Chapter 5: The Pool Party Tension

When she got to Tony's house, Rose made her way to the back — where the pool was, just as expected. There, she found her friends: Tony, Henry, Sophie, and four others — two girls and two guys, probably Tony's friends.

As soon as she arrived, Sophie was the first to jump up and compliment her.

"Girl, you look hot and sexy in that dress," she said, grabbing her hand and pulling her down to sit beside her.

Henry's eyes had been fixed on Rose from the moment she walked in. She looked stunning in that short-sleeved dress, her curves perfectly outlined, her cleavage showing just enough to make his heart race. He couldn't take his eyes off her. A part of him wished she would dress like this when they were alone — not in front of other guys.

Tony noticed.

"Dude," he said, laughing, "you know you could undress her with those eyes you're using. Wait, is something going on between you guys?"

Sophie quickly cut in.

"That can't be true. They're best friends. And honestly, this isn't the first time Henry's looked at her like that."

Henry didn't have a good comeback. He had seen Rose in stunning outfits before, but today something felt different. He wasn't just admiring her beauty — he wanted her. He wanted to touch her, kiss her, claim her. Best friend or not.

So he forced a casual grin and replied,

"Can't I appreciate the beauty of my bestie anymore?"

Rose looked into his eyes, her heart pounding. She gave him a soft smile, but deep down, she was as confused as he was.

Sophie tried to lift the energy by asking Tony to introduce his friends. After the quick intros, one of the guys — Ethan — turned to Rose and asked,

"Are you in a relationship?"

Before Rose could answer, Henry jumped in.

"She is. She has a boyfriend."

Rose's head snapped toward Henry, surprised.

Tony looked doubtful.

"Really? We've never heard of this guy. Doesn't look like she has a boyfriend to me."

Sophie nodded in agreement, narrowing her eyes.

But Henry stared them both down and added,

"He lives outside the country. I know him. I'm the only one who's met him."

Tony shrugged, unconvinced, but dropped the subject.

Rose, deciding to go along, added,

"Yeah… he's right."

Sophie opened her mouth to ask questions, but Rose quickly changed the subject.

"Aren't we going to swim? I thought this was a pool party."

Everyone cheered and started getting changed.

Henry stopped Rose gently.

"You can't swim, and you catch colds too easily these days."

That was true — everyone knew she couldn't swim well and often got sick. So no one argued. But Henry's real reason had nothing to do with her health. He didn't want her showing skin in front of other guys. He didn't want anyone else seeing her the way he did.

So Rose sat on a poolside chair, legs dipped in the water, watching the others have fun.

Soon after, Ethan got out of the pool to check his phone. He sat beside Rose and started chatting with her, making her laugh out loud.

Henry noticed. And it bothered him. A lot.

He got out of the pool, towel wrapped around his waist, and walked directly to Rose.

"I need your help with something inside," he said, voice calm but firm.

Without questioning, she followed him.

Inside, without warning, Henry pulled her close and gently pinned her back against the wall. Their bodies were inches apart.

"I don't want to see you close to that guy Ethan again," he said, his tone intense. "And stop laughing with other guys. I don't like it."

Rose blinked, stunned.

"And why not? You've been acting strange all day. First, stopping me from swimming, now this—"

Before she could finish, he kissed her.

Her eyes widened, lips frozen in shock.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

He didn't answer — just kissed her again, deeper this time. One hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer. His lips pressed to hers, lingering with quiet hunger.

Then he pulled away, lips just inches from hers.

"Best way to shut you up," he murmured, smirking as he turned and walked away.

Rose stood there, breathless, trying to process what just happened.

"Who kisses their best friend just to shut them up?" she muttered to herself.

Her heart was racing. Her body wanted more. But her mind was spinning with confusion.