Heather's back pressed against the cool, textured wall, the rough surface a stark contrast to the sudden heat blossoming between her and Rhys.
He slid his hands under her thighs, effortlessly lifting her until her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, her ankles locking behind his back.
Her arms wound around his broad shoulders, fingers tangling in the soft strands at the nape of his neck as their mouths crashed together.
The kiss was immediate and hungry, a silent language spoken with lips and tongues.
Rhys's hand left her thigh, his fingers finding the curve of her breast beneath her shirt, a slow, deliberate squeeze that sent a shiver down her spine and a soft moan escaping her lips. He teased the sensitive peak through the fabric, drawing out the anticipation.
Lost in their own world, a bubble of intense sensation and shared breath, they were completely oblivious to the subtle click of a doorknob turning nearby.
Emmett, bleary-eyed and probably still half-asleep, pushed his bedroom door open wider, intending to grab a glass of water. The scene that greeted him snapped him fully awake.
"Oh my gosh!" he blurted out, his voice a mixture of surprise and amusement.
The unexpected exclamation shattered the intimacy.
Heather and Rhys sprang apart, the abruptness making Heather stumble slightly against the wall.
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she buried her face in the curve of Rhys's neck, seeking refuge from the embarrassing intrusion.
Rhys, though clearly annoyed, managed a chuckle, his eyes flicking towards Emmett with a look that clearly conveyed, Seriously?
Emmett, however, was thoroughly entertained. He saw Rhys's silent glare and threw his hands up in mock surrender.
Really? Oh my gosh. Why is it my fault that they got interrupted, when they were the ones practically devouring each other out here?
A genuine laugh bubbled up from his chest. He planted his hands on his hips, shaking his head with a playful smirk.
With a final, exaggerated wave, he mouthed a silent "Sorry," before retreating back into his room, closing the door with a soft click. He then headed towards the kitchen, his stomach suddenly reminding him of its emptiness.
"Is he gone?" Heather whispered, her voice muffled against Rhys's neck.
Rhys chuckled again, a low rumble in his chest. "Yes, he's gone. Vanished." He slowly lowered her until her feet touched the floor, his hands lingering on her hips for a moment longer than necessary.
"I completely forgot they're still here," she admitted, her face still burning as she covered it with her hands.
"Me too," Rhys murmured, his arm sliding around her shoulders, pulling her close in a comforting embrace.
They walked towards the living room, the sounds of hushed conversation drifting from within. Marjorie and Eleanor were chatting quietly on the sofa.
"Where's Crystal?" Rhys asked his mom, his arm still around Heather.
"She went out a little while ago. Said she wanted to look around," Eleanor replied.
"Okay," Rhys said, settling onto the couch, pulling Heather down beside him. The comfortable silence that followed was a welcome contrast to the earlier tension.
A few minutes later, the front door opened and Crystal's cheerful voice echoed through the hallway. "Heather!"
She entered the living room, her eyes scanning the occupants before landing on Heather. She perched on the edge of the sofa beside her.
"Heather, do you happen to have any swimsuits here?"
"I think so," Heather replied, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
"Great! I didn't even notice the pool when we arrived yesterday. Would you mind if I borrowed one of yours for a bit?" Crystal asked, her enthusiasm evident.
"Sure, no problem." Heather stood up, and Crystal followed closely behind as they headed upstairs towards the master bedroom's expansive walk-in closet.
As they stepped inside, Crystal's eyes widened.
"Wow, this looks like a high-end boutique!" she exclaimed, taking in the meticulously organized racks and shelves.
"Right?" Heather chuckled. "It fits Rhys just right. He definitely needs this much space for all his clothes."
Heather walked over to her side of the walk-in, which was equally spacious and organized. She pulled open a deep drawer filled with neatly folded swimwear.
She rummaged for a moment and then pulled out a sleek black two-piece. "Here you go."
"Perfect, thanks!" Crystal said, taking the swimsuit.
They turned and headed back downstairs, the promise of a swim adding a new layer of anticipation to the afternoon.
The discovery of the pool sparked an immediate shift in the afternoon's atmosphere.
Crystal, already buzzing with energy, practically vibrated with excitement. Heather, though initially flustered by the earlier interruption, found herself caught up in Crystal's enthusiasm.
Downstairs, the news of the pool was met with varying degrees of excitement.
Dave, Heather's nephew, perked up instantly, his eyes lighting up at the prospect of a swim. Tony grumbled good-naturedly about needing a swimming trunks, while Marjorie started inquiring about sunscreen.
