"Nice UV-blocking shirt," Viv commented. She stood by the pool in her one-piece red swimsuit. Designed for swimming, it clung to her body but had no extra frills.
Rex nodded. "My dermatologist suggested I do more blocking with clothes at my age."
He gave no feedback about her appearance. He'd learned that she didn't believe his compliments, so he held back. But I can think whatever I want and I'm just sayin'… That woman's got it goin' on.
Pausing to brush her hair into a messy ponytail, Viv dove into the pool. Her arms stretched into an easy crawl stroke, as her body skimmed through the clear blue water.
Hardly any splashing when she swims, he thought. So precise—just like the rest of her personality. Rex pretended to look at his phone, but his eyes kept glancing toward the pool.
Twenty minutes later she emerged, a huge smile on her face. "I do love the feel of the water, so refreshing." She reached for her towel.
"I can see that." Admiration filled his voice.
"I swam all the time as a kid," she explained. "Took lessons early on. Over the years I gave it up. Funny what gets left behind when you're raising a family. Until I moved here."
"Maybe you're on to something," Rex said. "When I was a teen I used to play tennis. But I haven't picked up a racket in years."
"Pickle ball," she said. "It's all the rage."
"You play?" he asked.
"I never have. But my father played paddle tennis. I think it's the same thing. I can remember going with him to the club and hearing the smack, smack, smack of balls going back and forth."
Rex stood from his chair. "I guess it's my turn for a dip. Don't watch, okay? I'm a terrible swimmer. Just tune out my cries of distress when I get in. The water's never warm enough for my taste."
"No problem. I am very discreet. I won't look and I won't tell. How about that?" To emphasize her words, she walked to her chair and picked up her cell phone.
"Man, it's cold," he said as he stuck a toe in the water and looked over to see if she laughed.
"Buck up and get moving," she called out.
Rex rarely put his whole body in water at the same time. Unless it was a spa and there was a woman waiting for him. But now he didn't want to look like a fool, so he took the plunge and then held his breath.