Jealousy and anger

CHAPTER TWO

After school, I followed Harper back to her place as I parked in my normal spot along the curb.

"Do you want to swim before dinner?" Harper asked as she unlocked the front door.

It was a surprisingly hot day for Portland today and I could use a cool down after another run-in with Asher. He'd be home later and God only knew what he'd do to piss me off again. A cool down was just what I needed.

"Yes, definitely."

We went up to Harper's room and changed into our bikinis. I basically had my own dresser of clothes here and she had a dresser at my place too. We were inseparable and always together, so it only made sense that we had our own spot for clothes at each other's houses.

The house was still quiet when we left her room and headed for the pool outback. I was glad that Asher wasn't home yet and prayed like hell that he wouldn't show up until later. I seriously didn't want to have another run-in with him so soon after the first one.

Harper threw on some upbeat music and then we jumped in. The cool water felt amazing against my skin as I floated on my back and waded in the pool.

Then I heard laughter coming from inside the house as my eyes whipped open. My gaze turned toward the direction of the sound, and that's when I saw Asher and his buddies walk in. They didn't seem to notice us out in the pool and I silently begged for him to keep walking. Don't come out here. Please.

Asher looked through the patio doors and saw us in the pool as a wicked grin spread across his face. I did not like that look one bit. He was up to something. I could feel it.

He walked in our direction and I panicked.

No, no, no! Why can't he just leave us be?

"Hey, girls," Jake rasped as he looked down at us. He was one of Asher's best friends and not bad looking himself. Then he looked at me. "Hey, Layla."

Why did I cringe when he said my name that way? Jake was hot and most girls would kill to be with him, so why didn't I?

"Go away! We're having girl time," Harper whined as she tried to splash them away.

Asher snorted and shook his head. "You two are always having girl time. You know this is my pool too, right?"

No. He was not going to join us! I will get out if he does.

Asher kicked off his shoes and pulled his shirt over his head, and I gawked like an idiot. He was so gloriously sexy and I couldn't stop staring. His muscles rippled in the sunlight and a perfect V stretched into his jeans before it disappeared. My mouth watered at the thought of what was in those jeans of his. His dirty blond hair was a mess on top of his head, but oh what I wouldn't give to run my hands through it. I was completely mesmerized by the sight of him. Nobody should be allowed to be that attractive. Nobody.

Why does the guy I hate so much have to be this hot? Why does the guy I hate so much fill my dreams at night? And, why does the guy I hate have to be my best friend's brother? 

He kicked off his jeans and ran toward the pool as he jumped in and made a huge splash. I wiped away the pool water and saw Jake and their other buddy, Tate, jump in as well.

"Well, there's my cue..." I pouted as I swam toward the edge of the pool.

I jumped when I felt someone's arms wrap around my waist and hold me tightly against their chest. I looked over and saw Asher holding me, and for a split second, I was excited. He was holding onto me and it felt amazing. His arm felt so good around me as I felt a sizzle run up my spine. But then I remembered that I hated him.

I smacked his arm. "Let go of me, Asher!" 

"Asher! Don't be a dick," Harper scolded.

Her assistance was adverted when Tate swam toward her. He began to playfully splash water at her and I knew I was doomed. Harper had a huge crush on Tate and had for years. Anytime Tate showered her with any kind of attention, I became nonexistent.

"Asher, please!" I stopped squirming when I knew I was losing the battle.

He lowered his face into my neck and whispered, "I can't wait to hear you beg my name when I'm doing something else to you."

Holy shit. Did he just say what I think he just said? I felt goosebumps cascade across my skin and straight down between my legs. This was not how my body should be reacting to him. I wanted him to touch me elsewhere to make this ache disappear, and somehow I let a moan escape my lips. I quickly slapped my hand over my mouth and cringed when his arms tightened.

Then he released me as I swam away, but I turned back to look at him and gulped. He looked at me with surprise and I cursed. I had worked so hard to make him think I couldn't stand him and then I let out a moan?! What the hell is wrong with me?!

Jake swam over toward me and wrapped his arms around me next.

"Jake! No!" I cried as I latched onto his arms. I couldn't help but look over at Asher and noticed the scowl on his face. What the hell was that? Jealous? Anger?