Eleanor and Arthur exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the youthful energy filling their son's new home.
The members of Lux, lounging in various states of relaxation after their journey, also seemed keen on the idea of cooling off.
Within the hour, the backyard had transformed into a lively hub of activity. The sun beat down on the sparkling turquoise water, casting shimmering reflections on the surrounding patio.
Music drifted from a portable speaker Rhys had set up, a mix of upbeat pop and reggae creating a relaxed vibe.
Dave was the first one in the pool, cannonballing with an impressive splash that sent a spray of water over the edge, eliciting a playful shriek from Crystal who was dipping her toes in. Soon, she too plunged in, her laughter echoing across the yard.
Jess and Henry followed suit, their easy camaraderie evident as they splashed each other playfully. Emmett, initially perched on the edge, sunglasses perched on his nose, before Jess dragged him in with a mischievous grin.
Heather emerged from the house in a vibrant coral bikini, a towel slung over her shoulder. Rhys followed, sporting a pair of dark blue swimming trunks that showcased his toned physique. The sight of him, relaxed and smiling, chased away the last lingering traces of her earlier embarrassment.
"Looks like everyone's having fun," Heather said, leaning down to kiss Rhys before wading into the refreshing water.
"They are," Rhys agreed, his eyes following her as she moved. He joined her in the shallow end, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Thanks for letting Crystal borrow your swimsuit."
"No problem," Heather replied, leaning her head on his shoulder. "It's nice to see everyone enjoying the house."
The afternoon unfolded in a blur of splashing, laughter, and easy conversation.
Tony wearing a swimming trunks lent by Rhys, joined with his son Dave in his arms. Marjorie and Eleanor chatted by the poolside, sharing stories and sips of iced tea. Arthur, content to soak up the sun, reclined on a lounger with a newspaper.
Even the initial awkwardness between Heather and Emmett seemed to dissipate in the relaxed atmosphere. He offered her a sheepish grin when their eyes met, and she returned a small, genuine smile.
The shared experience of witnessing their earlier moment had become a silent, slightly embarrassing inside joke.
As the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the yard, hunger pangs started to surface.
Rhys's mom, Eleanor, took charge, orchestrating a casual barbecue on the patio. Arthur manned the grill, expertly flipping burgers and sausages, while Marjorie and Heather prepared a colorful salad and corn on the cob.
The aroma of grilled food filled the air, mingling with the scent of chlorine and sunscreen.
Everyone gathered around the outdoor dining table, their wet hair slicked back, their skin glowing from the sun. The conversation flowed easily, a comfortable mix of family updates, band anecdotes, and playful banter.
"This is great, Rhys and Heather," Jess said, biting into a juicy burger. "You guys have really made this place your own."
"Yeah, it feels like home already," Henry added, nodding in agreement.
"Thanks," Heather said, glancing at Rhys, her hand finding his under the table.
As dusk settled, casting a warm golden hue over the scene, Eleanor announced that dinner was served. The laughter and chatter continued as they ate, the setting sun painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
After dinner, as the last remnants of daylight faded, the atmosphere shifted slightly. The members of Lux started gathering their things, their goodbyes filled with genuine warmth and promises to visit again soon.
"Thanks for having us, guys," Emmett said, offering Rhys a handshake and Heather a friendly hug. "The pool was definitely a highlight."
"Yeah, it was awesome," Dave echoed, clapping Rhys on the shoulder. "See you at practice."
With final hugs and waves, Jess and Henry piled into Emmett's car, leaving Rhys and Heather standing on the driveway with their families.
"It was nice having them here," Heather said, leaning against Rhys.
"Yeah, they're good guys," Rhys agreed, wrapping his arm around her.
Their families started to drift back inside, the sounds of their voices echoing softly through the open patio doors.
"So," Crystal said, turning to Heather with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Now that everyone's gone… skinny dip?"
Heather's eyes widened, and she glanced at Rhys, who was already grinning.
"Crystal!" Eleanor called from the doorway, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Crystal just laughed, grabbing Heather's hand and pulling her towards the still-inviting glow of the pool. Rhys chuckled and followed them, the promise of a quiet, starlit swim a perfect end to a day filled with sunshine and shared joy in their new home.
The knowledge that their families would be staying another night added a layer of warmth and contentment to the evening, a feeling of belonging and love settling over them like the soft night air.