Chapter Text
Her ex had made out like a bandit in the divorce. She’d gotten the condo, the car, their friends, and eight thousand bucks a month in alimony for the next eight years. Emotional neglect it had decided as. Irreconcilable differences.
That was the part that had gotten under Agatha’s skin. They’d been together for fifteen years, married for ten of it. And during that time she’d clawed her way to the top of the partnership ladder at the firm. For a decade she’d worked early, late, weekends, and holidays. All in support of her wife whose primary contribution to their finances was a small (yet surprisingly profitable) Etsy shop.
She hadn’t minded that though. She enjoyed being a provider and breadwinner. When she fell in love with her ex it was because of her free spirit. But it turns out her wife would have preferred someone who was a little less successful, a little less ambitious, a little less hungry . Someone who was around more.
The one term Agatha hadn’t been willing to budge on was keeping her house. She’d owned it outright before the divorce, and though the condo was more valuable, this one was hers. Plus it had a pool.
After the divorce was finalized, the other partners had insisted she take a few weeks, and as she was currently between cases, she’d agreed.
So she set herself to refamiliarizing herself with the house that she had bought but had had little hand in decorating or tending to. She had realized this morning while fiddling with the expensive espresso machine her wife一 her money 一had bought that she was a stranger in this place.
It was beautifully decorated but with the pictures gone and the last of her ex-wife’s boxes out, Agatha noticed how little of herself there was in this place. She shook off the feeling and donned a flowing robe before making her way out to lounge by the pool.
It had been an extravagance when she’d bought it, one that she hadn’t ended up using as much as she’d thought. A few times a year her ex would convince her to invite their friends round to make a day of it. But these days the only person in it was the pool guy or whatever who dropped by a few times a week.
She thought it was once a week. She wasn’t sure. Her wife had maintained the schedule of cleaners, landscapers, and other workers who had shuttled in and out of the house. Agatha had never interacted with any of them. She just paid the bill.
The last thing her ex had given her was a little notebook with all the details of the household details and routines she kept written down. It had been meant as a gift. Agatha took it as one last dig. As if she, a prestigious and renowned attorney with a perpetually full client list, couldn’t manage a house alone. Her house.
Agatha had no problem being alone. In fact, at this point in her life, 48 years old and starting over, she welcomed it. In that spirit, she removed her robe and dropped it carelessly to the side before laying down on her stomach. She hadn’t bothered with anything under the robe. The well-manicured hedge was tall blocking out any prying eyes, and the feel of the sun against her skin was too good to pass up. The warmth washed over her and before long she drifted off into a nap.
One that was far too brief and incredibly rudely interrupted.
“Hey lady, not that it’s my business, but you should probably flip before you burn.” A cool voice broke her solace. Agatha startled at the sound and scrambled to sit up, grabbing the robe and pulling it like a sheet to cover her.
At the far end of the pool stood a young woman balancing a long pole and a large net on her shoulders. She was in a tank top and black shorts, shorts Agatha couldn’t help but notice that seemed to expose miles of tan leg. A faded blue cap covered her hair drawn up into a tight ponytail, and dark sunglasses covered her eyes. Eyes that were likely crinkled based on the wide smirk on her face.
Agatha’s cheeks flushed, partly from embarrassment but mostly from irritation. The audacity. It was her pool, and she didn’t need unsolicited skincare advice from some… cheeky, young, far-too-young her brain filled in, pool girl.
Clearing her throat, Agatha pulled her robe properly around herself and shot the girl a frosty look. “I’m fine, thank you. You're right, it's not your business. And it's Agatha, not lady.” she replied, trying to channel her best courtroom voice, the one that brooked no nonsense. But the pool girl only grinned wider, clearly unfazed.
“Hey, I’m just looking out for you,” the young woman said, casually lowering the net to her side. “You looked so comfortable. Didn’t want you waking up looking like a lobster.” She chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the little power shift in the exchange.
Agatha huffed, pushing her damp hair off her forehead. “I assure you, I’m capable of managing my own sun exposure.”
