On our first day in Italy, I'm getting ready to hit the beach with the others...after updating Jenny on last night's events.
JENNY:
-WHAAAAAAAT?!
-SOFIA'S CHEATING ON LEE KNOW!
ME:
-RIGHT?! I don't know how I played it off after I saw those texts last night.
-As far as I know, she doesn't suspect I know.
JENNY:
-Whatcha gonna do about it?
ME:
-I should tell Lee Know...right?
-Or does that seem like I'm tattling or something?
JENNY:
-I don't think Lee Know would see it that way...
-But someone else might.
-Their engagement involves lots of people.
-Like...his parents could easily get the wrong impression.
ME:
-Especially if something ever DOES happen between me and Lee Know for real.
JENNY:
-Sounds like you need proof.
-Until then...waiting it out seems like your best bet.
ME:
-Siiiigh. Thanks. I needed an outside perspective...especially before beach day.
JENNY:
-I always got your back.
I put my phone away and start looking through my suitcase for something to wear, feeling better now that I've talked it out.
"Min-ho, what do you think of my new swimsuit? Tres chic, non? "
I glance out the window and spot Sofia in the courtyard, showing off her one-piece. I turn away before I can hear Lee Know's response.
"If Sofia thinks she looks fashionable in that, just wait until they see me in this bikini. Lee Know, get ready to eat your heart out."
I take one last look at myself in the mirror, then head out to meet the others.
Soon, me and the rest of the family drive through a quaint town toward the coast.
"I'm glad you were able to join us in Italy, Carter. The past few days just haven't been the same without you."
"It's my pleasure, Ms. (YLN)...although I'm grateful Mr. Lee gave me the time off to visit my family."
"Please. With how much you do for my family, it was the least I could do."
"Do you think we'll find any crabs at the beach?" asks Mason.
"Maybe. I bet there's all kinds of sea life just waiting for us." I tell him.
My eyes shift toward Sofia, who's being suspiciously quiet as her fingers fly over her phone. I wonder what she's up to. I sneak a peak over her shoulder at her phone without her noticing and see a message come up...
SOFIA:
-Now's not a good time, on my way to the beach with him.
If Sofia is messaging her mysterious lover than maybe I could get some more information.
"Hey Sofia, are you still working? What's cooking at Russo Industries? I hope it's not an employee acting in bad faith..."
"I'm not really involved in the details of day-to-day management...but no, I'm just texting a friend."
Sofia lowers her voice so only I can hear.
"What about you? Dressing up for someone important under that cover-up? "
"What're you talking about? "
"Oh, are we being coy now? Good to know."
Sofia settles back in her seat, and I sigh softly, knowing I can't argue with her when the others are in the car. Finally, we arrive at the beach, and everyone piles out of the car.
"Hermit crabs, here I come!" Mason shouts, running toward the water.
"Save some for me!" Mickey yells running after Mason.
"Boys, don't forget to put on sunscreen!" I advice them.
Sofia's phone buzzes again, and she pulls back from the group.
"Oh, it's the office. Go on without me, boo-bear."
"Sure thing. (Y/N), wanna help me pick out a spot?"
I stall, glancing between Sofia and Lee Know.
"Actually, I forgot my sunglasses in the backseat. Be right back!"
I wave Lee Know on, then sneak back to the car to eavesdrop on Sofia.
"I know, I was thinking the same thing... Tonight? I don't know, that's so soon... (Y/N)! What are you doing?"
"Oh, I just lost something in the seats! Don't mind me!"
I pretend to root through the cushions, but it's clear that she's not going to keep talking until I'm gone. I sigh and catch up with Lee Know. I lay out the towels in a secluded part of the beach as everyone slips out of their coverups. After I help the boys slather on sunscreen, they frolic in the nearby surf.
"I think I see a crab! No wait, that's just seaweed."
"Or is it...a SEAWEED MONSTER!"
