Page 85 of Mafia And Maid
My knees wobble when Camillo’s dangerous smile floats my way. His dark brow is raised in a silent question for me to join them.
I shake my head and dash inside. I can feel the heat crawling up the back of my neck and cheeks. The thought alone of being near him like that… it’s more tempting than I want to admit.
When I emerge again from the kitchen with the fruit tray, Ethan is kicking his legs and bobbing in the water before they’re both climbing out, dripping wet. Ethan rushes toward me before I can stop him.
Camillo gently grips his hand, and he murmurs something about running with wet feet. I melt a little at how caring he is toward Ethan.
Eyes wandering, I take him in. The broad expanse of his chest, the hard lines of well-earned muscles glistening with water. My tongue runs over my lips subconsciously before I can avert my eyes.
“Having fun?” I ask.
Ethan nods as he gives me a big grin.
“You didn’t need to do this, Rosa.” The smile on his face says he’s thankful, though. “We’re going to see if the others want to join in.”
“I figured you’d be hungry and thirsty.”
Ethan settles himself in a chair and reaches out for a piece of fruit before stopping.
“Go for it, buddy,” Camillo encourages, toweling off his hair. “Have as much as you want.”
Ethan settles back with a slice of apple. “Momma swim too?”
I can feel Camillo’s gaze zero in on me without having to look. It makes my skin tingle and my stomach flutter. “Not today. I have to finish my work.”
“After?”
“I won’t be done until late, honey.”
“You can take the time off,” Camillo interjects, sounding just as hopeful as Ethan does.
“No, that’s okay,” I start, shifting my weight from foot to foot. “I need to get some clothes ironed. Anyway, I’ll have some time before dinner to spend with Ethan.”
“Rosa.”
The firm sound of my name makes my knees shake. Locking them in place, I plaster on a smile. “Honestly, it’s fine, I promise.” And turning on my heel, I dash into the house.
The time passes slowly after that. Camillo and Ethan meander into the house after a while, and Camillo tells me that he’s taking Ethan out for an ice cream.
I watch them leave, their laughter ringing in my ears, as I swipe a bead of sweat from my forehead.
It’s so tempting to change and go for a quick dip in the pool. The muggy heat is stifling now. With a lack of central air, thanks to its maintenance today, the kitchen feels boiling.
Indecision races through me. If I’m quick, no one will even know. I can change and be back to the laundry in no time. It’s all I have left to do before dinner.
With a quick glance over my shoulder and down the hall, I let my nails bite into my palms as I rush up the back stairwell to the bedroom.
I get changed into a black one piece that cuts high along my hips. The back is cut open, dipping low on the small of my back. It’s the only oneI’ve found left behind by the previous maid, and so I put it on despite how much skin it shows.
I tiptoe down the stairs, stopping at the laundry room to check the machines. There’s plenty of time for a quick dip.
I carefully lay the towel I’ve brought with me onto one of the lounge chairs and dip my toe. The cool water is like a balm to my heated flesh. My ankle, calf, and knee follow, and before I have any second thoughts, my body is submerged into the cool water.
The water drips from my hair, now mostly blond with just a bit of faded brown at the ends, before I smooth it from my face. It feels wonderful and better than I could have imagined. Sinking beneath the surface, I let my limbs fall heavy at my sides before breaking the surface once more.
This is the perfect way to stave off the heat. Just a few minutes longer, and then, I’ll go back inside.
A short while later, after enjoying the water and feeling refreshed, I climb out of the pool.