The girl shrugged and held up her hands in mock surrender. “Suit yourself. Just trying to keep my favorite clients looking flawless.”
Agatha opened her mouth to retort, then promptly closed it, entirely caught off guard. Flawless? Was this woman actually flirting with her?
But before she could formulate a response, the pool girl pulled off her sunglasses, hooking them on her tank top. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked at Agatha. “Anyway, don’t let me stop you. I’m just here to clean up some leaves.” She tilted her head with a smirk. “Unless there’s anything else?”
Agatha felt her face warm, and not from the sun this time. “Thank you, but I’m perfectly fine alone.”
The girl’s grin softened, turning from teasing to something almost gentle. “Got it, message received. But if you change your mind…” She tossed the net over her shoulder, turning toward the pool with a jaunty two-finger salute. “Just holler.”
Agatha stood, muttering to herself as she bundled up her robe, irritation simmering in her chest. She wasn’t used to feeling so… disarmed. Shaking her head, she left the pool area, telling herself she was absolutely not affected.
But as she retreated back into the house, she realized her pulse was still racing—and not entirely from annoyance. Agatha resolved to keep a proper distance from the pool girl, convinced that the brief, nerve-jangling encounter had been more than enough excitement for one day.
The next day, Agatha sat by the pool with her morning coffee, a large pair of sunglasses shielding her gaze as she scanned the pages of a novel. She didn’t even look up when she heard the gate open, determined to ignore the girl’s arrival and maintain her composure.
“Good morning!” the girl called, her voice dripping with sunshine. Agatha inclined her head ever so slightly, just enough to acknowledge her but not enough to encourage conversation. But the girl seemed undeterred, already strolling over to the side of the pool, crouching down to scoop a few stray leaves out with her net.
“Must be a pretty good book,” she said, her tone casual. “Guess that explains why you haven’t noticed me.”
Agatha stiffened, pretending to be absorbed in the page. “I’m reading, I’m not interested in distractions.” She kept her tone clipped, aiming for disinterest, but a smile tugged at her lips.
“Uh-huh,” the girl replied, feigning disbelief. “Bet I could change that. You know, give you a more interesting story than that book.” She moved in closer, adding in a conspiratorial stage whisper, “If you’re brave enough.”
Agatha couldn’t hold back a scoff, finally looking up from her novel.
Today the woman wore dark green tennis shorts and a matching oversized camp shirt held together by a single button. A white sports bra covered her chest but the outfit did nothing to hide her smooth tan stomach and slightly muscular tone. Agatha’s throat went slightly dry. She was confident in her appearance, even pushing 50 she knew she looked damn good. But even at her prime, she’d never looked like that.
But if she had she knew she would’ve been shameless in showing it off just as the girl was doing now. And she couldn’t blame her. The hot pool guy, or pool girl, in this case, was a cliche for a reason. She couldn’t blame her game. Agatha imagined that it would be all too easy to spend her days flirting with bored housewives and offering either flattery or a thrill to pick up some extra tips.
But Agatha wouldn’t be so easily charmed. Even in the privacy of her own home, she flushed slightly. A torrid affair with a girl half her age on the heels of the end of a decade-long marriage was far more scandal than she wanted to invite. That was deep into predictable midlife crisis territory. And she refused to be predictable.
Still, she was never more thankful that she’d worn sunglasses today so that the girl couldn’t see her eyes wander appreciatively over her body. There was nothing wrong with appreciating a view. But as she felt her flush grow, threatening to expand beyond what her oversized sunglasses could hide, she quickly shook her head and regained her composure.
“I have no interest in whatever tall tales you might tell, thank you.” Her gaze met the girl’s familiar smirk, which was far too infectious.
She leaned on the net pole, grinning. “Aw, you wound me. Here I was thinking I was your favorite source of entertainment around here.”
“Believe me, you flatter yourself.” Agatha sipped her coffee to hide her smile, but she knew she’d been caught.
