“I didn’t realize you were on such friendly terms with her…your yard girl. Friendly enough that you’d invite her over to mingle with your real friends.”

Real friends? Cassidy shrugged. “She’s nice. I enjoy her company.”

“So you hang out?”

“What’s with all the questions?”

“Well, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were interested in her.” Erica laughed. “Certainly not your type, though.”

Cassidy didn’t feel the need to discuss Laura with Erica so she didn’t bother with a reply. She walked over to the pool and handed Claudia—who was sitting with Amber under an umbrella—the margarita. Laura was standing out in the sun, looking longingly at the pool. Cassidy went over to her and took one of the beer bottles out of her hand.

“Jump in. I’m right behind you,” she whispered.

“Thanks. I didn’t know what the protocol was.”

“No protocol. Grab a float.”

Laura groaned. “There’s no way I’m going to fight with that damn float in front of your friends,” she whispered.

Cassidy laughed. “Don’t worry about them. I like watching you fight with it.”

“Yes, I know you do. And if any of them laugh at me, I’ll tip them off their floats when they’re least expecting it,” she threatened with a grin.

Cassidy felt quite giddy as she stared at her. “I really want to kiss you,” she whispered.

Laura held her gaze. “Probably not a good idea. Your friend Claudia has been shooting me daggers. She may attack.”

“I’ll help you flip her off the float later.”

Laura smiled into her eyes. “Then I’ll let you kiss me later.”

Laura set her beer bottle at the edge, then jumped into the pool, splashing her with water. Cassidy watched her for a second as she went to retrieve a float, then turned to her friends, finding them all watching Laura as well. Erica turned to her first, her eyebrows raised questioningly. It wasn’t any of their business, she decided, so she felt no need to explain Laura’s presence there. Besides, what would she say? Would she tell them how badly she wanted to kiss her? Being attracted to Laura was one thing…but being insanely attracted to her was something else entirely.

She plastered a smile on her face and moved closer. “You guys getting in the pool or can I get you another margarita?”

“I’m getting in,” Claudia said. “I want to visit with your yard girl a little.” Then she smiled. “She looks like she’s having trouble with the float. Perhaps I’ll help her.”

She turned, seeing Laura struggling to get the float under her. As Claudia made her way over to her, Laura righted herself finally.

“She has a hard time getting it to hold still for her,” Cassidy explained with a laugh. “It’s quite amusing.”

“Just how often does she come over?”