Mickey chases his brother around with the seaweed, and I chuckle at their shenanigans...then turn my attention back to Lee Know. He smooths sunscreen over his body beside me, and all rational thoughts flutter right out of my head. Lee Know turns, his eyes locking with mine. Then slowly, deliberately, he lets his gaze roam over my body from head to toe. I shiver at the intensity of it.
"You look stunning."
"Thanks. It's a new suit."
"It's not your swimsuit that makes you stunning, (Y/N). But you'll hear no complaints if you decide to wear it more often..."
"I'll take note."
Lee Know smiles, then turns his attention back to the dollop of sunscreen in his hand. He twists, giving me a generous view of his chiseled shoulders and broad, rippled back.
"Damn, I can't get it. Hey (Y/N), can you help me get the middle of my back? I can't quite reach..."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. You're the only one whose hands I want on me."
"Sure, I can help you out."
"Thanks."
He offers me the bottle of sunscreen, and I try to focus on the task at hand, not Lee Know's gorgeous body in front of me. I take a deep breath, willing myself to be cool as I place my hands on his shoulders. I rub down his back, doing my best to ignore the familiar shivers of desire coursing through my body.
"And make sure to rub it in thoroughly, please."
My hands pause as I realize what he just said.
"Oh, I will, Mr. Lee."
"Are we back to that?"
"We are if you're giving me an order."
"Mmm...good to know, Ms. (YLN)."
I smooth my palms across his back, standing close but not too close."
"No one's looking, (Y/N)."
I glance over my shoulder. Sofia is still missing, and Mason and Mickey are honed in on their tide pool exploration. We've essentially got the beach to ourselves.
"Then I'll focus on your front first."
I move in front of Lee Know, rubbing the sunscreen tenderly over his chest, paying particular attention to his hard pecs.
"If you keep doing that, we're going to have a situation in my swim trunks..."
"Who said that wasn't the goal? "
Lee Know closes his eyes and exhales slowly as my hands trail downward, caressing the V-shaped muscle tapering into his suit.
"(Y/N)..."
I move behind Lee Know and finish coating his back, head swimming as I slowly massage his bare skin. When I'm done, Lee Know turns and smirks at me, reaching for the bottle of sunscreen.
"My turn..."
I return his smirk and turn around, moving my hair aside to expose my back for him.
"Don't forget to be thorough..."
Lee Know warms the lotion between his palms and smooths it over the center of my back. He's so close, I can feel the warmth radiating from his body.
"Lee Know, I want you higher. My shoulders have been a problem area..."
"We'd better do something about that."
Lee Know slides his hands higher, massaging the tense muscles of my shoulders and neck...
"Oh my God...that feels amazing."
Lee Know continues rubbing me long after the smooth cream has been rubbed in.
"I've missed this..." he tells me.
"It's only been a day."
"Mmm...feels like more."
Lee Know lets out unsteady breath that stirs the hair by my ear, and I shiver as I turn to face him.
"Make sure you get under my suit too. You know, just in case the waves cause my straps to move. Gotta be protected everywhere..."
"Your wish is my command."
Lee Know slides his fingers under the top of my swimsuit and rubs them in smooth, soft circles.
"Is that thorough enough for you?"
"Yes..."
His thumb brushes over my nipples, and I bite my lip, fighting back the waves of tingles radiating down my spine. My nipples immediately draw to attention at his caress, and he toys with their peaks. His voice is low, almost a growl.
"God, I wish I could taste you right now... Are you wet for me, (Y/N)? "
I let my head lull back and surrender to enjoying the sensation.
"Lee Know..."
"I'll take that as a 'yes'. "
"Maybe you should see for yourself."
After a little more teasing, Lee Know slowly draws his fingers out of my swimming suit, and I unsteadily refocus on the world around us.
"(Y/N)! Dad! Are you guys coming in or what? "
"You slowpokes are taking FOREVER! "
Lee Know steps back with a soft sigh.
"We're on our way!"
"All done with the sunscreen!"
