What Are Friends For?

Erin drew off the large T-shirt she’d worn over her bikini since they sat down to eat and dove into the water. She’d made it halfway to the deep end when lights in the bottom of the pool came on. They usually swam during the day, so she’d forgotten Luke’s pool was lighted. The dim illumination turned the water crystal clear.

She heard a splash, signaling Luke dove into the water too. Instead of racing him this time, she swam slow and steady, enjoying the feel of the lukewarm water flowing over her skin. Luke swam beside her, using the same slow, steady strokes she did.

She swam three laps of the pool before coming to a stop next to the waterfall. Internal lights in the rocks gave the waterfall an unearthly glow. It shimmered and sparkled in the moonlight, making it even more beautiful than in the daylight. The water bubbled over the rocks on its journey into the pool. The sound soothed her. Holding onto the side of the pool with one hand, she closed her eyes and let her body float in whichever direction the water took her.

“Comfy?” Luke asked.

“Very. I could sleep right here.”

His chuckle sounded deep and husky. “I don’t think that’s a possibility.”

“Too bad. I love it in the water.”

“Then you should be in the water.”

Erin shrieked when Luke grabbed her around the waist and tugged her beneath the water. She came up sputtering, her wet hair covering her face.

“You bully!” She pushed her hair back so she could see him. “Why did you do that?”

He gave her a smug grin. “Because I could.”

“You’re gonna pay!”

Laughing, Luke headed for the other end of the pool. Erin followed, swimming as fast as she could to catch him before he reached the steps. She threw herself at his back, wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist. They both went underwater.

Prepared to go beneath the water, Erin had held her breath. Luke hadn’t. Now it was his turn to sputter when he surfaced. Knowing she was probably in trouble, she quickly headed for the steps.

“Oh, no, you don’t.”

Luke grabbed the waistband of her swimsuit and pulled. Erin went back under the water, unable to move since he still held onto her thong. She managed to get her head above water, but that’s all she could do. At least they were in the shallow end so her feet touched the bottom.

“No fair! You’re using brute strength.”

“You think it was fair to jump on my back?”

“A gal’s gotta do what a gal’s gotta do.”

“So does a guy.”

He twisted the waistband, causing the thong to tighten across delicate flesh. “Easy, fella. You hurt the good parts, you’ll have to kiss them and make them better.”

“Maybe I’d like that,” he said into her ear.

She knew he teased her. He’d made it clear he didn’t want any more than friendship. Still, she decided to be completely honest with him. “I know I’d like that.”

The hold on her thong eased. Assuming he would release her, she took a step forward. Her progress abruptly stopped when Luke wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her under the water again.

She rolled through the water with him, their legs bumping as she tried to gain control. He let her come up with him and draw air into her lungs, then she went under with him again. Finally getting on top of his shoulders, she pushed him beneath the water and quickly swam away. She made it to the bottom step when he grabbed her from behind, one arm around her waist, the other over her shoulder to cross her torso. His hand landed right beneath her breast.

Erin froze. Her heart already pounded from their playful tussle in the pool. It sped up even more with his hand so close to her breast.

Making the first move had never been her strong point. Just as she waited for the man to ask her out, she waited for him to initiate sex. She happily went along with it, but the man had to start things in the right direction. Not with Luke. He’d already told her no. If things were to progress between them, it had to be up to her to start it.

Erin took his hand and dragged it up to cover her breast.

He didn’t move. She could hear his rapid breathing in her ear, feel his body pressed to her back. His heart beat heavily against her shoulder blade, as heavy as her own heartbeat. She waited, not knowing if he’d release her or take this to the next step.

Luke gently squeezed her breast. “Are you sure?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so sure of anything.”

Erin reached behind her and gripped his thighs, keeping him pressed against her. Her position left her body completely open for however he wanted to touch her.

“Is this an experiment to see if I think you’re good in bed, Erin, or do you really want me?”

This whole evening started out as an experiment, like he said. Yet the touch of his hands, the feel of his warm breath on her neck, sent little fingers of sensation crawling up and down her spine. “Both,” she admitted. “I won’t lie to you, Luke. I thought about being in this situation with you all day. I figured since we’re such good friends, you’d be honest with me about my…performance in bed. But you’re also incredibly handsome and sexy. I’d be crazy not to want you.”

Moments passed in silence. Luke stood so still, Erin wouldn’t have believed he was still behind her if he didn’t have his arms around her. He finally released her and moved back so they no longer touched.

“Turn around,” he said.