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“You hired me because you wanted me?”
“Nah, I almost didn’t hire you because I wanted you. I ain’t need no more complications. I hired you because you were the best candidate. Wanting you was just an inconvenience in my situation.”
That shut me up, but only briefly.
“Truth or dare?”
Those dark eyes bored into me. “Paz, is it even your turn?”
“You gon’ cheat at this, too?” I fussed.
Sighing, he chose, “Dare.”
I smiled and had no shame at the lasciviousness of it. “Take your shirt off.”
Saadiq stared at me. “That’s your dare?”
“For now.”
He stood, grabbed the hem, and pulled it over his head. Yep, same wide shoulders, broad chest, defined stomach, tattoos. I just had to check. Lord, I would never get tired of this view. And every inch of him looked as good under the moonlight as it had beneath the afternoon sun.
He tossed the shirt aside. “Happy?”
“Somewhat.”
His laugh was low. “Your turn.”
“Dare.”
He nodded toward the pool. “Take your clothes off and get in.”
“You didn’t tell me to bring a swimsuit,” I reminded him.
His smile was sneaky and gorgeous. “I know.”
My mouth opened. “Saadiq!”
“You said dare.”
“You really think I’m skinny-dipping with you?”
“I think you scared.”
This fool had figured out my weakness. I could not stand to be told I was scared of anything. I was Topaz the Bold. Topaz the Fearless. Topaz the… soon to be naked?
I stood. “Fine. But you first.”
He didn’t argue. His hands went to his waistband. I turned my head, Suddenly, finding the ocean very interesting. When I finally looked back, he was already walking toward the pool. Naked.
Saadiq looked over his shoulder. “Apple?”
I cleared my throat. “Coming,” I said faintly.
“Soon,” he promised and stepped into the water.
I reached behind myself and lowered my zipper. Brown eyes burned into me. I let the dress slide down my body, making a show of working the bodice over my hips. I made a little show of my underwear, too. For once, I didn’t feel shy. I liked the way Saadiq looked at me, like every curve I’d ever criticized was exactly where he wanted it to be.
“Come here,” he said.