“Where’s the nice one? She at least usually offers me a water bottle or something.”
Agatha frowned and for a brief moment caught herself jealously wondering, had they? But she shook the thought from her head. No, her ex was many things, but if she could’ve been kept satisfied through sex alone she’d still be here.
“Sorry kid,” she sneered, “you’re stuck with the not nice one now.”
“Heard. As long as I’m still getting paid, I’m not picky.” She raised her hand towards Agatha in a mock salute before heading back to her work. But just as she reached the pool, she turned, calling out, “Name’s Rio, by the way. Figured you’d want to know who’s stealing your peace and quiet.”
Agatha’s retort died on her lips as she watched Rio saunter back to the water, all easy confidence and charm. Ridiculous, this girl was ridiculous.
She sighed and snapped the book shut before heading inside.
Still, not to be outdone by her ex, call it an insurance policy, she returned briefly outside with a bottle of Gatorade in her hand.
Rio grinned at her knowingly and opened her mouth her mouth to make some clever comment. But Agatha didn’t allow her, she tossed the bottle at her with more force than necessary before just as quickly returning inside. She absolutely did not let the ease with which the woman caught one-handed out of the air affect her. She certainly didn’t notice the curve of her bicep flex as she did so.
Inside, Agatha shut the sliding door with a huff, feeling her pulse race at the exchange. Ridiculous. This whole situation was absurd, but she couldn’t deny there was a thrill in it—a thrill she’d hardly felt in years, if ever. But it just had to be the change of pace, the novelty of it all. She was a woman who appreciated intellect, stability, wit—all traits she’d found in her ex. But those hadn’t been enough.
Her thoughts kept returning to Rio. The way she smirked, completely unbothered by Agatha’s icy demeanor, like she could see right through her. And Agatha couldn’t ignore her attraction, no matter how much she tried. The woman was just so confident, so at ease with herself, and maybe that was what made it so enticing.
She’d never been one to be pursued so openly; her usual partners were intellectuals, serious-minded women who preferred cocktails to sports drinks and long conversations to flirtatious banter.
In a moment of sheer indulgence, she found herself imagining what it would be like to give in a bit to the overt flirting. She imagined herself spread on her stomach on the lounge chairs, asking Rio to help her apply sunscreen. The preposterous scenario played out in her mind—Rio’s hands warm and confident on her back, that easygoing smile as she teased her. The thought alone sent a small thrill up her spine before she caught herself, mortified.
Absolutely not, she thought, banishing the fantasy with a sharp mental reprimand. Here she was, weeks out of a bruising divorce, fantasizing about a young woman barely half her age. The absurdity, she thought, rubbing her temples.
She had no business entertaining even a passing fancy for someone so obviously just looking to pass the time. This was all a bit of fun for Rio, no doubt, and probably a regular act to make sure she got an extra few bucks each visit.
Her ex had been the one for grand gestures, for taking the world by storm with her free-spirited ways—until it had all crumbled under the weight of Agatha’s ambitions. Emotional neglect the court had called it, her wife’s little jab etched in legalese for all eternity.
And yet here she was, imagining frivolous excuses to bring the pool girl closer. Get a grip, Agatha, she scolded herself, realizing she hadn’t even read a word of the chapter she’d tried to focus on by the pool.
With a heavy sigh, she leaned against the kitchen counter, resolute that this—whatever this flirtation was—would go no further. She’d focus on getting back to work soon enough. But as she looked out the window, her eyes lingered, catching sight of Rio by the pool, laughing softly to herself as she finished her work.
Agatha turned away from the window with a huff. She didn’t care, she told herself. After all, it was just a ridiculous little moment. To give it any more weight than that would be foolish. Agatha wasn’t a foolish woman.
She stormed up the stairs and forced herself into a cold shower.
A few days later, Agatha was attempting to relax, trying out the yoga mat that had been gathering dust in the corner of her bedroom. But right as she worked on balancing in a warrior pose, she heard a familiar voice call out from behind her.
