Austin smiled. “No, kitten, you look like an angel that fell straight into this pool from heaven. Just keep posing for me, that’s all I ask.”

I knew I’d be really cold when I finally got out of this pool, and to stay warm I had to keep my shoulders under the water.

The pool was pretty shallow, and although Axel preferred to swim he could also stand. After he had exhausted himself, Austin jogged back to his bag and brought out another crown.

He placed it on top of Axel’s head. “The only thing I need to add is flowers for the crowns.” Austin went and picked a few beautiful stunning red flowers off the ground where they had fallen from the plant and threaded them into the crowns that my dog and I were wearing.

I laughed when he said we looked perfect. “I feel like if I described this whole experience to someone they would think I was having a fever dream.”

I could barely see Austin‘s handsome face around the camera. “That’s kind of the feeling I’m going for. I want a surreal dream feel and we’re nailing it.”

Our photo shoot lasted for a little while longer, but when I had to keep dipping my head underwater to keep myself warm, he insisted I get out. Austin put away his camera as I lifted my dog. Austin made sure to hang on to his leash because his relaxing in the pool had brought out the wild man in Axel. I stepped out and Austin held out his jacket to me as I shivered. He wound his arm around my shoulders and then just stayed that way. His nose was inches from my forehead and I focused on his full lips.

“When I’m with you, everything quiets inside me. You remind me so much of home, happiness.” He took a deep breath like he was gearing up for something big.

“That’s me–an old keepsake from home.” The romantic setting and the fact my entire outfit was pretty much see-through crashed down around me.

I was just his sister’s best friend.

“You’re way more than that.” Our gaze caught. He looked from my lips to my eyes and back again. “I feel like you’re a mistake I’m trying not to make.”

I swallowed hard and nodded. That was me—his mistake and something that was never going to happen. I tried to avoid him while still staying in his arms. Axel chose then to shake his fur dry.

Austin let out a slow curse. “Fuck.”

I stepped back and grabbed the leash. “I’m already wet, so I’ll take all his dog showers.”

I was doing my best to hide that this conversation was affecting me, arousing me.

Austin entered my personal space. “It’s beautiful out here tonight.”