The #Hashtag Fam is back!

With this fun-filled bonus scene!

What better way to celebrate the arrival of Spring and the upcoming Summer with a scene featuring your favorite family — and a swimming pool!

For those of you die-hard # fans you are probably thinking… uh-oh, and why on earth would she write a pool scene, Rimmel hates pools!

Well, Rim has decided its time to try and move on from that fear… if even a little. So of course our #boys have all come together to help her!

You can read the complete bonus scene for free, right now. Just look below!

Hope you have a fantastic spring and summer!

I hope you enjoy!

 

#Splash

#Hashtag Series Bonus Scene

copyright by Cambria Hebert

 

Rimmel

The “pool” on our family compound was more like a mini resort. I should have known the minute I told Romeo I thought it would be good for us to have one he would go overboard. Romeo Anderson didn’t know how to do anything half-way and because of my mixed emotions regarding said pool, I steered clear of its installation and design.

Mixed emotions = I didn’t really want a pool.

I didn’t really want a pool = they scared the bejesus out of me.

Not that I didn’t have a reason. Discovering my mother in our family pool when I was young and then almost drowning a few years ago was enough to make anyone wary around water.

Regardless, I was the one who lobbied we get the pool. With five kids in our house it seemed rather unfair that my fear could keep them from something they would enjoy. Besides, I didn’t want my fear to become theirs.

And so, here I was. Standing inside the fenced mini resort located closer to Trent and Drew’s house than ours. I admit, it was comforting that this pool wasn’t something I could see from our house, but it was still within walking distance.

Not that we ever walked here.

Well, I did.

But all the men on this property thought we needed supped up golf carts to get too and from. If you asked me it was just an excuse for Trent and Drew to drive around like lunatics… and of course Romeo and Braeden followed right along.

Maybe the golf carts would be good for getting the kids back up to the house after a long day of swimming, along with their towels and snacks and the million other things kids dragged around with them, but you’d never hear me tell the boys I thought it was convenient.

Their egos were big enough as it was.

Even though I didn’t like pools I thought ours was spectacular. Romeo and B did an amazing job with the installation.

Amazing job = spent too much money.

The pool itself looked like a giant lagoon with turquoise water and several small waterfalls at the back that cascaded into the water. An abundance of greenery trimmed the area, with oversized ferns, tropical looking plants and even a few small palm trees. It reminded me of my home state, Florida.

The large space surrounding the pool was all paved in stone, boasted an outdoor kitchen, several sitting areas and a built-in hot tub. The small pool house looked more like a tropical cabana and was filled with pool toys, floats, bathing suits and towels.

“You sure about this?” Romeo asked, reminding me I wasn’t here just to look around.

Clutching the towel around me, I nodded. “This is something I need to do.”

The sun-kissed muscles of his athletic physique rippled when he moved closer, palming my waist, pulling me into his large frame. His hair looked a little blonder than usual because he’d been out in the sun so much and the way it fell over his forehead made his eyes that much bluer.

“This house is full of family, baby. Forcing yourself into the pool to swim isn’t anything you have to do.” Rubbing his hands up and down my bare arms he frowned. “You’re shaking.”

I started to reply, but he bulldozed right over. “I’m not allowing this. C’mon. Back to the house.”

Digging my heels into the ground, I refused to let him pull me along. “Roman Anderson!” I declared. “We might be married but you can’t tell me what to do!”

He stopped. Turned. A blond brow arched over his stellar azure eyes like he’d been issued an appealing challenge.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I intoned, even though desire was unfurling low in my belly and the dominant way he behaving actually turned me on.

“I will toss you over my shoulder,” he threatened.

Deciding to change tactics, I wagged my eyebrows. “Maybe save that for later.”

He threw his head back and laughed.

Taking his hand, looking up with my best imploring expression, I said, “I’m not going to push all the water safety, all the water stuff onto the rest of the family. We have three kids, Romeo. I’m their mother. This is my job.”

“You don’t have to do everything.”

“And I won’t. But I want to at least be somewhat comfortable with this pool. I want to make sure I even remember how to swim and that I won’t be filled with panic every time I’m down here.”

“Rim,” he said, expelling a shaky breath.

“Please?” I pressed, “I’ll be okay as long as you’re here to help me.”

His forehead dropped down, pressing against mine. “Why can’t I ever say no to you?”

Butterflies danced beneath my ribcage making me smile. “Because I love you.”

His lips met mine, enveloping me in the warm electricity we always generated. My face was small held in his hands as his mouth dominated mine, drawing out a small moan deep in my throat. Pushing up onto tiptoes, I wrapped my arms around his neck giving him back everything I was receiving.

With a groan, Romeo pulled back, his stare slightly fuzzy, his lips damp. “I love you, more than anything, and if you need to do this, then I will hold your hand the entire time.”

“Brother on the premises!” Braeden announced, walking into the pool area, a shopping bag swinging from one of his hands. “That means keep your hands to yourself, Rome.”

Romeo being Romeo gave B the finger. “What are you doing here?”

