Page 46 of Caught in the Middle

“We’ll see about that,” was his only response before pushing the inflatable toward her and swimming out to the people who waited for them.

Emma didn’t know what to think, but she knew for damn sure she wouldn’t need to do any cardio this week with the way her heart was already pumping on a marathon of its own. Did she just challenge the one man who already excelled at making her go weak in the knees? If whatever that was on the beach chair was any indication of what he was capable of doing to her, then she was in for it.

She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading as she continued out further, noticing Cam was already in conversation with Henry and Asher. Lauren was smiling and lying on a long raft, waiting for Emma to come join.

She wasn’t sure if it was the beautiful day or the gorgeous man ahead of her, but she suddenly felt like this was the best beach day she’d ever had. A small part of her warned of caution not to provoke Cam like she had, but she couldn’t help herself. It was likely her subconscious trying to protect her heart, or maybe his, but there was something about the man that was too addictive to turn back now.

“It’s about time you two joined us,” Lauren whispered conspiratorially.

Emma smiled at her and gave a little shrug as if she hadn’t a clue what she was talking about. “Do you think Lulu’s going to come swim or tan?” She hopped up onto the float until she was relaxed into a sitting position.

“She’ll probably tan until something, or dare I say someone, catches her eye. I saw Dan and his friends at breakfast this morning and overheard them mention a beach day. I’m sure she’ll enjoy a stroll or two up and down the shore at some point once she realizes.”

“That’s if he doesn’t scope her out first. I swear, your sister knows how to make them chase her.”

Lauren giggled. “Something she taught us well.”

“And thank god for it.” Emma looked over to their chairs in time to see Lulu spread a towel onto one and lie down, pulling her Kindle from the bag she must’ve brought down. Emma hadn’t waited around long enough to note what Lulu did or didn’t carry down with her. She’d been too determined to escape her friend’s keen eyes at what was taking place between her and Cam.

“Oh girl, he can’t keep his eyes off of you.”

“Huh? Who?” Emma turned back to Lauren, who rolled her eyes.

“Cam, that’s who silly. I don’t think he’s stopped looking at you since he swam over here.”

Emma looked over to where Cam and the guys were chatting, thankfully far enough away not to hear Lauren’s comments, and sure enough his eyes were on her. Those blue hues danced and sparkled in the sunshine as he gave her a slow and sexy grin.

“Oh my gosh.” Lauren let out a sound that made Emma think of the word swooning. “He’s got it so bad. You both do.”

What Lauren was seeing was the total opposite of what Emma perceived. As her friend swooned over what she thought was passing between them, Emma knew damn well that smile was no more than a shark circling. She rolled her bottom lip through her teeth to curb the excitement that sparked through her.

“Nah,” she tried saying. “It’s just new. That’s all.”

“Please. You’re two peas in a pod. Lulu and I are already betting on how long before one of you decides to move to be closer to the other.”

Emma’s eyes widened at that. She hadn’t thought much outside of this week, because why would she? This was all fake. Which was all the more reason she needed to quit encouraging whatever it was that was happening between her and Cam.

“Don’t make that face.” Lauren’s comment brought her back to reality as Emma tried to change whatever expression she currently wore. “Don’t let the idea scare you. There’s plenty of time to figure all that out later. Lulu and I were just having good fun.”

“Fun for you,” Emma retorted.

Lauren sat up on her float, her voice coming out soft. “Hey, I’m sorry if I overstepped. We were just joking around because of how perfect you two seem for each other. I didn’t mean anything bad by it.”

Great, now Emma felt guilty. Of course Lauren wouldn’t understand her conflicting thoughts over the matter because she thought Emma was here with her doting boyfriend, not a man she had only recently met and knew nothing about up until three days ago.

Emma waved her hand to suggest it was no big deal. “No, no. I know that. It’s still new though. So talks of moving and settling down together feel a bit overwhelming is all.” More than she could convey.

Lauren nodded as if she understood, though Emma swore something else settled on her face, too. Before she could think too much about it, the guys swam over.

“It’s decided,” Asher proclaimed.

“What is?” Lauren asked.

“Casino night,” Henry said with a smug smile.

Emma laughed. “When?”

“Tonight.”

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