Page 64 of See You Next Month

“I have, too,” Kelsey replied.

“I learned something,” Isabella said, running her hands across Kelsey’s shoulders.

“What’s that?”

“I don’t want to dance with anyone but you,” Isabella said.

Kelsey pulled her head back so she could see into Isabella’s eyes. “Why? You looked like you were having fun.”

“It was okay, but the only woman I want to put my arms around is you,” Isabella said seriously. “I hope that’s not weird, but I think you should know that going forward. You have to save me if I get in this situation again.”

Kelsey stared at her. What about me? she wondered. Who was going to save her? Kelsey's feelings were shifting inside her heart. Yes, Isabella was her friend, but they were becoming more than that.

Kelsey knew Liz could see right through her even though Kelsey kept trying to deny they were more than friends. But she wondered if Isabella knew. Surely not or she wouldn’t be dancing with Kelsey, holding her close and telling her things like that. Then Kelsey remembered Isabella said she didn’t want to dance with another woman. Of course! Isabella was straight. She’d be fine dancing with a man like this.

“Hey,” Isabella said, leaning back and looking into Kelsey’s eyes. “Why are you so tense?”

“Oh, I was just thinking,” Kelsey said.

“Well, stop and enjoy the music with me,” Isabella said, squeezing Kelsey’s shoulders.

Kelsey let out a deep breath and sank into Isabella’s arms. She’d afford herself this moment and savor the memory. Later tonight she’d think all of this through and get control of her emotions.

They stayed at Peaches longer than they were supposed to and had to adjust their dinner plans once they were back at the resort. It was a good opportunity to show how flexible the islands could be. Instead of continuing the party at the resort, they decided to take a swim in the moonlight and eat a light dinner at the outdoor bar area next to the pool.

“This is so nice,” Isabella said, floating on top of the water next to Kelsey. “Good call.”

“Thanks,” Kelsey said. “I couldn’t drink one more beer or dance to one more song. I needed to wind down.”

“I didn’t want to eat a heavy dinner either,” Isabella said.

“I think this will be okay. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow when we meet with Carmen before we leave for the airport,” Kelsey said.

“This area of the pool is so calming and inviting. It was obvious in the video. I’m sure we’ll have comments when we get out of the pool,” Isabella said.

“I still can’t believe we met people who have been watching the videos!” Kelsey exclaimed.

“I know! I mean, they were already coming to St. Thomas, but we must have done something right because they kept watching.”

Kelsey felt Isabella’s little finger graze against hers. She was immediately taken back to the dance floor and warmth spread through her body. Oh, God! She moaned to herself. Before, her heart would speed up and Kelsey could control that, but now her body was betraying her as she felt a tug low in her belly.

“I know, isn’t this nice,” Isabella said softly.

Kelsey pulled herself up as her feet reached for the bottom of the pool. Isabella had no idea what she was doing to Kelsey.

“Where are you going?” Isabella asked. “I thought you liked this.”

Isabella had mistaken Kelsey’s moan for pleasure when it was meant as a rebuke to her disloyal body. Kelsey sighed. “I’m one big wrinkle,” she said, walking up the steps and out of the pool to where their towels were waiting on a nearby chair.

Kelsey began to dry off as Isabella climbed out of the pool.

“Can you believe we did it?” Isabella said, reaching for her towel. “We’ve made it through the first month. All we have to do is a video or two on the trip home tomorrow.”

Kelsey continued to dry off.

“Kels,” Isabella said, grabbing Kelsey’s hand. “What’s wrong? You’ve been quiet since we left Peaches.”

Kelsey sighed. “I’ve been thinking about the women at Peaches. When we come back on Valentine's Day, we should do videos from the bar here or maybe a bar in St. Thomas.”

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