Chapter 7

I settled in the lifeguard chair, adjusted my sunglasses, and watched as the kids splashed each other with as much racket as they could muster. It was mostly younger children with their parents in the mornings – the older kids didn’t show up until the afternoons and I was usually done with my shift by then.

The Fourth of July party had been a total flop – in my humble opinion. No one else was brave enough to admit it. But it didn’t matter, really. It was over and done with and time to focus on what to do next.

As I sat in my chair I did wonder what to do next – and not with parties or get-togethers. I wondered what to do about the Tori-Collin-Morgan love triangle.

I probably should have thrown myself into the equation but I didn’t think I really factored in there. I didn’t stand a chance with him – not with Morgan crushing on him.

Another nagging little worry decided to join the rest of the mess in my head and that was Owen's remarks about Morgan. Was he all talk or did he actually think he could get Morgan to go out with him - or any other nasty thing he had in mind? I didn't think it was possible as according to Irelyn, Morgan was in love with Collin.

But what if she got desperate? What if she decided to try to make Collin jealous?

I shuddered at the thought.

My first impulse was to talk to Spencer but he seemed to be drifting farther and farther away from me. It bugged me - hurt, too - because he said we’d always be friends. And he'd broken up with me before - it's not like it was the first time this had happened.

Maybe it just wasn’t possible for us to be friends. Maybe we were the type to either be on or off - nothing in between. Maybe he was really into me and I'd tossed him aside like yesterday’s garbage.

Everything began spinning and twirling inside my head to the point where I wanted to climb down from my chair, sprint to the end of the diving board, scream ‘what the hell is going on?’ and jump.

Of course that was a terrible idea for not only would it not solve anything but it would most likely get me fired and possibly committed in the local mental institute.

With a yawn, I shifted in the chair, trying to get more comfortable. It would have been so easy to doze as my eyes were hidden by my sunglasses, but I was actually serious about the responsibility of my job. What if a little kid fell in the deep end and no one noticed? I would not be the one to let something that horrible happen. Ever.

As my short shift approached the end, someone came to visit me – nearly shocking the hell out of me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “How’d you get in?”

“Morgan let me in,” Collin grinned as his eyes quickly grazed my bare legs. Smugness raided my heart. “She was on her way out.”

“Oh,” I said, trying to think of something clever to say but my mind refused to help. His presence was affecting everything. “I see.”

His grin turned into a smirk as he glanced at his watch. “How much longer are you on duty?”

“About a half an hour,” I said as I turned my gaze from him to watch a little boy toddle near the edge of the pool. I started to get out of my chair to direct him to the kiddie section but his mother got to him first. I sat back down and raised a brow at Collin. “Don’t you have to work?”

“I went in this morning but the boss let me leave early,” he said mysteriously. “Hey, I have something for you. Do you mind if I hang out here and wait?”

I lifted my glasses from my eyes to glare suspiciously at him. “What is it Collin? I swear if it’s mescal I’m going to tie weights to your body and throw you in this pool.”

He laughed, his entire face lighting up. “No, I promise.”

I nodded and jammed my glasses back on my face.

He slipped off his shoes and socks and sank to the edge of the pool, dipping his feet in the water. “So, if I fell in, you’d have to save me?”

I snorted and held back my smile. “No. I’d let you sink and have the maintenance guy fish your dead body off the bottom.”

His eyes grew as he gaped at me, mouth wide open. When my smile escaped, he relaxed and laughed.

“You’d rescue me,” he said with confidence. “You know you’re dying to do the mouth-to-mouth thing on me.”

My heart froze along with my face as it was my turn to gawk. “And I thought Lucas was the arrogant one. What happened?”

Collin kept his eyes on the water as he shrugged. “Maybe I’m tired of being the good twin.”

My heart skipped a beat as I stared at the top of his head. “Collin?”

He jumped to his feet, pulled his shirt over his head, and winked at me. “Sure hope I don’t drown.”

Bending his knees, he dove beautifully into the pool. I watched as he swam the width and surfaced on the other side. Water flowed effortlessly down his chest as he pushed his wet hair back. My heart could hardly take it and nearly jumped in the pool after him.

He heaved his body on the edge on the opposite side of me and leaned back, propping his body with his arms. He winked at me and nearly finished my heart.

