“Uh, of course I don’t mind.” Though, it sort of sounded like I did mind. Really, I was just disappointed that was the reason he’d undressed.
Jesus, Em, what the fuck? You’re bummed that he didn’t want you to blow him? Really, I was disgusted with myself. I mean, it was great that he wasn’t unattractive considering what I’d probably have to do with him eventually, but what kind of bitch would I be if I looked forward to it?
Maybe old habits died harder than I had thought. I couldn’t decide if I wanted that to be the case or not.
Reeve was apparently unaware of the battle going on in my head. “Good,” he said. “Then we should probably talk.”
“Interrogation time? I suppose that’s to be expected.” With his newly exposed body, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to concentrate. And he had yet to take off those glasses, which was unnerving. Perhaps that was exactly why he kept them on.
“I’m glad you see it my way. If you didn’t, this would be a whole lot less fun.”
I finished fastening my shoe and sat up. “Is it fun now?”
His forehead wrinkled as he tapped a long finger against his lips. “I haven’t entirely decided yet.” His declaration came out low and raw, and it seemed, more honest than he’d intended.
Immediately, he changed gears, moving his hands to grip the arms of the chair. “But back to the interrogation. Why exactly are you here?”
It wasn’t what I thought he’d ask first. I’d been expecting “Who are you?”, but that he’d chosen the other question spoke volumes about my progress with him. He didn’t care who I was. He only cared that my actions interfered with his own plans.
Dammit.
If my plan was going to work, Reeve had to want to get to know me. At least he hadn’t dismissed me yet. I still had a chance to reel him in. “I’m here because I wanted a morning swim.”
A hint of a brow peaked up over the frame of his glasses. “I assume you’re a guest at this resort.”
I bit my lip and nodded slowly. Even after our banter, there was a chance he could have me kicked out. A very good chance. Maybe the lip bite could make me seem virtuous.
Who was I kidding? He’d seen the girls. Once my chest was displayed, I’d lost all shot at claiming innocent, even if I truly was. And I wasn’t.
The interrogation continued. “There are six other pools open to the public. This is the only one reserved in the morning for my personal use. Why did you choose mine?”
“I wanted the privacy.”
“Wrong.” He said the word as though he were buzzing a player out on a game show. “This wasn’t about privacy. It couldn’t have been easy for you to get in here. You went to a lot of trouble.”
My shoulder hitched up in a nonchalant shrug. “It really wasn’t that much trouble.” That was actually the truth. I’d discovered pretty easily that any manager had the power to program my resort key card to let me in to the pool during Reeve’s reserved time. A few days of prowling and I’d found a night manager who seemed he would be vulnerable to my seduction techniques. He was twice my age, balding, with a ridiculous hairpiece. I’d been prepared to give him a hand job. Turned out he could be bought with a hundred. That had surprised me. I’d grown up with my body as my only asset, and I’d learned to use it. I was still getting used to having money as an alternative.
He frowned. “That doesn’t speak well for my staff.”
“Or it speaks well for me.”
“Ah. You don’t want to get anyone in trouble.” It wasn’t a question.
Teasingly, I tapped my own lips and threw his words back at him. “I haven’t entirely decided yet.”
He laughed. It was a good sign.
“You see,” I said, lacing my hands and stretching them above my head, “I’m not loyal to the person who helped me. But on the other hand, I’m not loyal to you either.”
He leaned forward, a smile dancing on his lips. “You’ll tell me if I ask you.”
“Maybe. Are you asking?” I’d totally throw the manager under the bus. But not yet. It was information that he wanted that I had – it kept him engaging with me. I’d likely keep the secret until the next time we met, no matter how much he asked.
That was the idea, anyway. Then Reeve surprised me. “I’m not asking. I don’t really care about my staff at the moment. I’m more interested in you.”
My pulse kicked up like I’d downed a shot of espresso. Because it was a victory. Because it was a moment of triumph. There was no other reason I cared. No other reason his interest keyed me up.
Reeve steepled his hands together then pointed them toward me. “Why this pool?”
I mirrored his leaning, lacing my fingers together and resting my chin on top. “I wanted to meet you.” Needed to meet him. I had a long list of questions and as far as I was concerned Reeve Sallis had the answers.
“The truth comes out. Why would you want to meet me?” He seemed honestly perplexed.
“Are you joking?” There were certainly thousands of women who wanted to be his bimbo of the month. Word was he treated his sex toys well. He had enough money to lavish on them without even noticing a dent in his wallet. Then there were those who likely wanted to meet him just to claim the brush with fame. Plus he was, well, hotter than a man had a right to be.
But if it was flattery he needed… “You’re a very interesting human being, Reeve Sallis. Not to mention, you’re easy on the eyes. More than easy on the eyes, actually. Who wouldn’t want to meet you?”