“Nice form,” Rio observed, a chuckle barely suppressed. “Could use a little work on the stance, though.”
Agatha’s concentration slipped, and she stumbled out of the pose, turning with a glare. “Do you make a habit of popping up unannounced?”
“Take it easy lady, just adding some chemicals, I’ll be gone in a jiffy” Rio shot back, winking. She set down her net and strolled over, placing her hands on her hips. “But if you need a trainer…”
Agatha shook her head, rolling her eyes. “Let me guess you’re a certified yoga instructor as your side gig?”
“Nope, but I know a thing or two about staying limber.” Rio’s grin broadened, clearly enjoying Agatha’s thinly veiled fluster. “Just think about it. I’d make a good workout buddy.”
Agatha raised an eyebrow, keeping her face neutral even as her pulse quickened. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Rio winked at her before heading over to the pool, swinging the jug of chlorine in her hand as she whistled. It was a hot day and Agatha couldn’t help but notice how her shirt clung to the sweat on her back.
“I’m going to get some water,” Agatha said in a rush, “want some?”
“Sure that’d be great,” she called back, shooting an easy smile over her shoulder as she knelt by the pool, “thanks.”
Agatha turned on her heel, the kitchen feeling hotter than the day outside. Filling a glass from the Brita pitcher, she glanced out the window toward the pool again, stealing another look at Rio. She was crouched over, swirling a test strip in the water, the light glancing off her tanned skin and damp shirt. Ridiculous, Agatha reminded herself again, giving herself a small shake.
She went to refill the pitcher at the sink, and as she twisted the faucet handle, a loud pop sounded from under the counter. Suddenly, a jet of cold water sprayed from the pipe, dousing her blouse and splashing across her face. Agatha stumbled back with a cry, throwing her arms up defensively as the water continued to pour out, drenching her kitchen floor. "You have got to be fucking kidding me!" she shouted, trying in vain to block the gushing spray with her hands.
A moment later, she heard a voice from behind. “You okay in there?”
She whipped her head around to find Rio poking her head through the door, one brow raised in amusement. "No," Agatha snapped, wiping water from her face. "Does it look like I’m okay?"
Rio grinned. “Fair point. Looks like you’ve got a burst pipe. You need to turn off the water valve before you’re swimming in here.”
Agatha clenched her jaw, the frustration clear on her face. “I don’t— I don’t know where that is.” She hated the admission; it sounded helpless, and she was far from helpless. Or at least she liked to think so.
Unbothered, Rio stepped inside. “No problem, I can find it,” she said, bending down and peering under the sink without hesitation. Within moments, she found the valve, twisting it until the water finally ceased its relentless flow. She straightened up and gave Agatha a once-over, smirking as she took in the soaked state of her blouse. “Gimme a minute. I’ll grab my tool belt from the truck and get that fixed up for you,” she said, casual and cheerful.
Agatha folded her arms over her chest, feeling absurdly exposed despite the soaked fabric sticking to her skin. “Thank you,” she muttered, trying to reclaim some semblance of dignity.
Rio just chuckled and breezed out the front door. Agatha rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help noticing how Rio’s shirt was now soaked through as well.
Agatha busied herself with grabbing towels to mop up the floor, cursing under her breath. She was supposed to be relaxing on this so-called “break,” but instead, she was practically drowning in her own kitchen, and now… now she needed the help of her insufferably charming pool girl.
A few minutes later, Rio returned, tool belt swinging with each step and a grin on her face that was entirely too self-assured for Agatha’s taste. "All right, let's see what kind of damage we’re dealing with," Rio said, dropping down to inspect the pipe, the toned muscles in her arms flexing as she worked. Agatha turned away, feeling slightly bashful. Here she was, a decorated attorney with hundreds of cases under her belt, feeling flustered by girl who happened to be some versatile jack of all trades fixing her plumbing.
Rio looked up from her work, catching Agatha staring at the counter instead of at her. “Good news is, it’s an easy fix,” she said, flashing that familiar smile.
