Page 53 of Letting it Ride

I giggle. “How is that any better?”

He shrugs, a smirk on his lips. “It’s not. It’s all selfish, unless you count easy access as being a plus for you, too.”

I tug on a strand of hair. We should probably talk about this, right? Do I bring it up? Do I wait for him to bring it up?

I’m never one to push or to even be the one who sets boundaries. I tend to go with the flow, say yes to everyone who needs me. And that goes forrelationships, too. But with Cam, I feel like I’m floundering. Like he’s looking to me for answers, to set the pace here, and I’m scared.

Because what if I get it wrong? Being with him is so comfortable and natural, and I’m afraid I’m going to mess it up.

Cam takes my hand, unwinding the hair from my finger, and holds it tight, our fingers laced together. “Hand me my pants. We’re going to head to the gift shop first and find some clothes to wear, and then once we change, we’re going to get some breakfast. And you can ask me all those questions that are spiraling in your head.”

My eyes must be wide when I look at him, because he just laughs.

“Yeah, you’re about as easy to read as a billboard, Addie. Stop freaking out. We’ll talk about everything you want to know, but if we sit in bed too much longer, I’m going to pull you down and fuck you again, so get your hot little ass moving.”

20

CAM

“How about this one?” Addie asks, holding up a piece of fabric that I think is meant to be a bikini.

I tilt my head. “Where’s the rest of it?”

She squints at it. “This is all of it. It’s a bathing suit.”

“It looks like underwear.” Teasing aside, I’m practically drooling at the thought of seeing her in that.

She lifts her chin defiantly. “I’m getting it.”

I snatch it from her hand.

“Hey! I said I’m getting that,” she says, stomping her foot.

I wrap an arm around her and pull her close to speak right in her ear. “I’m buying it for you.Go find whatever else you need. And don’t stamp your foot or I’ll spank that hot little ass.”

She gives a little squeal and heads off to browse through more racks, and I watch as she goes. Even in day-old shorts and un-showered, she’s gorgeous.

The gift shop is pretty well-stocked. We were able to find a hairbrush, bathing suits for both of us, two extra t-shirts each, and a skirt for Addie. They even had underwear, although Addie wrinkled her nose at the simple cotton briefs.

I watch her flit around the store. She’s exactly the same Addie I’ve known for so long, and somehow the way I see her has completely changed since last night. Before last night, if I’m honest. I don’t know when I went from seeing her as Maddox’s little sister to a woman, but she’s firmly fixed in my mind in her new role. And ideally in a role as my girlfriend, if I have my way.

I thought I was over relationships, but it’s different with Addie somehow. With her, it’s… easy. I don’t have to work constantly at it.

I know she’s a people-pleaser, though. She has trouble saying no. I’ve seen it over and over again when I’m with her family. And there’s nothing wrong with giving in when your family wants you to be the Christmas Elf during the holidays.

But with us, she’s going to be the one to set the boundaries. I’m not going to be another person that she has to try to make happy. It’s all up to her and on her timeline.

I set our haul on the counter and dig out a credit card. We’re going to have to tell Maddox. He can’t be mad, though. Right? I’m a nice guy. I’ll treat Addie right, and I’m not in this for a quick fuck. I meant what I said last night. Once we took that step, I was ready to place my bets and let it ride. I’m not pulling out of this unless it’s what she wants.

The cashier hands my card back and starts to stick our purchases in a bag when Addie walks up holding a pair of flip-flops. “Can I add these?” She flashes puppy dog eyes.

I shrug toward the cashier and pull my card out again. While he runs it, I turn to Addie. “Do you want to eat here after we change? Or do you want to find a restaurant?”

“What do you want to do?”

I shake my head, smiling. “I’m not deciding this one. It’s up to you.”

She taps a finger on her chin while she thinks for a little too long, probably trying to figure out what I really want and choose that. “Maybebreakfast here, and then we can go out for lunch? I want more of those conch fritters.”

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