Chapter 17
967 Words
Before me, stood a young brunette with a cake-face and fitting clothes on. She had a grimace that has been becoming her signature look since I came here. I smiled politely at her, trying to be the nicest I could.
"Where’s Beatrice? I need her to do something for me," She ordered. When did she become the boss?
Okay, so maybe I can't ever be nice to this little snot. It's a near-impossible task. "And if I won't tell you?" I challenged.
"I'm going to have to call the cops on you for trespassing." She growled.
I groaned in annoyance. Is this a joke or is she just really trying to get on my nerves? Either way, she's getting on my bad side fast.
"Call all you want, sweetheart. No one is gonna listen to some brat nagging," I told her.
She glared at me and stomped her foot. "I'm not some brat, you bench! I own this house." Her cheeks were flaring red.
I refrained from laughing. Remember my task here. Be nice. I can't help it. I just love it when I'm the reason she gets flustered. I feel so special. Instead, I let out a chuckle.
"Technically, you don't. Your parents do. You're just a tenant here of some sort," I smirked at her, knowing it'd make her furious. And she did.
"I hate you, Garbage." Cute. That's a nickname she gave me when I first came here. Glad to know she doesn't forget easily.
"The feeling's mutual, sweetheart," I muttered, slamming the door on her face. She so deserved it. And I so enjoyed it. I wish I could do that a lot more often. Her face was priceless.
I shook Bea gently, trying to wake her up from her slumber.
"The conversation's over, dad. Go out." She complained, rubbing her eyes.
I chortled at her disoriented face. "Your sister is looking for you, you sleepyhead. Why're you sleeping this early at night anyway? I thought we were going swimming?"
"Oh Charlotte," she smiled a little before grooming herself up. "What time is it? Mom’s food just gets me so full that I feel so sleepy afterward.”
"Well, it was worth the wait, B," I told her. I glanced at the clock which read nine-twenty.
We went out of the room after putting on some swimming clothes. I will not let this night and this pool go to waste by not even at least dipping in it for a minute. Dad was picking me up at ten-thirty and I had better be ready by then.
When we passed by a window that overlooked the pool, I could see the fine lines on James' body. He was pulling himself out of the water and I can't help but appreciate his well-built muscles. They looked gorgeous. He put on a white shirt that clung to his chest perfectly. His abs were still visible even from under that thin piece of clothing.
"Charlotte, you're drooling." Bea snapped her fingers in front of me, taking me out of my daze.
I can't believe I was ogling at my best friend. But, I've got to admit, James Tucker has a fine body that I wouldn't mind touching. Not that I want to. James is only a friend to me. Best friend.
"Earth to Charlotte," Bea waved a hand in front of me and I instantly snapped back to reality.
I should stop with these alluring thoughts.
"What?" I groaned, faking annoyance.
"Why were you drooling?"
"Shut up, B. I wasn't drooling."
"What were you looking at?"
"Nothing, just reminiscing about your mother's scrumptious food." I lied. It'd be awkward if I told her that I was fantasizing about our friend.
"Hey Charlotte," Charles greeted me as we arrived at the poolside.
"Lottie," James said, approaching me with wide-open arms. I backed away, not wanting to be crushed in one of his wet bear hugs. "I didn't know you were planning on swimming, as well."
“Well, I did come here for a swim.”
He caught me and hugged me tightly. I feel like my neck is gonna snap. Though, I don't mind coming in contact with his not-so-wet body. It was all an act that I didn't want to be hugged by him until I felt suffocated. The i***t's hugging my neck too tight. And he was smirking!
I hit his back, trying to get him to notice that I was literally suffocating. "James, let me go!" I screamed. "I'm running out of air, you moron."
He let me go and put his hands on my back. I had to look away so he didn't notice the red tint on my cheeks.
Get a grip, Charlotte. Since when did James Tucker become attractive in your eyes?
“Are you here for a swim or what?” Charles exclaims as he dives into the pool, creating a big splash towards us.
“Yeah, in a minute,” I sat down on the dozens of benches and seats by the pool. Their pool was huge. A dozen floaties and toys floated in it and I could only imagine the awesome pool party B could host with a pool like this.
I was so consumed by my thoughts that I didn't notice James creeping up behind me. It was too late. I couldn't do anything anymore. He was bringing me down with him. Instantly, I felt the heat of the pool against my body. But not only that, I could feel James' warm hands around my waist.
I could hear the others laugh and make fun of my lack of paying attention. But I was so focused on the person behind me that I didn't bother telling them off.
Well, this seems impossible. Am I falling for James Tucker?
- Writer