“My baby sis is conquering a fear today, where else would I be?” he quipped, making a face.

“We’re all here,” Trent called, walking in with Drew right behind him.

“You’re all here?” I mused.

“One husband and three big brothers reporting for duty,” Drew declared, saluting me. His dark blond hair was messy and uncombed. Him and me were a lot alike.

Trent nodded once, “this pool won’t even dare mess with you with all four of us here.”

Affection and gratitude swelled up inside me, making my chest feel tight and tears spring to my eyes. Even though we’d all been a family for several years sometimes it still awed me that this was my life. That these four men were such a big part of my life and that they would drop whatever they were doing to watch me splash around in a pool.

“I brought you something,” Braeden held up the bag, his eyes sparkling.

I grinned, wide. “A present?”

Shoving his hand down inside the bag dropped onto the ground when he pulled out what was inside. Everyone started laughing, but my nose wrinkled.

“Is that…” my voice trailed off as I looked at the small air-filled things. Realization dawned over me. “Are those water wings!” I demanded, totally offended.

“I know they’re for kids, but sis, you’re as small as one so they’ll for sure hold you up in the water.”

Romeo snickered beneath his breath.

I spun on my husband to glare.

He stopped chuckling and gave B a stern look. “What’s wrong with you, man?” he demanded, then walked over to a large waterproof chest and reached in. When he turned around, he was holding an inner tube that looked like a giant rubber ducky.

“Here baby, I got you this. You can float around in it.”

Trent and Drew howled with laughter taking my husband and brother standing there offering me floaties meant for a five-year old.

Feeling my eyes narrow I took in the moronic duo.

“Aw, we’re just teasing, baby. Trying to lighten up the moment. We know this is hard for you.” Romeo tried to apologize.

“Trent!” I held out my hand.

He appeared beside me instantly.

“Let’s go,” I said, taking his hand.

His eyes widened, “You want me to take you in the pool?”

Romeo growled.

Batting my eyelashes at Trent, I smiled. “You won’t make fun of me will you?”

“’Course not, sis.”

Drew whistled beneath his breath. “You two done did it now.” He told Romeo and B.

The water wings and the floating duck hit the ground and both men took a step toward me. Holding up my free hand I stopped them, “I’m fine.”

“You sure?” Trent asked, clearly not sure himself.

I nodded, gazing over at the large pool. It looked peaceful and calm. The sound of the waterfall trickling into the deep end was soothing. Everything about this entire area was welcoming and fun… so why did I feel so nervous?

Nodding only once, keeping a vice-like grip on Trent’s hand, I stepped toward the water. Our pool had a beach-style entry, which meant there weren’t any steps in the shallow end. Instead, you stepped into super shallow water and walked in, the pool gradually getting deeper.

The second the water wrapped around my toes my stomach clenched. Halting mid-stride, I looked up at Trent. His eyes were serious, but his face calm. “You want me to call for Rome?”

Shaking my head, I took another step. Then another. The water slid up past my ankles and anxiety assaulted me.

Sucking in a deep breath, I squeezed my eyes shut. I was afraid if I looked at the water it wouldn’t be turquoise anymore but a shade of pink.

I really disliked pink.

The sound of the waterfall plunging into the water on the other side no longer seemed calming, but instead took on the sounds of someone splashing, of someone struggling in the water… trying to get out.

A strangled sound ripped out of me, still clinging to Trent’s hand I turned to flee. Colliding into a warm, familiar chest I nearly collapsed with relief.

Romeo’s strong arms went around me, wrapping me up in protection and strength. A shuddering breath blew against his bare chest and I hunched in closer against him.

“I got you,” he whispered, leaning down so he spoke right beside my ear. “I’m here.”

“Romeo,” my voice was muffled against his chest. Letting go of Trent’s hand, my arms wound around his waist to squeeze.

“We can do this another day,” his voice was gentle.

“No!” my head lifted so I could look up into his face. “No, I want to do this.”

I could tell he wasn’t thrilled, but he didn’t try to talk me out of it.

Tugging out of his embrace to rotate around, facing the pool. My eyes were still closed, my heart beat so fast it hurt. One of my hands reached behind to clutch at Romeo’s shorts, making sure he stayed close.

“Ev-everything looks like it always does?” I asked, stuttering over the words a bit. It was hard to talk when your throat felt tight.

“Just the way it always does,” Romeo confirmed.

“I’m going in,” Trent announced. The sound of water splashing filling the air.

One of my eyes opened, then the other. From further out in the water Trent and Drew waved, both of them with wet hair plastered to their heads.

“The water feels great!” Drew called.

Romeo shifted, bringing his front up against my back. Braeden appeared beside us, holding out his hand.

“Who needs floaties when you have a bunch of brothers?”

Giggling, I held his hand and then reached for Romeo’s with my other. Sandwiched between my husband and my brother we walked further into the pool, until the water was nearly up to my hips.

My chest was still tight and my limbs trembled. But Romeo and the rest of my family was here, all watching. All supporting.