I share one last smile with Lee Know as I make my way toward his sons. I splash into the waves, soon forgetting all about the drama surrounding this trip.
"Put me on your shoulders, Dad!" Mason says.
"I don't know, buddy. You're getting so big..."
Mason giggles as Lee Know puts him on his shoulders, then pretends to teeter over. Mickey glances over at me hopefully.
"Do you think you could carry me, (Y/N)? I'm taller than Mason by a whole half-inch..."
"I think I can manage. Who's up for a game of chicken?"
"We are! You're going down!" Mason laughs.
"You think you can handle us?" Lee Know adds.
"Have you seen (Y/N) in her green suit? She's totally gonna Hulk out on you!"
"Yeah, bring it on!"
Once everyone is in position, Mason and Mickey lock hands, struggling to push each other into the waves. I grab Lee Know's hands and try to use my leverage to help Mickey dislodge our opponents. But Lee Know is strong, and his close proximity makes my heart thump in my chest. If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that Lee Know is as affected by me as I am by him. I smirk at him, squeezing his fingers. While he's distracted, I hook my ankle around his leg and send him stumbling into the waves with Mason.
"Whoa!"
Mickey reaches down to hug me from his perch on my shoulders as Lee Know and Mason pop back up from the waves.
"We did it! We won!"
"That was pretty sneaky..." Lee Know glares at me playfully.
"What can I say? I play to win."
"Best two out of three! I wanna be on (Y/N)'s team this time!"
The four of us continue playing in the waves until Sofia's shouts from the shore interrupt us.
"Boo-bear! Your phone is going off!"
"I'd better get this. Be right back."
As Lee Know heads to the shore, Mason frowns.
"It was nice while it lasted..."
"What are you talking about? He's coming back."
"Yeah, to tell us he has to leave. Work follows Dad everywhere."
"Boys, if that happens, we'll figure out a way to have even more fun. Just the three of us. How does that sound?"
"Good...I guess. No offense! We like you and all, it's just..."
"I'm not your dad. I get it."
Lee Know waves to me from the beach, and I help the boys make their way to shore.
"Bad news...the execs need me to look at a new draft of the due diligence report before end of day."
"But it's the weekend!"
"Business deals like this don't run on the standard work week. We've got to get this out of the way so our meetings run smoothly. Robin is already there proofing it."
And Lee Know can't let Robin look better than him with the merger so close.
"Hopefully this'll just be a quick read-through, and I can meet back up with you for dinner."
"Called it." Mickey frowns.
"I know it's tough to hear, boys, but look at it this way...your dad's business is one step closer to several billion dollars in assets!" Sofia tells them.
"Oh wow, what a load off my mind." Mason tells her sarcastically.
I lean closer to Lee Know, lowering my voice so only he hears.
"Lee Know, you'll need more than dinner to make this up to them. I mean it. A meal isn't going to cut it for you bailing on them again."
"I know. I'm trying my best here."
"Try harder."
"Min-ho? The taxi's here."
"I really am sorry, boys. (Y/N), Carter will drive you wherever you want to go."
Lee Know hugs his sons goodbye before getting into the taxi. I put my arms around the boys as the car pulls out of sigh...then put my own feelings aside and smile down at them.
"So, who wants to build a sandcastle?"
Later that evening, after the boys are in bed, I sit across the room from Lee Know and try to read my book...but I can't help but focus on him poring over more work documents. I can't believe that he returns just before dinner, and goes right back to work when the boys are asleep. I clear my throat to try to get him to look up.
"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you...where's Sofia?"
"Hmm? Oh, I'm not sure. She left the office before I did. I figured she'd head home, but..."
"And that doesn't...bother you? She could be anywhere, with anyone."
Including whoever she thinks is 'D.T.F'.
Lee Know shrugs, his eyes still on his paperwork.
"She gets pretty touchy any time I ask what she's up to. But no need to worry. Sofia can fend for herself."
I'm trying to think of another subtle way to ask more about Sofia's recent behavior...but Lee Know is already completely focused on his documents again.