“Good,” Agatha replied curtly, folding her arms tighter around herself. She refused to be drawn in by the casual confidence Rio exuded, yet there she was, feeling more flustered by the moment. Rio gave her another once-over, clearly noticing her discomfort.
“Water should be back on in a jiffy,” she said, tightening the pipe fitting. “But you’re gonna want to let it drain a bit before using it.” She stood, brushing her hands off on her shorts, a smudge of grease on her wrist. “And maybe dry off before you catch cold?” Her tone was warm, a hint of teasing, but Agatha could hear the genuine concern.
Agatha’s lips quirked, just barely, as she held back a sigh. “I was…going to, thank you.” The warmth in Rio’s gaze made her suddenly self-conscious, and she looked away, hoping Rio didn’t notice the faint blush warming her cheeks.
Rio turned, clearly pleased with herself. “It’s not a problem. You’re welcome. And hey, thanks for the drink,” she added, motioning toward the glass of water on the counter. She downed it in one go, the action somehow managing to look graceful, then placed the glass neatly in the sink.
With her work finished, Rio headed back for the door. “If anything else springs a leak, you know who to call,” she said with a wink, heading out as casually as she’d come.
Agatha watched her go, that signature smirk still lingering in her mind. She clenched her jaw, determined not to let this absurd situation get under her skin, yet knowing full well it already had. Ridiculous.
When she heard the hum of Rio’s truck fade down the street, she made her way upstairs still grumbling to herself.
Her fingers worked absently at the buttons of her shirt, her mind swirling. She scolded herself for letting someone as seemingly carefree as Rio occupy so much space in her thoughts. Rio was so unbothered, so laid-back. Everything neither her ex-wife or she had ever been. And, Agatha realized with a jolt, that difference threatened her to feel something far deeper than just a passing physical attraction.
That thought rattled her. She hardly knew this woman. How could Rio’s easy charm feel like anything more than a trivial distraction? With a scoff, she shook her head, deciding not to entertain the idea. She had better things to do than dwell on some absurd notion of connection with a young, flirty pool girl.
Agatha let her shirt fall to the floor as she stepped into her bedroom. She stripped off the rest of her clothes, letting herself fall back onto the cool sheets, deliberately pushing any stray thoughts about Rio's humor, her confidence, or the strange warmth she left in her wake to the side.
She refused to dwell on the way Rio’s eyes sparkled whenever she threw a quip her way, or the sly glances she seemed to catch, as though Rio had been studying her for longer than Agatha realized.
Instead, Agatha turned her thoughts to something simpler: the curve of Rio’s bicep flexing as she’d tightened the pipe, the ease with which she’d handled the tools, the glint in her eye that somehow felt like a dare. She could let herself linger there, imagining Rio’s hands, her grip steady and sure.
As she closed her eyes, allowing herself this indulgence, Agatha told herself that it was nothing more than lust. She just needed to release some pent-up tension. It had been a while, even before their divorce had been finalized they’d long stopped sharing the same bed. She just needed to get off That was all.
She idly trailed her hand over her chest, brushing her thumb over her nipple. Her other hand drifted towards her thighs. Agatha let her eyes close, a small smile tugging at her lips as her mind wandered. She could almost feel Rio’s hands, warm and roughened, trailing down her arms, that easy grin hovering just a bit too close. The memory of Rio’s low, teasing voice echoed in her mind, words meant to fluster and unnerve her as much as they made her feel seen.
She imagined the gentle press of Rio’s fingers lingering at her waist. She pictured her pulling her closer, her gaze steady and mischievous as if to say, I knew you'd come around. The thought sent a thrill through her, and she allowed herself to sink further into the daydream, savoring the playful, magnetic pull she felt every time they met.
For a moment she considered grabbing the lube from her nightstand but as her fingers dipped between her legs it was evident that it wouldn’t be needed. As she pressed her two fingers into herself she considered if Rio’s hands would be soft and gentle or if they’d carry firm callouses. She wondered what she was like in bed, if she’d go slow and take her time or if she’d be rough and demanding.
