Belle's POV
For the first time since we started dating, I finally stood up to Matt. It was unbelievable, and only a cold shower would help calm my nerves and wash off the night's stress.
The Olympic-size pool caught my attention as I looked out the window, so I ditched a shower for a relaxing pool time.
I grabbed a bottle of juice and glass from the kitchen before heading out to the pool. It was dimly lit so I was very comfortable and I saw no need for the swimsuit. After all, I was the only one there.
Slowly, I yanked off my top but just as I reached to take off my pants, I suddenly heard someone call my name from behind. I was so scared, I never knew someone was there. I turned to look but slipped and lost balance instead. I screamed in fear, as I felt my weight against the water.
"Are you alright?" I opened my eyes and saw Jeff leaning over me. Having him so close to me, my heart started beating so hard and I could hear each rhythm.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't want you to strip naked without knowing someone was around." He said firmly and carried me off the floor, onto the bench. As he laid me on the bench and stood straight, I saw his bare chest and feasted on his muscles, no wonder he lifted me like a feather. His body mass was so broad and jaw-dropping.
"I thought I was alone. I didn't know you were back from the club, I saw you leave with a girl." I said shyly while avoiding his gaze.
"Are you jealous? Is that why you danced with Luke, to get back at me?" He asked while I suddenly started to cough. Yes, I was jealous but I could never do anything to spite him, he's way out of my league and I understand his taste would be high too.
"No, I… would never do that I… only danced with him 'cause he asked, and I wasn't jealous too." I stuttered while he just stood there and smiled.
"I see the way you look at me. I know you want me..." he let out, making me look into his eyes, I quickly looked away but my eyes saw something else. He was wearing tight shorts and since it was wet, I could see what he had down there. It was massive, so much that I tried to unsee it but I ended up falling off the bench instead.
"Easy, easy…" he let out while he grabbed my hand and pulled me back on the bench.
"Thanks," I mumbled, I was so embarrassed I couldn't even look up. I don't know why I can't just be normal around him. Why do I have to stutter, choke on drinks, and even fall carelessly?
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, again." He said while he grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist.
"I wasn't…" I managed to say.
"It's fine, you're not the first to react that way. But you have to work on yourself, you're not sixteen anymore!" He said and then left, while I kept looking till he was totally out of sight.
"So, he remembers me! He saw me that day! He noticed me!" I screamed inside my head and it was so exciting but I was also embarrassed, I should have been more composed.
I couldn't swim again, my mind was filled with different thoughts mostly about Jeff, and each passing moment increased my longing for him. I spent over ten minutes at the door, scared of going in and running into him. That was the last thing I wanted at the moment, I already made a fool of myself once, and I couldn't afford to make it twice a night.
After much contemplation, I summoned courage and opened the door. I ran so fast across the huge hallway, straight into the room.
"That was a close one," I mumbled as I went into the bathroom and settled for a cold shower.
By the time I got out, Jess was already back and sleeping. As expected, she was drunk and talking in her sleep.
"Only God knows how long and hard it must have taken her to find her way into the room." I thought as I got in bed, took my phone, and saw a text from Matt.
"Please babe, just this last chance. Let's meet and talk, I promise to explain everything and I'll never hurt you like this again. I love you so much Belle, I'll die without you in my life." Matt really knows how to manipulate me into doing his bidding, and though I stood my ground earlier, I was going to cave. I always do. I'm foolishly going to meet with him, listen to his lies, and then forgive him.
Just then, another notification popped up. This time, it was Luke.
"I had a great time tonight, let's do this again, soon. Btw, you look so beautiful in all your pictures, ever considered being a model?" I found myself chuckling at every word and I read it over three times.
Really, what's happening Belle? Just a week ago, I was this lonely girl whose life only revolved around her cheating boyfriend, and now, I have three competing for a space in my heart.
The night went by so quickly and it was soon morning. I had to force Jess out of bed, she was ready to sleep all day.
"Ohhh Belle, I'm so tired, last night was fun but this hangover is so terrible," Jess replied as she managed to sit up after I yanked off her duvet.
"Did you and Luke spend the night together?" She asked while I immediately gave her a stare.
"What? Spend the night together? He didn't even come in. I told you it was just a ride, nothing more." I quickly cleared.
"But he likes you though, he was drooling over you the whole time at the club," Jess added but I dismissed it with a wave.
"That doesn't mean he likes me, boys drool over girls all the time," I said firmly.
"Well, he's my cousin and we're quite close so trust me when I say Luke likes you, he definitely does," Jess said enthusiastically.
"What? Luke's your cousin?" I asked with shock expressed all over me.
"Yeah, didn't he tell you?" Jess quizzed casually while I remained shocked. I wasn't expecting them to be related and the last thing I want is being entangled with Jeff and his nephew. It's too much drama and I'm not made for such, Luke will have to find someone else.
We went downstairs and met Jeff enjoying his breakfast in silence. His face lit up the moment he saw us and it made me so happy. I like it when he smiles.
"Daddy!" Jess screamed like a little girl and ran over to kiss him.
"Hi Belle, good morning, how are you doing?" He finally noticed me.
"Good morning Sir, I'm fine," I replied shyly.
"That's good." He said while Jess and I took our seats and the maid served us.
"So Dad, when are you introducing me to her?" Jess asked while my gaze quickly stabbed Jeff. He noticed and smiled too.
"Introduce you to who?" He gently asked.
"Your girlfriend, of course, you were with a girl last night and things got quickly intense so don't you think I should know her?" Jess pressed further.
"I don't know what you're talking about darling?" Jeff replied.
"Belle, you also saw her yesterday, right?" Jess asked, suddenly facing me. I can't believe she's putting me on the spot like this. Of course, I saw the lady and I got really jealous and almost choked on my drink. Still, I can't be a part of her plan to matchmake Jeff.
"She's not my girlfriend, that was just fun. She came on to me and I didn't want to embarrass her by turning her away." Jeff replied. I didn't know how to feel about his response. He looked really interested in the girl but if he's saying it was nothing, I believe him.
"But Dad, you should get someone. It's been years since you and mom separated. You deserve to be happy again." Jess pressed further, making it all the more awkward and I wished I wasn't at the table.
"I'm happy darling, I have you and that's more happiness than I could ever wish for." He said firmly while Jess blushed.
"Okay Daddy, if you insist. I have something else to ask though." She added while he nodded her to go ahead.
"Okay, I think Belle and I should intern at your company till we go back to school." She said casually and I wondered where that came from. She didn't even discuss it with me and I never thought she was that serious. I had the impression it was going to be all fun throughout the summer.
"Why? I thought you came to enjoy and have fun?" Jeff quizzed.
"Yes, and we will, but I think we should get the experience too. It will help us, the connection, knowledge, and experience. I don't just want us idling around." Jess said convincingly. Her dad was silent for about a minute before he finally faced me.
"What do you think Belle? Is this what you want too?" He asked gently.
"Yes we'd appreciate it if you allow us," I affirmed.
"It's fine then. You can start whenever you're ready." He said while Jess quickly ran over to his side and kissed his cheek.