Why did Morgan have to love him?

My relief came only a few minutes late and I was finally able to climb off the chair. Collin had stuck around, goofing off in the pool while he waited for me.

“Done?” he asked when I stood beside him. He’d been watching a couple middle school kids show off their newly found swimming skills.

“Yes,” I said with a grin. “Want to go get drunk?”

He removed my sunglasses as he edged closer. My heart thumped wildly.

“You look hot today, Bailey,” he whispered, indeed raising my body temperature. He touched my cheek, a smirk lurking in the corners of his mouth. “Very hot. Let’s cool you off.”

He pushed me into the pool before I had a chance to recover from his touch. Shrieking, I cursed him when I surfaced but couldn’t find him anywhere until his head popped up closer to mine.

“You’re dead, Newton,” I threatened but it did no good – he just smiled.

“Come on, Bailey,” he said as he hands gripped my waist under the water. “Just having a little fun. It is hot, you know.”

I wound my arms around his neck and pressed closer. A smug smile filled my lips when I caught his eyes darting down to check out my breasts that I had smashed into his chest. Yes, Collin Newton was indeed a boob man.

“I forgive you,” I whispered as I inched my face closer to his.

His pupils dilated as I grew nearer. I brushed my lips very lightly on the corner of his mouth and, grinning, I hoisted my body up and forced his head underwater, very effectively dunking him. I swam to the side and hopped out before he could exact revenge.

He climbed out after me and I cringed.

“We’re even,” I declared.

He approached me slowly and when he was close enough, he spit a stream of pool water in my face.

I held my hands in front of my face. “Collin, you’re an idiot.”

He chuckled and grabbed my waist again, pulling me gently to his chest. He gazed into my eyes briefly, sighed, and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

He released me and ran to fetch his shoes, socks and shirt.

“Now come on – I told you I have something for you.”

I ducked into the pool house to grab us some towels that were technically supposed to stay in the pool area. I wrapped one around my waist as Collin did the same before taking him back to the main building.

“What do you have for me that’s so important?” I asked.

“You’ll love it – trust me,” he said.

As I unlocked the condo door, I paused. “Hang on. You have something for me and it’s in my condo? Wouldn’t it technically be mine already?”

Laughing, he ruffled my wet hair. “I told you, I ran into Morgan and she let me in. I brought the …thing…here before I came down to the pool.”

I shrugged and pushed open the door. Instantly, a whine rent the air and I stepped back into Collin. He wrapped an arm around my waist and his laughter tickled my ear.

“Relax, it’s fine. Stay here.”

He slipped away from me and marched into the kitchen as I shut the front door.

“I know that’s an animal, Collin,” I called after him.

The whine turned to excited squeals and I wondered if he had a pig in my kitchen.

“You’re right,” he said as he returned to the living room with a large box. “Sit,” he ordered.

I sank to the floor as he set the box down and produced two squirming brown and black furballs. He placed them both in my lap and they immediately jumped at my face, their little tongues licking my skin. My heart swelled as I wrapped them in my arms.

“They are …so…adorable,” I cooed. “Why are they here?” I stilled as I eyed his smug face. “Oh, no, Collin. I can’t have two puppies.”

“Oh, I know,” he said as he scratched one of the puppies. “I’m taking one.”

“No, you’re taking two,” I said. The smaller one sat on my leg, his little black snout pointed up at me and his big brown eyes so expectant. “And that’s so not fair,” I said to the puppy. “Do not look at me like that.”

“That one is Otis,” Collin said as he lifted the lighter colored one out of my lap. “This is Milo.”

“Milo and Otis?” I asked as I tickled Otis’s ear. “Original. Watch children's movies much?”

His cheeks pinked. “It was a good movie. And I thought the names fit them.”

“Where did you get them?” I asked as I scratched Otis’s chin. He eagerly stretched his neck out so I had better access and promptly fell off my leg. I giggled and picked him up, holding him in front of my face. He licked my nose and I was in love.

“We found them out behind the shop,” he explained, referring to the auto body repair shop where he worked. “There were three but one of the other guys took one. My boss was going to call Animal Control but I told him I’d take them.”