Agatha settled on the latter and when she came, she did so biting her tongue to keep the girl’s name out of her mouth.
After two weeks off, Agatha was itching to return to work. She needed a distraction from, well, her distraction .
Agatha fished her phone from her purse and dialed Lilia’s number, tapping her nails impatiently as she waited for her partner to pick up. The familiar voice came through, warm and direct, with that hint of cool authority Agatha had learned to respect, even if it did occasionally get under her skin.
"Agatha! How’s the R&R treating you?" Lilia asked, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.
“I’m ready to come back,” Agatha replied, not bothering to sugarcoat it. “I need something to do that isn’t lounging by the pool.”
There was a pause, and Agatha could practically hear Lilia’s shrewd mind weighing how best to handle this. "I understand, but you know as well as I do that coming back now isn’t ideal. You’ve just wrapped two intense cases back-to-back. Not to mention your personal matters. Take a little more time. The firm isn’t going anywhere."
Agatha opened her mouth to protest, but Lilia cut in smoothly. “Listen, Agatha, I know you’re itching for routine, but we’ve got the Jefferson case coming in two weeks. That one has you written all over it—messy family dynamics, high stakes, perfect for your expertise. I’d hate for you to come back just to lose your edge before you even sink your teeth in. We need you fresh.”
Agatha felt her objection falter. The Jefferson’s had threatened a messy ugly divorce for years. If it was finally happening it would be the kind that demanded a sharp mind and plenty of patience. It would be the exact kind of work she could throw herself into fully.
With a sigh, she leaned back, resigning herself. "Alright, Lilia. Two weeks. But the second they sign a contract…"
“You’ll be the first one I call,” Lilia promised. “Enjoy the sun while it lasts, Agatha. The work will always be here.”
Agatha hung up, unwilling to admit even to herself that her partner had a point.
The sun was high, casting a golden warmth over the yard as Agatha waited by the pool, reclining on a lounger in a swimsuit she hadn’t dared to wear in years. Its deep neckline and high-cut sides revealed enough that she could almost hear her ex-wife’s disapproving voice in her head. But today, that voice was irrelevant.
She adjusted her sunglasses, heart thudding in a way she hadn’t felt in years, as she heard the gate open and Rio strolled in, casually swinging her net pole.
“Good morning,” Rio greeted her with her usual cheeky grin. But her eyes did a quick double-take, glancing over Agatha with barely disguised surprise. “Looks like someone’s embracing the pool life.”
Agatha smirked, letting herself feel a spark of satisfaction at the flicker of surprise on Rio’s face. “I figured it was finally time to make use of this place properly,” she replied, resting an elbow on her lounger and meeting Rio’s gaze. “Besides, wouldn’t want you to be the only one enjoying the view.”
Rio raised an eyebrow, clearly thrown. “Can’t say I’m complaining.” She leaned on her net pole, her usual confidence faltering for a split second before her grin returned.
Agatha stretched languidly on the lounger, arching her back just enough to catch Rio’s gaze again. She knew the effect it would have and found herself reveling in it, enjoying the slight flush that rose on Rio’s cheeks.
“Are you sure you’re not?” Agatha teased, tilting her head with a playful smirk. “You look a little… flustered.” She let her tone linger, watching as Rio’s mouth opened as if to reply, only for her words to vanish into a slightly sheepish laugh.
“Flustered? Me?” Rio shook her head, clearly scrambling for her usual confidence. “I, uh… just didn’t realize you ever actually used the pool.”
“Well, today I plan on it,” Agatha replied, crossing one leg over the other and giving Rio a once-over as if assessing her. “I’m just waiting for you to be ready.” She couldn’t help but chuckle as she saw Rio scrambling to decide whether this was an invitation or just a tease. The tables had turned, and Agatha was firmly in control, and she relished every second of it. This was more like it. Why hadn’t she been doing this all along?
“Right,” Rio mumbled, clearly rattled as she turned to focus intently on the pool, making a show of dipping the pole in and clearing a few stray leaves. “Almost done here.”
