Page 19 of See You Next Month

“No, I’m not. I’m not saying give me a thought,” Kelsey clarified. “I’m just saying maybe you should keep your options open.”

“Hmm, my options,” Isabella said, glancing at Kelsey. “I do have options, don’t I?”

“Sure you do.”

“If I have options then you do, too.”

“Let me put that in our notes,” Kelsey said, turning back to her tablet. “We have options,” she said as she typed. “Don’t get caught up in the adventure, notice everything.”

“I’m not sure what that means, but okay,” Isabella said.

“It’s just a reminder to keep our eyes and hearts open. You never know what you’ll find,” Kelsey said. “Or what will find you.”

“Okay. I can do that,” Isabella said. “Now, why are peaches a lesbian thing?”

“Uh—um,” Kelsey stuttered. She could feel the heat in her cheeks and hoped Isabella would think it was because of the sun. Oh shit, we’re under an umbrella!

“Come on. You started it,” Isabella said.

“Okay, okay,” Kelsey muttered. “The peach and its juiciness have been compared to…”

Isabella raised her brows but didn’t say anything.

If Kelsey didn’t know any better she’d think Isabella was messing with her and it was obvious she was enjoying Kelsey’s sudden discomfort.

Kelsey widened her eyes. “Compared to the loveliest parts of a woman,” she said with a smile and delight that maybe she’d gotten herself out of this embarrassing moment.

Isabella giggled. “You’re awfully cute when you get flustered. Good save, Kels.”

“My, how quickly that turned,” Kelsey said, shaking her head.

“Just imagine what all I’ll learn from you after a few more drinks. Let’s get another round,” Isabella said, chuckling and waving at Luis.

“I’m going swimming first. Why are we just sitting here when we can be in this gorgeous water?” Kelsey said, getting up and taking her shirt off. “Come on!”

Isabella laughed and hopped up. “Wait for me!”

Kelsey held out her hand and Isabella grabbed it. They ran towards the water and fiercely stepped into the surf. Once the water was about mid-thigh, Kelsey dove under and surfaced but couldn’t see Isabella anywhere. She looked around and felt a moment of panic when suddenly Isabella grabbed her shoulders from behind and pushed her back under the water.

Kelsey shot out of the water laughing.

“You have the best laugh,” Isabella said.

“We’ll see about that.” Kelsey lunged at Isabella and wrapped her arms around her, picking her up then crashing back into the water, taking Isabella under with her.

They both came up for air laughing.

“Okay, okay. We’re even,” Isabella said, taking a few quick breaths. “You still have a great laugh.”

“Thanks. I hope you get to hear it often the rest of the week,” Kelsey said.

“I’ll make that a goal.” Isabella grinned.

They floated in the water, enjoying the coolness. Kelsey looked back at the resort and let her gaze follow along the sand until she was looking at Isabella. She was a little sad that her girls didn’t come with her, but how could she not feel lucky? Here she was in this beautiful place, floating in the water with a gorgeous woman. This might be a merry Christmas after all.

“What are you thinking, Kels?” Isabella asked, meeting Kelsey’s gaze.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Kelsey said, wading over closer to Isabella. “You never told me what you were thinking about when I caught you staring at me earlier.”

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