Did I walk into a Hollywood set? That was my first thought as I stepped out of the elevator and into the luxurious over-the-top terrace pool. I knew our office was in one of the more upscale parts of the city. But I had only witnessed hints of its grandeur until now. The VIP-only gym at the top of our office building screamed “filthy rich.” 

I stared at the French windows and the breathtaking view of the city beyond. Under the twilight sky, the short-course pool gleamed a deep blue—its color a perfect match to my eyes. The only feature I inherited from my father apparently. I didn’t even need a siren to lure me into the water; I wanted to jump right in and stay inside forever.

Noah cleared his throat, and I straightened up. I’d forgotten I wasn’t alone. He pointed towards the changing room, and I strode past him with flaming cheeks.

The opulent surroundings only reminded me that I had dived headfirst into this mess. And there was no rescue team coming to fish me out of it. Not until Noah learned how to swim. However, I was confident about my abilities. I had taught hundreds of students—albeit children—to swim. How difficult could one adult be?

After a quick warm-up, I jumped into the empty pool. My body buzzed in delight at the perfect warmth. A stark contrast to the bone-chilling and skin-peeling temperatures at the public pool. I swam to the edge of the pool and called out, “Come in, Mr. Jung.” 

Noah stood a few feet away, wearing decently sized swimming trunks. But that wasn’t what held my attention. My gaze traveled down from his sculpted face to his chiseled body. It wasn’t my first time seeing him shirtless—there had been plenty of opportunities yesterday. But this time my mind wasn’t occupied with saving him or figuring out how to keep my job.

I could only say one thing. Those Italian suits didn’t do him any justice. 

With difficulty, I snapped my gaze back to his face and gave him a polite smile. “The temperature is perfect for swimming.”

Noah acted as if he didn’t hear me. Okay. Had it been a kid, I would have simply carried him in my arms and walked into the pool. My common sense told me that wouldn’t work in this scenario.

I stepped onto the ladder and extended my hand. “We’ll stay at the edge, sir. Just step in?”

Noah met my gaze. That worked. A bit.

“I promise to hold your hand,” I added. It felt strange coddling my CEO like this, but it also gave me a weird rush of power. As if I had finally witnessed a bug in his system and figured out he wasn’t quite so much of a robot. “Come inside, sir.”

A little hesitant, Noah slipped his hand into mine. My stomach fluttered at his warm touch, and I held onto it tightly lest he change his mind. I took a step back from the ladder and made space for him to enter the pool. He submerged himself waist down in the water and closed his eyes. And for the first time this evening, he spoke. “I’ll stay here, Ms. Rose.”

I let him get used to the water. The two of us stood on the floor of the pool, Noah holding onto the ladder with his left hand, and gripping me with his right. Our height difference became even more perceptible in this position. He was at least a foot taller than me. I watched his face and startled when he opened his eyes. I quickly asked, “Would you like to submerge in the water, sir?”

I bit my lower lip. Our conversation was so ridiculous without context. Lucy would have laughed herself hoarse if she overheard it. But Noah didn’t seem to think too much of it. Rather, his eyes went wide, and there was a flash of fear in them.

If it was someone else, I would have pushed it a bit more. But how was I supposed to coerce him? He might be my student, but he was also my CEO!

“It’s just like washing your face. A dip—” I demonstrated by ducking my head underwater and pulling out. “—and you’re done.”

When Noah didn’t show any interest, I scooped some water into my free hand and sprinkled it onto his face. At this point, any kid was bound to squeal and giggle. Who didn’t love a water fight?

Noah’s face twisted into a frown. I knew that look. My grin vanished, and fear crawled back into my stomach. Did I mess everything up even before we started? Noah touched his wet face and then looked at me. I swallowed as I waited for the verdict.

After a moment, he said, “Why don’t you swim a lap, Ms. Rose?”

Was this his way of dismissing me? I hesitated. I didn’t want to leave him alone. But it was still better than standing under his watchful eyes and committing another grave mistake. “I’ll let go of your hand, then,” I said.

The moment I pulled away, Noah gripped the other handle of the ladder and pasted himself flat to the wall. I swam away, still facing him, afraid that he might panic if left alone. When it seemed that he was alright, I relaxed and decided to swim a lap. 

Once again, I lost myself in the water. It was strange. I’d been swimming all my life. Yet, each time it was a unique experience. Today, with each stroke, I felt myself grow lighter. Like I was shedding my troubles and concerns, and the water was taking all of it unflinchingly. There was no judgment and no expectations. And it never asked for anything in return. Like the soft caressing hand of my grandmother, it soothed me and lulled me to peace. I released a contented sigh and glided through the water with a smile.

The lap was over soon, and when I swam back towards Noah, he was staring at me. I wanted to ask him if he was ready to take a dip, but his expression took me off-guard. He looked as if he was in… awe? 

That didn’t make any sense. 

Noah cleared his throat and said, “I chose a great swim teacher.”

Heat crept up my cheeks, and I cursed my suddenly rapid heartbeat. Why was I so easily affected by simple praise? I smiled and said, “I enjoy swimming.”

“Is that why you teach it?” he asked. 

My smile faltered. What was I supposed to tell him? That I was poor? That I did what I could do to earn money? Instead, I found myself saying, “There are so many talented private instructors. You could have hired anyone, sir.”

Noah cocked his head, waiting for me to go on.

So, I damned my big mouth, and asked him the question that had been bugging me all day, “Why did you hire me?”