“And you immediately thought of me?” I asked, lifting a brow at him. I cuddled Otis to my chest and he didn’t seem to mind the wet bathing suit. I kissed the top of his furry head.

“Yeah,” he said gently as his soft eyes found mine. “And look at you.”

“What about Irelyn and Lucas?” I suggested, ignoring the frantic pounding of my pulse.

“They can’t have dogs in their building,” he said.

“Tori?” I asked weakly, although I knew I wasn’t giving the little guy up anytime soon.

“She’s more of a cat person,” he said sourly.

“Yuck,” I said. “Fine, I’ll keep him.”

Collin kissed my cheek as he scooped the other pup up in his arm. “Let’s take them out to do their business then we’ll go shop and buy them all the puppy stuff they need.”

My heart tremored as I nodded at him and carried my new baby outside.

***

I made Collin wait as I showered quickly and changed. When we were ready to go, he placed both puppies back in the box and locked them in the kitchen. They jumped on the sides, whining and yelping and I nearly caved.

“They’ll be fine, Bailey,” Collin said, amused.

“Are you sure?”

Grabbing me by the arm, he dragged me out the door. “Yes. Let’s go.”

We piled into his SUV and I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket. I called Daddy and told him what we needed – hinting that I should set Collin up with the same kind of account that I had at all the stores. He agreed, naturally – anything I wanted.

“Oh, pumpkin,” Daddy said before I ended the call. “I’m planning a little party for Steffi this weekend – for her birthday.”

“Kind of waiting until the last minute, huh?” I laughed.

“Well, you know me,” he said sheepishly. “I hope you’ll come. Bring your friends home, you know Steffi wouldn’t mind them being at the party and we’d both like to meet them.”

“Sure,” I said. “I’ll ask them.” An idea came to mind and I looked fleetingly at Collin. “What are you doing for entertainment?”

“I thought about hiring a DJ service,” he said. “Do you have any other suggestions?”

A smile snuck across my face as I looked at Collin. He glanced at me with a furrowed brow. “Possibly. Book the DJ and maybe I can come up with another form of entertainment.”

Grinning, Collin reached out to take my hand. That stunned me nearly speechless but I wouldn’t let go.

“Okay, pumpkin. Take care of the new puppy and I’ll see you soon. I love you,” Daddy said.

“I love you, too, Daddy.” I flipped my phone shut and smiled at Collin. “It sure does pay to have a father who owns a department store chain.”

“Why?” Collin asked.

“Because we’ll get everything at cost,” I smirked. “He told me to set you up with an account and they’ll give you a card.”

“That’s not necessary,” Collin tried to protest.

“Yeah, whatever,” I scoffed. “Do you want to spend tons of money on the puppy or would you rather get a discount.” I didn’t give him time to answer. “That’s what I thought.”

He rolled his eyes and squeezed my hand. “Was there something you wanted to ask me?”

My brow puckered as I watched his face, straining my brain to remember. “Huh?”

He chanced a quick glance at me then turned his eyes back to the road.

“Something about entertainment?”

“Oh,” I said as I rolled my eyes. “Yeah. Duh. Daddy’s throwing a party for the stepmom this weekend. Do you want to go?”

“Um,” he stammered. “That’s what you wanted to ask me?”

I smirked. “Well, that’s part of it. Daddy said you all can come up for the party. They want to meet my friends. Oh, and maybe you and the guys could play a short set or something. Daddy will pay you.”

His smile widened as he gave my hand another squeeze. My heart flipped and I wasn’t real crazy about how much I was getting into the hand holding thing. “I’ll ask Luke and Spence but I’m sure it won’t be a problem. We’re not playing this Friday because Rusty is having some sort of open mic night.”

“Well, that’s kind of cool,” I said casually even though my heart was in my throat. “You can come up with me Friday night.”

“Okay,” he shrugged. My heart danced. “But I think Irelyn works Saturday morning so they probably won’t be able to come up until Saturday afternoon. I don’t know about Morgan and Spencer.”

“I’ll call Spencer when we get back,” I said as Collin pulled into the parking lot and stopped the truck. “Let’s go shop.”

I stopped at the office and greeted Len, the store manager. He set Collin up with the same discount card that I carried. Collin kept up a steady stream of protests as I guided a shopping cart to the pet department.