Agatha leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, and watched her with amusement. “Take your time, sweetheart,” she said, letting the endearment roll off her tongue as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She saw Rio’s hand pause mid-sweep, and for a brief moment, Rio looked over her shoulder, eyebrows raised.
Agatha shrugged, pretending innocence as she stood, stretched once more, and walked past her to the pool’s edge. “Looks good enough,” she replied smoothly before diving into the water with a graceful arc, the cool splash breaking the silence that followed.
When she surfaced, Rio was still standing by the edge, looking stunned but highly entertained, her own smirk creeping back. Agatha gave her a satisfied smile, feeling a thrill at having taken control of their little game, for once completely and unapologetically on her terms.
Agatha let herself float in the cool water, her smirk widening when she noticed Rio still hovering at the pool's edge, shifting from foot to foot like she was trying to come up with an excuse to stay.
“Need a lifeguard?” Rio asked, tilting her head with a playful grin. “I mean, you talk a big game, but I’ve never actually seen you swim.”
Agatha laughed. “I’ll be fine, thanks,” she replied, her tone breezy. “I think I can manage a few laps without any help. But I’ll keep you in mind if I get into trouble.” She winked, enjoying the faint blush that crept up Rio’s cheeks.
Rio gave a reluctant nod, her grin fading just a bit as she rubbed the back of her neck, clearly trying to think of one last thing to say before leaving. “Alright, alright. But you know where to find me if anything… if you need anything.”
“Duly noted,” Agatha replied smoothly, giving a lazy wave of her hand. “And thank you, Rio. For the pool, I mean. You’ve done good work.” She saw Rio’s eyes light up just a bit at the compliment, and Agatha couldn’t help the warmth in her own smile. “Now, go on. You must have more fun things to do with your weekend than babysit me.”
“Right. Sure,” Rio said, nodding a little too quickly, almost stumbling as she took a step back. She recovered with a quick wink, flashing her usual charming smile. “Enjoy the water, Agatha.”
With one last look, she finally turned and left, and Agatha watched her go, savoring the victory. But as Rio’s truck rumbled down the street and silence settled back over the pool, Agatha found herself staring at the empty gate, almost disappointed by the quiet she’d been so sure she wanted.
She let out a breath and sank deeper into the water, her fingers trailing along the rippling surface.
A few days passed, and Agatha found herself waiting with an edge of anticipation she hadn’t felt in years. It was ridiculous, she told herself, how easily Rio had wormed her way under her skin, making her look forward to these visits with a thrill that had no place in her life. But she couldn’t deny it, and when she saw Rio's truck pull up, she barely managed to keep her face neutral.
Today, Rio had shown up in a tank top that showed off her shoulders and that faded flower and vine tattoo that crept around her left shoulder. She had barely stepped through the gate when Agatha gave her a smirk, as if daring her to make the first move.
“Someone’s finally dressed for the heat,” Agatha remarked, resting a hand on her hip as Rio set her supplies down. “Or are you just trying to show off?”
Rio chuckled, seemingly unfazed, but Agatha didn’t miss the quick glance she threw her way. “Just dressing for the weather,” Rio said, her voice light, though her gaze lingered for a fraction longer than usual. “Not my fault if it’s appreciated.”
“Oh, trust me,” Agatha replied, arching a brow. “It’s not unappreciated.”
Rio’s laughter faded into something quieter, her eyes taking on that familiar, playful glint. “That right?”
Agatha crossed her arms, leaning casually against the lounger as Rio got to work. She could feel her own pulse thrumming, each exchange of banter only adding to the heat simmering in the air between them. Eventually, Rio looked up from the filter, her eyes sharper than usual.
“You know, I can’t tell if you’re actually enjoying this,” Rio teased, “or if you’re just seeing how far you can push me.”
Agatha smiled, leaning forward a bit, her gaze locked on Rio’s. “Maybe a bit of both.” She could feel her heart racing, her pulse pounding with the thrill of closing the distance.
