Page 125 of Pretend Girlfriend

“Sure,” Theo replied, giving me a private little wink. “See ya, Joanna.”

Austin gave me a sly smile as he passed. I pouted as he and the other guys walked away. I guess I could wait until tonight.

A text message came through a few seconds later, this time just to me instead of the group chat:

Austin: Ten seconds around you and I’ve got half a hard-on.

Me: I’m not even wearing a bathing suit! I’m fully clothed!

Austin: That’s the only reason it’s half a hard-on instead of a full one. Maybe I’ll see you later.

Texting the two of them made me feel better, but only for a little bit. Soon I returned to the events of the morning: in bed with Landon, finally giving in to the feelings that had been growing, and then having him abruptly change his mind. It was maddening.

Maybe he wasn’t attracted to me after all. Maybe he thought he was since we were faking it, but when it came time to actually get down and dirty, he realized otherwise. That possibility stung.

Whatever. He could feel however he wanted to feel. I had two other sexy men who could fulfill my desires this trip, and when we returned to Chicago. And now I had a job prospect thanks to Danicka. Maybe things were turning around. I certainly had more hope than I did yesterday.

I hung out by the pool most of the day. Marisa and the girls came by for a while, then went for a walk on the beach. Uncle Robert gave me finger-guns when he passed by the pool. Theo got some lunch at the Jerk Shack by the pool, gave me another private wink, then disappeared again.

An hour before dinner, I finally closed my book and left the pool. It had been a surprisingly relaxing day, in stark contrast to the drama from yesterday—and the sizzling excitement from last night.

On the stairs walking up to my room, I ran into Austin. He was on his way down in a hurry.

“Why, hello there,” he said with a half-grin. “Almost ran right into you.”

“You really ought to be more careful,” I said.

Austin pushed me up against the wall and kissed me rough enough that I dropped my pool bag. My heart raced as his hands ran over my body, desperately grabbing and squeezing like he would die if he didn’t get to touch me.

Finally, he tore his lips away from mine. “All right. I feel better now.”

“You’ll feel better later tonight,” I said, breathless.

“Hope so.” He grinned, then continued down the steps like nothing had happened. I had to take a few seconds to collect myself.

My suite was empty. I hadn’t seen Landon at all since this morning, so I texted him to ask where we were doing dinner. He gave me a one-word reply: Seaside. The name of one of the seafood restaurants right down next to the beach.

I showered, changed, and then headed that way. There was a line to get in, and at the back of the line was a familiar man with chestnut brown hair.

“Teddy,” I said teasingly. “Dressing fancy tonight, huh?”

He turned around and looked down at himself. “I brought too many button-downs and not enough polos. So tonight, I’m wearing a button-down.”

“I like it. You clean up nicely.”

He chuckled, then leaned closer to me to whisper, “You’re going to need some cleaning up after Austin and I are through with you tonight.”

I felt my cheeks redden. “I hope so.”

“Hope doesn’t factor into it,” he replied quietly. “It’s going to get wild.”

I smiled, but didn’t say anything else. We were in public, and although we were being quiet, people might see us interacting together. And if they saw how much I was blushing after what he whispered in my ear…

“Cozart party,” Theo mentioned when we reached the hostess desk.

She led us over to the table, where most of the family was already waiting. Landon smiled politely at me, but nothing more.

“Hey, sweetie,” I said, kissing him on the cheek.

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