Chapter Thirty: Poolside Trouble

By sunset, the yacht was docked at a private lakeside resort, the kind of place with infinity pools, fire pits, and bartenders who didn't blink when you ordered three cocktails at once.

Aria leaned against the edge of the pool table in the open-air lounge, pretending not to watch Ethan.

He was laughing with some exec, hair still slightly messy from the boat ride, white dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves. Unfairly hot. The kind of hot that made a girl's bad decisions look justified.

"Alright, Lane," he called, catching her watching. "You ready to lose?"

She smirked. "In your dreams, Cole."

Zoe snuck up beside her, handing her a drink. "If you don't seduce that man tonight, I will."

"Zoe."

"I'm serious. You're one hair flip away from either making out in a supply closet or murdering each other. It's hot."

Aria laughed, nerves jittery under her skin. Truth was, she hadn't stopped thinking about the kiss. Or those texts. Or the way Ethan kept finding reasons to stand too close.

And now they were alone. Well, mostly. The lounge was scattered with a few lingering guests, but no one paying them real attention.

Game on.

---

They racked the balls. Ethan grinned as he handed her the cue.

"Ladies first."

She leaned over the table, purposely giving him a view, and broke hard — sending the balls scattering, one sinking into a pocket.

"Impressive," he murmured.

She straightened, smirking. "Told you not to underestimate me."

They took turns, shots accompanied by playful insults and lingering glances.

"Your aim's as bad as your attitude," she teased after he missed.

"And yet you're obsessed with both."

"Obsessed is a strong word."

"You kissed me."

"You dared me."

"You enjoyed it."

She flushed, but didn't deny it. He stepped closer, enough that she could smell his cologne, something warm and woodsy.

"Rematch kiss if I win," he said softly.

"And if I win?"

His grin was dangerous. "Your call."

She swallowed hard. "Deal."

---

As expected, it turned chaotic fast.

A few more turns and one questionable rule bend later, they were tied.

Final shot.

Aria lined up, aiming for the eight ball.

Ethan circled behind her, annoyingly distracting.

"Better focus, Lane."

"I swear to god—"

And in the middle of her shot, he gently tapped her side.

The ball missed.

She straightened, whirling on him. "You cheated."

"I assisted."

"That's it."

Without thinking, she shoved him.

Unfortunately, they were standing near the pool's edge.

Ethan grabbed her wrist on instinct, trying to keep his balance — and in doing so, pulled them both in.

A loud splash followed.

The water was shockingly cold.

Aria surfaced, sputtering, hair in her face.

"You idiot!"

Ethan came up laughing, hair slicked back, water streaming down his face. "I warned you about consequences."

"You're dead, Cole."

She launched herself at him, dunking him under. He surfaced with a grin, grabbing her by the waist and hauling her closer.

Their laughter died as their eyes locked.

Water clung to his lashes. Her heart thudded painfully against her ribs.

"Lane," he murmured, voice low and serious now.

She didn't move.

"Look, I know we fight. Constantly. And I'm a pain in the ass. But I like you. Not just because you're gorgeous or because you put me in my place, but because you make me forget this whole fake, polished world for a second. And I'm kinda scared I won't be able to go back to normal after this."

Aria's breath caught.

Was he serious? No teasing grin. No smug quip. Just honest, raw Ethan.

"I… I like you too, you idiot," she whispered. "You drive me insane. You make me want to strangle you and kiss you in the same five seconds."

He laughed, relief and something warmer flashing in his eyes. "You're gonna wreck me, Lane."

"Right back at you, Cole."

He cupped her cheek, thumb brushing her wet skin.

"Can I kiss you again? No dares. No bets. Just me."

She didn't hesitate.

"Yeah," she breathed. "Please."

And then he kissed her.

Slow and deep, like he meant it. No audience. No game. Just them, suspended in water and stars and the kind of perfect chaos they'd spent months denying.

Somewhere in the background, Zoe's voice shouted, "Finally!"

Neither of them cared.

---

Later, when they dragged themselves out of the pool, dripping and breathless, Ethan grabbed two towels, handing her one.

"Tomorrow," he said, voice rough, "we talk about whatever this is."

Aria nodded, wrapping herself up.

"And tonight?"

He grinned. "Tonight, I'm buying you dinner. And then I'm probably gonna kiss you again."

She smiled, heart lighter than it had been in years.

"Sounds like a plan."...