“Collin if you don’t shut up then I’ll get you drunk again and this time,” I said as I grabbed his arm and stood on my toes to look into his eyes, “I’ll kick your ass instead of taking you to bed.”

A flush washed over his face but a smirk followed so I knew I hadn’t crossed the line too much. Cupping my face, he kissed my nose. “Bring it, little girl. I think I can take you.”

My pulse raced and I was tempted to shove him on the display of pet beds and have my way with him. I just lifted a cool brow as his eyes lingered on my lips.

I smiled. “I don’t think you have the balls.”

“Just wait,” he said and moved away. I was frozen, my heart still. It took several seconds for it to start again. “What kind of food should we get?”

I hurried after him and we spent a good twenty minutes browsing puppy food brands, comparing ingredients. We bickered constantly and I was sure that the other customers thought us a couple.

“Oh, these collars are cool,” I said after we finally decided on food. I picked up a leather collar with an intricate design etched in it. “There are two so we they could match.”

“No way,” Collin objected as he took the collars from my hand and set them back on the shelf. “No way in hell those puppies are wearing anything matching.”

“Why not?” I asked, my curiosity level at its highest.

He folded his arms over his chest and cocked his head. “I’m a twin, remember?”

I rolled my eyes. “Duh. I’m not totally stupid. But you and Lucas are twin people – not twin dogs. What’s that got to do with anything?”

He fought a smirk as he grasped my shoulders. “Can you imagine the horror of your mother dressing you exactly like your brother?” He shuddered. “It’s not pretty.”

My eyes nearly bulged as I clamped my lips shut to hold in my laughter. It escaped in a snort and I pressed a hand to my mouth.

“Laugh it up,” he said, his eyes shining. “It’s damaging. I still have nightmares about it.”

“Hold on,” I said, tears from my suppressed laughter leaking out of my eyes. “I’m picturing you and Lucas in matching sailor outfits with those cute little hats.”

He dropped his hands and rolled his eyes. “I don’t think she ever dressed us in anything like that…”

“Sure,” I laughed. “Wait until the next time I see her. I’ll ask.”

He groaned and rifled through the collars hanging from hooks. “I’m getting Milo a blue collar.”

“Fine, fine,” I said as I shuffled next to him, still snickering. “I’ll get Otis red. Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” he said sourly but I could see his lips twitch.

Collin carried my purchases in the house, opting to leave his in the truck. I unlocked the door and found Morgan on the floor playing with the puppies.

“Aren’t they cute?” she asked as we stepped into the living room. She picked up Otis and peppered kisses all over his head.

“Yes, they are,” I said. I took two bags from Collin and carried them into the kitchen. I dug out the toys and returned to find Collin sitting close to Morgan. My heart stopped in my chest when they looked at each other at precisely the same time and smiled. I discreetly slipped back into the kitchen and leaned against the door to catch my breath.

That’s what you wanted to happen, remember? my conscience reminded me. And I had to agree. The sweet smile on Morgan’s face was a welcome change from the mopey look she usually carried.

I unpacked the bags, giving Collin and Morgan a little privacy, and found a suitable spot for the dog dishes. I’d purchased a crate and a little bed but both those items were still in the living room. I’d wait to get those.

I set the dog food on the floor and put away the dog treats. All that was left were the toys, the collar and the leash. I cut off the tags, trying to stall. What if I waltzed back in the room and they were sharing a moment or…kissing?

“Hey, what are you doing?” Collin asked as he strolled into the kitchen with the crate and the dog bed.

I forced a smile. “Putting things away.”

I grabbed the crate by the handle and situated in the corner. I opened the door and shoved the bed inside.

“There,” I said, hands on my hips.

“I need to get out of here,” Collin said. “Um, I’ll call Spencer and Luke and let you know about Saturday. I already asked Morgan and she said she’d like to go but she can’t until Saturday – she’s working late Friday night.”

“Okay,” I said, my jaw aching from the fake smile. “Thanks.”

“You okay?” he asked, his brow creased. He stepped closer peering in my face.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I said. “Thanks for the puppy.”

“Sure,” he said as he kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you later.”

After he left, I remained in the kitchen, not walking him out. I wasn’t sure if Morgan might want another private moment with him – maybe bond or whatever. And far be it from me to stand in the way of true love.