"So, are we gonna talk about this? Or are you gonna keep ignoring me so you can work? "
My tone finally gets his attention, and he lowers his files to look directly at me.
"(Y/N), I know you don't understand what happened today, but it was a work emergency. I had to go in. Someone in leadership had to look over these files."
"Sure, couldn't wait until Monday."
"I can see why you're upset, but if I get a jump on the upcoming workload now, I'll be able to be here more next week."
"But you can't get Saturday back. Do you know how hard it is to coax two heartbroken seven-year-olds to enjoy their day after it's been ruined?"
"There must've been something to do. Movies, parks, games..."
"They didn't want that stuff, Lee Know. they wanted you. They wanted their dad! Work always intrudes on family. It has a free pass. But family never intrudes on work. When have you ever left the office for them? "
Lee Know tosses the contract onto the couch, pages spilling everywhere.
"This merger is the biggest move we've ever made. I have to focus! The boys will appreciate it when they're older..."
"I'm pretty sure the only thing they'll appreciate is all the times their dad wasn't there."
"I already told you, (Y/N). This is my legacy for them."
"You know what else you told me? That your father all but missed your childhood building you this legacy. Is that what you want for them?"
"I..."
I can see the moment he realizes history is on my side.
FLASHBACK
"I hate to do this to you at the last minute, but I was called in to handle an emergency at the office. Can you watch to boys today? / I have an important video conference in five minutes. Can you put them to bed for me? / Looks delicious, but I'm swamped today. Leave me some dinner in the fridge? I'll be back late! "
PRESENT
Lee Know collapses onto the couch, running his fingers through his hair. The rest of the contract spills onto the floor as I sit beside him.
"My God...you're right. I'm always running out the door. I'm not even sure how long it's been like this..."
I place my hand on his knee and give it a comforting squeeze.
"It doesn't have to stay that way. You still have Sunday. Make what time you do have count."
"...Thank you, (Y/N). For calling me on my bullshit. And for fighting for Mason and Mickey."
I put an arm around his shoulders, and he pulls me into his embrace.
"I need a good kick in the ass every once in a while."
"Lucky for you, I'm a good ass-kicker."
I close my eyes and relish his scent as he holds me tight... Finally, we pull apart. Lee Know gives me an earnest smile, the contract papers completely forgotten on the floor.
"I want to do something amazing for them tomorrow...something to make up for all the times I've been gone."
"What about something from your adrenaline junkie days? Skydiving might be a little extreme, but I bet the boys would love a little adventure with their dad."
"Good idea. Wow, it's been so long... Maybe the boys would like something like that. Parasailing or bungee jumping or... Cliff diving! Italy has the perfect coast for that, and I've never been. Not yet, anyway."
"Sounds like a day they'll never forget."
"You mean it sounds like a day we'll never forget. Come with us, (Y/N). You're family too."
"I don't know..."
"I do. Please? Tomorrow morning, bright and early, you and I will take the kids on the adventure of a lifetime... All you have to do is say 'yes'. "
"...Yes!"
Lee Know lays his hand on top of mine, and I blink, looking up at him. How does every little touch always feel like so much more?
"Can't wait. I'll see you in the morning."
"Right...in the morning."
I wish Lee Know goodnight, then head back to my room, excited to see what tomorrow will bring... Bright and early Sunday morning, Lee Know, the boys and I venture out to the city of Polignano a Mare, known for its deep, tranquil bay and towering cliffs.
"Are you sure we can jump off that? "
Mason scoots closer to my side as he points to the tallest cliff.
"Don't worry, buddy. I did a little research to make sure the dive is safe for my little water warriors, and there are some smaller outcroppings near the base perfect for you."
"All the fun, a lot less of the danger."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
"But what if I wanted to jump off the big cliff?" Mickey asks.
"Some of the outcroppings are taller than others. I'm sure we can find one that's just scary enough without being unsafe."