“I’m not sure I can go any farther,” I admitted, not able to make myself go any further.

Reaching into the water, Romeo picked me up. Automatically, my arms went around his neck as he started moving deeper into the pool. Water rose up until I was submerged all the way to my chest. The grip I had on my husband was unforgiving, but he didn’t complain.

“You’re doing so good, baby.” He encouraged, voice gentle. “I won’t let go, okay?”

I nodded.

Braeden who I thought was still in the pool appeared at the edge down at the deep end. With a running leap, he yelled into the air and cannon-balled right in. Water splashed up everywhere, pelting Trent and Drew where they were.

I shrieked lightly when some of the waves splashed me, and climbed up Romeo and little more. My three brothers started some kind of water battle, splashing and dunking each other and frankly, making quite a ruckus.

Romeo tensed and I knew he was about to yell, so I tapped his shoulder, stealing away all of his attention.

“Let them play,” I whispered. “They’re just trying to distract me.”

“Is it working?”

“A little,” I admitted, watching them a second longer. “But having you here is the best distraction of all.”

Pressing a kiss to my forehead, he lowered down a bit, so we were further down in the water. Swallowing thickly, I stilled, feeling the waves caress my skin in a cool, smooth kiss.

“This okay?” Romeo asked, watching me.

I nodded. “It’s… nice.”

“Want to stand?”

I nodded and Romeo backed up a little more, then carefully stood me on my feet. My knees were shaking and my knuckles were white were I gripped his arms, but after a few seconds confidence washed over me and I smiled.

“Look!” I said, proud of myself for doing something I realized most people would think was small. But this wasn’t small for me. It was big.

“That’s my girl.” Romeo said, without an inch of mockery in his tone.

From the other side of the pool my brothers burst into applause.

“Getting it, tutor girl!” B hollered and I laughed.

Dipping under water, Braeden popped up a few moments later, closer to us than before. “Swim to me,” he said, holding out his arms.

“I don’t know…” I debated, glancing up at Romeo.

I knew how to swim, I mean we had a pool once when I was young. But I hadn’t been in it since that day… and the last time I’d fallen into a pool, my entire body seized up.

“What if I forgot how?”

“I’m right here,” Romeo reminded me. “And you can stand up. It’s not that deep.”

The floating duck Romeo had teased me with, slapped onto the surface, splattering my cheek with water droplets.

“Hey!” I shrieked, stepping back against Romeo. His arm wound around my waist, anchoring me close.

“Use that!” Drew declared.

I glanced between the duck and my brother, then up at my husband. He shrugged. “Not a bad idea.”

With a shrug, I reached for it, but my arm wasn’t long enough. Romeo’s was (of course), and he dropped it down over my head. When my arms were free, he turned it around so the head was facing behind me and I could grip the tube.

“C’mon!” B waved.

Kicking my legs, I swam… okay, I floated over to B. But even with help of the duck I felt like a huge success.

Braeden whopped in approval and Romeo whistled.

Holding onto Braeden, I ditched the duck, then summoned all my bravado. Seeing my determination Romeo held out his arms and I swam right into them.

“I didn’t forget!” I exclaimed the second he lifted me up. “I can still swim!”

Leaning in quick, he kissed me. “Proud of you, baby.”

It was silly, but I was proud of me too. I was never, ever going to like the water. Swimming definitely would never be my activity of choice. But I knew if I kept practicing like this, and had my family by my side I would gradually get more comfortable.

“Hey, I like this thing!” B hollered, making us both turn.

Romeo made a sound and I laughed. “How did you even get in that thing?” I asked between giggles.

B was floating around the deep end using the innertube, the large duck head partially hiding his.

“I’ll never understand why my sister married you,” Drew muttered.

“I’m ordering one of these for all of us!” Braeden declared.

I shivered a little, still getting used to being in the pool. “You ready to get out?” Romeo asked, concerned. “Had enough for one day?”

I shook my head. “Maybe just a few more minutes,”

“You sure?”

I nodded. “As long as you stay right here with me?”

“You don’t even have to ask.”

“And then,” I began, letting my eyes twinkle, “then maybe you can toss me over your shoulder and take me in the pool house?”

Heat suffused his eyes and he smiled. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Mrs. Anderson.”

I have to say, beginning to conquer my fear of water was pretty impressive, but what Romeo and me did afterwards was so much better.

#TheEnd

 

If you enjoyed this bonus scene and would like more of the #hashtag gang check out the complete #Hashtag Series by Cambria Hebert. An award-winning college sports romance series that is guaranteed to bring you all the feels.

*The #Hashtag Series is available on kindle unlimited

 

The Hashtag Series

Reading order:

#Nerd

#Hater

#Player

#Selfie

#Poser

#Heart

#Holiday

#Bae

#HookUp (bonus scenes + coloring book)

#Vacay (A Hashtag and BearPaw Resort crossover novella)

Read the Hashtag series now. FREE with kindle unlimited!
http://tinyurl.com/y7dvfrg2