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ground floor but couldn’t resist a quick reconnaissance of the other levels. Aside from her room, the third floor had two other guest suites and a library that would give any university a run for its money.
    On the second floor, her heart skipped a beat and she froze for a second knowing this was his floor. What time would he get home? Was he already back? Before she could stop herself, she’d pushed open the only door and was immediately hit with that scent of citrus and wood. While her nostrils inhaled the delicious aroma, her eyes feasted on his very manly space. A true token to Hollywood, his suite focused on a massive brown suede and leather bed, an enormous flat screen TV descending from the ceiling and two walls entirely made of spotless glass. She imagined the mesmerizing view at night.
    Not that you’ll ever see it, hissed a mocking voice inside her head.
    Inhaling one last time, she stepped back, closed the door and fled down the stairs.
    After scrubbing the dishes clean in a marble, deep wood and stainless steel kitchen that looked to be taken right from the pages of an interior design magazine, Holly ventured outside. Warm early evening air hit her face and she couldn’t help but smile.
    Swimming laps after the long trip and emotionally exhausting events of the day was exactly what the doctor ordered. Dumping her towel on a chaise lounge, she took a deep breath before plunging into the water. She swam for about fifteen minutes and then turned over onto her back to float.
    Her eyes had only been closed for a few moments when she registered a noise. She flipped into a standing position to see Nate towering on the edge of the pool. He still wore the clothes he’d had on earlier but the towel hanging round his neck told her he was planning a swim. Or had been until he’d laid eyes on her.
    A scowl twisted his gorgeous lips and the eyes that met hers were narrow and accusing. Despite the warmth of the sun-heated water, goose bumps took residence on every inch of her skin.
    “Hi.” She tried for a smile despite the fact her insides were shook up in a cocktail of wow and unease. When he didn’t reply, the feeling of unease intensified and she scrambled for the edge of the pool as if she’d been caught shoplifting condoms. She clambered out, trying for graceful but probably succeeding in totally undignified, and made a mad dash for her towel. Her cheeks burning, she wrapped the towel tightly around her tense body. “I was just going.”
    As she stooped to pick up her flip-flops, he spoke. “Sorry. Stay. I’m just not used to seeing women in my pool.”
    Nodding as if she totally understood, she refrained from raising her brow or cackling like a hyena. She’d bet her Ph.D there’d been plenty of women in his swimming pool. It wasn’t women he had a problem with. It was her.

Chapter Three
    When Holly fled into the house, Nate kicked a chaise lounge and began unbuckling his jeans. He’d planned on being civil with her. He’d planned on having a quick swim to release the tension that had built up to trip-wire tightness over the day, then ask if she’d like to join him for a civilized dinner. During dinner he’d broach the subject of Daisy.
    But he’d just screwed that up big time.
    One step onto the pool deck and it had been as if someone had given his senses an adrenalin shot. One glance at Holly lying flat on her back like a mermaid catching the very last of the afternoon sun and he’d struggled to breathe. Had to be because all his bodily resources had flooded south making his jeans uncomfortably tight, which was ridiculous. He’d had plenty of women in his swimming pool. Hot women. And she was the first to make currents in a one-piece, almost prudish bathing suit.
    He ripped off his shirt and glanced back at the house, up to her room. The curtains were firmly shut, but he’d best not risk swimming naked as was his usual custom. Leaving his boxers on, he dove into the pool.
    As he churned through