She wanted to go closer, to take in the view but Matthew's frown was sharp enough to cut glass.
-I was thinking of going for a swim in the outdoor pool. But I'm not sure about the temperature… Can I adjust it after testing the water?
Matthew studied her, exhaling smoke through his nose.
+You can.
-Really? Thanks!
She turned to leave, but realized she had no idea how to change the settings.
-Just… where do I...
Her words cut short as Jacob stood up.
-I'm done here. I'll take you. Need to let the guards know anyway…
He closed his laptop, gave Matthew a quick look.
-I'll head out. I'll finish the rest at my place.
Matthew just nodded, dragging another pull from his cigarette.
Diana followed Jacob to the staircase.
-Let's go, blue eyes?
His toothy grin made her laugh softly.
-Yes.
-Wow… such a polite lady. He sniffed playfully.
-I'm always polite. Just don't always bother to show it.
Jacob arched a teasing brow.
-So… most of the time, then?
-Pretty much.
They laughed as they reached the elevator. Diana hesitated.
-Oh, by the way… what's the code for this elevator?
-I'll register your fingerprint later. No need for the code.
She nodded.
They reached the ground floor, walked past the grand staircase. Jacob rested a hand lightly against her back, guiding her outside.
They circled the mansion until at last the pool came into view huge, bright lights surrounding it, glowing against the night.
Jacob nudged her forward.
-Go test the water. I'll be right there.
She obeyed. Meanwhile, Jacob spoke into a guard's radio, then handed it back after giving instructions.
The guards nearby listened carefully, bowing their heads in respect before moving away. Soon, the ones near the pool also pulled back, leaving her privacy.
-Perfect…
she whispered, delighted. Now she could swim alone. The water was nice, too.
Jacob returned, rolling up his hoodie sleeve and dipping his hand into the pool. He frowned.
-Wait here. I'll be back.
-It's fine, Jacob..the water's good. You don't need to...
He ignored her, heading off, then came back.
-Give it a few minutes. It'll warm up more, you'll enjoy it better. The air's freezing, you don't want to catch a cold.
Something about him felt different, more serious. She wasn't sure if it was the stress of work, or something else. He even avoided looking at her.
-Alright… I'll wait.
A few minutes later, the water grew warmer. One of the guards approached with a tray. Diana raised a brow so this was why Jacob hadn't let her dive in yet.
He set the tray near the pool.
-Whenever you feel tired or weak, eat some of this.
His tone was firm. He dragged a lounge chair closer.
-And if you want to rest, use these chairs. I had the heaters turned on you won't get cold.
Finally, he looked at her.
-Anything else…
Diana suddenly threw her arms around him. Jacob froze, stunned, then slowly smiled and wrapped her tight against him.
Softly, she whispered:
-Thanks for looking out for me, Jake. I'm fine, you don't have to worry so much.
Jacob finally laughed from the bottom of his heart and leaned back.
He couldn't believe she had shortened his name. He gently pinched her cheek.
_Jake's got his eyes on you, little blue–eyed girl.
Then he pulled back.
_Now go, the pool's ready.
Diana gave him a short glance.
-You're not coming?
With playful mischief, she added and winked:
-I promise I'll watch you so you don't drown, little boy.
He shook his head and lifted his laptop.
_No… little boy's got work. But I promise I'll come later. Have fun.
And with that, he headed back to his mansion.
Diana looked around. The air had grown warm; the heaters surrounding the pool were now radiating steady heat, making it feel nothing like a sub–zero winter night.
The bodyguards had completely withdrawn. She slipped off her towel and laid it on the chair by the pool. Undoing the clip in her hair, she shook it out a few times, thinking again that she really needed a haircut.
She picked up her phone, played a track, and turned the volume all the way up.
The rhythm was good she swayed her hips a little, humming along with the lyrics.
When the beat dropped, she dove in. Her dive was flawless, slicing through the water like a needle. With a few swift kicks, she surfaced again. Before her mind had a chance to remind her of the depth, she pushed forward with a breaststroke, heading into the deeper side.
She fought to ignore the thought of the water stretching far below her feet and swam to the wall.
At last, she reached it and leaned back against it, spreading her arms wide and tilting her head to the sky.
She missed the moon. It looked like it would be full in a few days. Taking a deep breath, she let her body loosen until her legs floated up and she lay nearly weightless on the surface.