Lee Know and I walk Mason and Mickey to the smaller outcroppings at the base of the cliff and help them climb up. Lee Know swims into the water near where they'll land, making sure it's deep enough.
"Alright, who's first?"
"Me! Me!" Mickey races to the edge, throwing himself fearlessly into the air!
"Go Mickey!"
"Woooooooooo!"
SPLASH! Mickey breaks the surface after a moment, grinning as he swims over to his dad.
"Come on, Mason!"
Mason peers over the edge, still holding my hand.
"I don't know about this..."
"Mason...it's okay to just swim.
"Really? I'm not being a scaredy cat?"
"It's totally fine to be a little cautious every once in a while. Sometimes you have to go at your own pace."
"Then I'd rather not jump right now."
The two of us climb back down and join Mickey and Lee Know in the water.
"Aww, you didn't want to jump?" Mickey asks his brother.
"Not this time."
"Maybe after you get more used to the water. But no pressure if you'd rather just swim." Lee Know catches my eye as we both tread water. "(Y/N), you wanna hit those big cliffs with me?"
"You want me to jump off that? You're on! I'll even race you up there."
The two of us convince Mason and Mickey to watch us from the shore, then start to climb up to one of the highest cliffs...
"You starting to feel those butterflies yet?"
"Oh yeah...but not from the height."
The look Lee Know gives me can only be described as smoldering, and I feel it all the way down to my toes.
"I feel it too."
Lee Know takes my hand in his and gives it a squeeze.
"Ready to jump?"
I nod, squeezing his hand in return.
"Let's jump, just like this, hand in hand."
I intertwine my fingers with Lee Know's, holding on tighter as I look down at the water sparkling below. Mickey and Mason cheer us on from the shore.
"You can do it!"
"Go Dad! Go (Y/N)!"
"Here goes nothing. One..."
"Two..."
"...Three!"
I leap off the cliff with Lee Know, holding hands as we take to the air, weightless for a moment... Then we plunge into the water. The world seems to melt away as the two of us swim toward each other in the water. I warp my arms around his neck, and his hands circle my waist. I know I don't have much time as my lips find his. The adrenaline coursing through my veins makes me bold, and I take advantage of this stolen moment, letting my hands explore all of Lee Know as our tongues caress each other. He mirrors my action, his fingers slipping beneath my swimsuit just enough to torture and tease. Finally, I can't hold my breath any longer. I break away and swim for the surface.
"Wow, you guys can hold your breath for a long time!" Mickey tells us.
"Yup, just one of our many talents!"
"That looked fun!...I think I want to jump now."
"Really?" I asked
"Come on, I'll take you."
Mickey and I cheer for Mason as he leaps off the smallest outcropping. He's grinning broadly as he breaks the surface.
"I did it!"
"Yeah, you did! You were so brave!"
"I'm so proud of you, buddy." Lee Know hugs Mason tightly.
For the rest of the day, we dive and swim together until we finally pull ourselves out of the water, tired but happy. The four of us are lounging on our towels in the sand when Mickey lifts his head to look at his dad.
"This was the best day ever, Dad."
"Thank (Y/N). She's the one who reminded me to pull my head out of work."
"That makes sense. (Y/N)'s the best."
Mason snuggles closer to my side, and I wrap my arm around him.
"It was my pleasure."
I close my eyes and let myself revel in the perfect end to a perfect afternoon. Late that night, back at the villa, I can't sleep. I head down to the kitchen for some water when I hear a scratching sound at the back door.
"Who's there?"
I tiptoe toward the door...when it swings open, Sofia slips inside! She immediately freezes upon spotting me.
"Oh! Hell, (Y/N)..."
My gaze wonders across her attire, taking not of her tousled hair, disheveled clothes, and smeared makeup. Caught in the act! That's all the proof I need.
"Sofia...I know you're cheating on Lee Know."
"That's ridiculous! I would never..."
"Come on. Smeared lipstick? Sneaking through the back door this late at night? You're totally busted."