I hear a soft knock on my home office door. I don’t bother saying anything. I know it’s Margot by the way she knocks. Still, she walks softly into the room until she’s standing in front of my desk.
“Can I help you?” I say, not even looking up from the report I’ve been pouring over for the last hour.
“Just wanted to check in and see how things were going? I haven’t really seen you around much lately.” She takes a seat in the chair across from me.
I can hear the trepidation in her voice which tells me she’s either clearly picked up on my mood and the distance I’ve put between us or she’s feeling unease about letting me down easy with Hank.
What a stupid jock name, I think to myself. It’s childish and downright petty, making fun of a man’s name in my own head, but I’m in no mood to talk sense into myself or be rational.
Is this what rejection feels like?
“Been busy,” I mutter as I pick up another stack of papers to appear busier than I actually am.
“Yeah, I noticed.” She stands, shoving her hands into the back pockets of her jeans and walks over to the bay of windows that overlook the pool.
“Is there something you need, Miss Silver?”
Her head snaps toward me. “So I’m Miss Silver again?”
I lean back in my chair. I’m aware of the point she’s trying to make but I play like I’m not.
“Haven’t you always been?”
She nods, her tone instantly changing to mirror my own. “I’m going to take Eleanor swimming after her nap.” She continues looking out the window. “But yes, I do need something. The contract wasn’t clear on if I work every Saturday, and since I’ve worked most since being brought on, I wanted to let you know that I have plans this Saturday so I can’t work.”
“Great,” I say, turning my attention back to my desk. “Let Miss Perry know and make sure you close my door on your way out.”
Without another word, she does exactly that.
A short while later I’m still buried in reports, but my concentration is interrupted by the sound of Eleanor squealing, followed by a splash.
I stand from my desk and walk over to the windows, looking down at the pool where she and Margot are playing. At least Eleanor is playing. She has her floaties on her arms as she splashes around the shallow end. I watch her, pure joy radiating off her as she runs and jumps into the water.
My gaze drifts to where Margot is stretched out on one of the deck chairs, a little two-piece stretched tightly over her taut body. I feel my mouth water as I drag my eyes up her legs, to the juncture of her thighs where I had my fingers buried not too long ago.
I love the slight swell of her hips just before the drastic dip of her tiny waist. Her perky tits look positively delicious wrapped in the emerald-green spandex material. I squint, the outline of her hard nipples just visible. I’d give anything to suck one into my mouth, biting down as I plump the other breast in my hand.
I look down at my crotch, my erection tenting my pants. I should feel ashamed but I don’t. I want to pull my cock out and get myself off but not with Eleanor running around outside.
I lift my eyes once more to look at her, only she’s staring right back up at me. She pulls her sunglasses down briefly, revealing her eyes before turning over so that I have a clear view of her half-naked ass.
Is she teasing me?
I crack my neck and walk back over to my desk. If she thinks she can flirt with me and then act like it meant nothing to her the moment Hank pops back into her life, she’s got another thing coming.
13
MARGOT
Something is clearly going on with Graham.
He’s made it more than clear that our flirty, innuendo-laden moments are something he regrets, and frankly, I don’t have the energy to play his little game of hard to get or figure out what’s wrong with me.
I’m chalking it up to our meeting with Hank. There’s nothing going on between me and him, but I’m not going to let him throw a tantrum about it and then run to make him feel better. If he has questions about me and Hank, he can ask me like an adult.
I don’t actually have plans for this Saturday night but I wanted an excuse to talk to Graham, to see if he’d gotten out of his funk, and I am in serious need of some me time. As much as I love spending as much time as I do with Eleanor, I could use a spa day or even just a junk food and Netflix night in my room or at Shell’s.
I adjust myself in the deck chair, already aware of his presence in the second-story window. I pull my glasses down, letting him know I can see him before making a show of turning over. I flip, arching my back a little extra, sending my ass sky high before settling onto my stomach to cheer Eleanor on in her attempt to nail the perfect cannonball.
“Eight point five!” I say as she emerges from the water. “I think your last splash was a teensy bit bigger.”
My phone chirps and I pick it up from the table and see a text from Shelly.
Shelly: Hey! Thanks again for setting me up with Hank. He’s so hot! Having our second date tonight.
I smile, excited that they hit it off. God knows she’s been in serious need of a man who will treat her right.
Me: Yay! Told you he was fine. So, second date, huh? Things are going well, I take it?
Shelly: Yeah. We had a great time on our first date. Had drinks but then they turned into dinner and then that turned into second drinks and then dancing.
Me: So did you guys…？
Shelly: No… weirdly. He was so nice and genuine, and we had such a nice time that I didn’t want to just jump right into that. I felt like I wanted to spend more time with him first.
Me: Oh my God. Awwwww, you like him; that’s why!
I send several heart emojis and the silly smiley face that looks like hearts are floating around it.
Shelly: Eww, no, gross. Don’t ruin it. It was our first date. Relax. We just had fun and we’re having fun again tonight. Who knows, it might happen tonight.
Me: Where are you guys going tonight?
Shelly: One of those fancy dinner cruises on Lake Michigan. Some dude handed us a flyer with a coupon when we were walking around yesterday, and we both realized we’ve lived here our entire lives and never gone on one.
Me: That’s so romantic. Look at you two making memories already.
I know she hates when I try to make things romantic or bring emotions into her dating life, but I can’t help it; I want them to fall in love.
Shelly: Again, gross feelings. Eww, no. It’s just dinner on a boat.
She follows it up with several of the flipping off emojis and it makes me laugh.
Me: Whatever you say. I hope you guys have a great time. Keep me posted!
I put my phone down and spend the next hour in the pool with Eleanor.
“Hey, how about we make some cookies?” I say to her as I dry her off.
She claps her hands and jumps up and down. “Yes, cookies!”
After we dry off and get dressed, I tie her apron around her and place a chair next to me against the counter so she can help.
“Okay, two eggs,” I say, holding out my hand.
“Two eggs,” she says, reaching into the carton. “One.” She places it in my hand as she reaches for a second, “Tw—” It slips out of her hand and rolls across the counter before splatting on the floor.