Burning Desire ✔︎

11 - A Daily Thing

Will POV
"Freeze! Intruder!!! Or I will hit you with this bat." A voice exclaimed.

I spun around at Chloe's commanding voice, my heart pounding in my chest. Seeing her with a baseball bat raised, ready to defend herself, both alarmed and amused me. But when I caught sight of Alexis in her vibrant red two-piece swimsuit, everything else seemed to fade into the background. Time momentarily stood still as I took in her radiant beauty.

Her slender figure accentuated by the perfectly fitting swimwear, her sun-kissed skin contrasting with the bold red fabric—it was a sight that left me breathless. The way her dark brown locks cascaded in gentle waves, framing her face, and the way her mesmerizing ocean blue eyes locked with mine, sending an unexpected jolt through my body.

For a moment, I forgot about everything else. The world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us. But as Chloe's playful comment pierced the silence, I became aware of the presence of our friends, bringing me back to reality. Alexis, seemingly flustered by my gaze, quickly reached for a towel, attempting to cover herself up.

Shaking off the spell she had unknowingly cast upon me, I cleared my throat, attempting to regain my composure. "Hey, sorry about that. I didn't mean to intrude." My eyes darted away from her, focusing on the surroundings.

Chloe's voice broke through the moment, teasing me and reminding me that we weren't alone. Her playful remark snapped me back to reality, and I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a warmth spread across my cheeks. I couldn't help but chuckle, attempting to downplay the intensity of the situation. "Right, right. Just...admiring the artwork, you know?"

Kaitlin chimed in, adding to the banter with her own playful comment. "Well, I guess I'll take that as a compliment, considering the artwork in question."

I couldn't help but smirk at her response, grateful for the lightheartedness that diffused the tension. It was in moments like these that I appreciated the camaraderie and friendship we shared.

As Kaitlin mentioned her upcoming wedding plans, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. The thought of committing to someone, of sharing a deep connection and embarking on a new chapter in life, tugged at the corners of my mind. But I quickly brushed it aside, knowing that my own journey had yet to fully unfold.

Chloe's abrupt departure left Alexis and me standing alone in the kitchen. I watched as she scurried upstairs to shower, her graceful figure disappearing from view. It was impossible to ignore the lingering attraction that had sparked between us, the unspoken connection that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.

Moments later, she reappeared, clad in shorts and a crop top that only served to intensify my desire. Her presence had a way of rendering me speechless, my mind struggling to keep up with the whirlwind of emotions. It was clear that she had an effect on me—a profound effect that I couldn't ignore.

Unable to contain my admiration, I blurted out, "Goodness, woman, you're trying to give me a heart attack." I chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood, but deep down, I knew the effect she had on me was anything but a joke.

Confusion flashed across her face as she looked down at her outfit. "Huh? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

I fought the urge to reach out and touch her, to let her know just how captivating she was. "Nothing's wrong, it's just...you look stunning, and it's hard to focus on anything else." I winced at my own words, feeling a mix of exhilaration and vulnerability wash over me. Alexis seemed taken aback by my compliment, her cheeks flushing with a delicate pink hue. I could tell she was trying to gather herself, to mask any hints of vulnerability.

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, thanks, Will. But I'm just heading out. I'll see you later."

My heart sank at the thought of her leaving. It was as if the world had suddenly turned colder, and I desperately wanted to hold on to the warmth of her presence. "Wait, where are you going?" I asked, my voice tinged with a hint of longing.