“Careful,” Rio murmured, her tone lower, nearly challenging. “You might get more than you bargained for.”
“Promise?” The word slipped out before Agatha could catch it, her voice breathier than she intended, and she saw Rio’s gaze darken in response. The air between them felt electric, and neither of them moved, caught in the charged space that stretched thinner with every second.
Finally, Rio broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t know what you’re asking for.”
“Don’t I?” She raised her hand and curled one finger, beckoning the girl over to her. “Come, sit.” A thrill passed through her as Rio heeded her call and walked over to her. She sifted slightly on the lounger to give some room for the girl to perch on the lounger next to her.
Through all their teasing, they had never been this physically close to one another.
Agatha’s breath hitched, a surge of something wild rising in her. Without thinking, she reached out, her fingers brushing Rio’s arm before sliding up to her shoulder. She saw Rio’s eyes widen, the bravado slipping just a little, and in that moment, the last of her own restraint broke.
In one swift motion, she closed the distance, pulling Rio toward her and pressing her lips to hers, tasting the surprise that melted quickly into a heated response. Rio’s hands found her waist, pulling her closer as Agatha deepened the kiss, letting herself be swept up in the dizzying thrill of finally giving in.
Every inch of her felt alive, the tension between them dissolving in the warmth of Rio’s mouth, the softness of her skin. Agatha ran a hand through Rio’s hair, tugging just enough to hear the soft gasp that escaped her, savoring the heady satisfaction of having shattered the careful distance they’d kept for far too long.
Finally, Agatha pulled back just enough to look into Rio’s eyes, their breaths mingling as she took in the sight of her—flushed, breathless, and smiling like this was exactly where she’d wanted to be.
“Well,” Agatha murmured, her voice still thick with desire, “that was overdue.”
“You’ve been such a tease,” Rio hummed. “I thought, but I wasn’t sure…”
The air between them was thick with the tension that had been building for days, weeks—longer than either of them was willing to admit. Rio’s breath was warm against Agatha’s lips, the teasing smile replaced by something darker, more intense. The space between their bodies was electric, charged with desire.
Without another word, Rio leaned forward, hands on Agatha’s shoulders as she straddled her, the shift in position sending a shockwave of desire through Agatha’s. The feel of Rio’s bare thighs against hers was enough to leave her breathless, but it was the heat in Rio’s eyes—wild and unrestrained—that made Agatha’s pulse spike.
Agatha’s heart hammered in her chest as Rio’s fingers threaded into her hair, tugging her head back to expose the line of her throat. The move was a deliberate one. As if Rio wanted to see her vulnerable, to watch her lose control. And Agatha, to her surprise, didn’t fight it. Instead, she leaned into the touch, her body craving more.
Rio’s lips crashed onto hers, forceful, hungry. The kiss was all teeth and desperation. Agatha groaned as she felt her tongue press greedily into her mouth. She slid her hands up Rio’s back, her fingers digging into the firm muscle beneath her shirt as she kissed her back with an equal, burning urgency. The world outside seemed to vanish—there was only the heat, the pull, and the dizzying desire that drowned out all rational thought.
The lounger creaked beneath them as Agatha leaned back, her body sinking into the cushion as Rio hovered over her, unrelenting. Every movement, every brush of skin against skin, pushed Agatha further into the spiral of this reckless attraction. Her breath came fast, shallow, her pulse racing with anticipation.
Rio’s lips trailed down Agatha’s jawline, over the curve of her neck, her teeth grazing lightly against her skin. Agatha’s fingers tightened in her hair, urging Rio back up, pulling her into another kiss, deeper this time—more daring. The taste of Rio was intoxicating, the feel of her hands on Agatha’s skin sending jolts of heat through her veins.
For the first time in a long time, Agatha stopped thinking. She didn’t care about the consequences, the complications of it all. All that mattered was Rio—the way she felt beneath her hands, the way their bodies seemed to fit together perfectly.
She needed more.