That was until Logan backed his car out of the garage. When our eyes met, butterflies filled my belly.

His gaze was intense but not harsh. He comes off a little on the harder side, but I don’t think he hates me. At least, I hope he doesn’t.

I’d like to be friends, at the very least. They’re all good guys, and if we’re going to be living together and about to become family, then being able to get along is in everyone’s best interest.

Hey, maybe when school starts, I’ll find another charming man to sweep me off my feet, show me a good time, and get my mind off my three sexy stepbrothers.

“Or maybe I’ll become a nun and stay away from all guys,” I mutter to myself as I head into the house.

The kitchen is empty, so I take my chance to head to the backyard. I still haven’t had time to check it out yet, so I’m in awe as I take it in.

My lips part, eyes widening, as I laugh in disbelief. “Holy shit,” I whisper. When James said he had a pool, this is not what I expected to find.

It’s shaped like a pond with a stone waterfall. A friggin’ waterfall!

Laughing, I toss my book onto one of the chairs, strip down to my bikini, and take off running towards the pool's edge.

I dive in, the cool water feeling amazing against my heated skin. I don’t come up for air until I’m behind the waterfall.

Taking a breath, I wipe my eyes and slick back my hair with a happy laugh. This is so cool. I know I’ll be spending a lot of time out here, that's for sure.

Movement catches my attention, and I look through the falling water to find Owen standing near the pool's edge. He’s got his tattooed muscled arms crossed and a playful smirk on his face.

Then I notice something different. He changed his hair. Damn, he looks good with his head shaved.

“Having fun?” he chuckles.

“Maybe.” I bite my lower lip, even though he can’t see me.

“Mind some company?”

“It’s your house, your pool. Do as you wish,” I call back.

He pauses for a moment, then I watch as he pulls his shirt off, kicks his shoes to the side, and then dives in.

The waterfall makes it hard to keep track of where he is as I search for him.

“Boo.”

I scream, making him burst into laughter as I spin around and slap his shoulder. “You scared the shit out of me.” I place my hand on my pounding heart, my breathing coming in a little ragged.

He runs his hand over his shaved head and smirks. “A little too old to be doing that in pools, aren't we?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Eww. I’d never.”

“Good,” he chuckles. “So, plan on hanging out back here all day?”

“I don’t know. It seems like a nice place to escape the sun.” I shrug, aware that he’s slowly closing the distance between us.

My cooled-down skin suddenly feels hot again.

Why does he have to look at me like that? We’ve agreed to be friends, nothing more. And that's not the look a friend gives another.

I swallow hard, shifting on my feet, liking his nearness a little bit too much.

“I like the new hair,” I tell him, trying to distract myself from how I wish he could close the space between us and kiss me.

“Thanks. I normally let it grow for half the year and shave it at the end of summer. Helps for hockey season. Gets sweaty under the helmet.” He grins.