Page 6 of Pucking Vacation

“So, Lynn,” Jensen begins, his voice smooth like melted chocolate. “What brings you to this paradise?”

I tilt my head, letting my hair fall over my shoulder as I reply, “Just some much-needed relaxation and fun before heading back to reality. What about you and your… giant of a brother over there?”

Jensen's expression flickers with something unreadable as he glances at Tyler, before focusing back on me. “We’re here for a little getaway too. Needed a break from the daily grind.”

“Sounds like we're in the same boat then,” I muse. “Maybe we can make this vacation one to remember.”

A newly mischievous glint enters Jensen's eyes as he leans closer. “Oh, I plan on making it unforgettable, Lynn.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” I murmur, holding his gaze.

“Why don’t you invite your friends over and hang out?” he suggests. “We can get a few beers and chill by the pool for a while.”

“Sure!” I exclaim, pushing to my feet. “Hold on. I’ll go get them.”

I turn and rush back to the other side of the pool where Skyler, Rylee, and Sutton are still trying to elbow their way to the bar.

“Hey!” I grab Skyler’s elbow and catch her attention. “Those guys invited us to hang out with them.”

“Sweet,” Skyler replies, smacking Rylee and Sutton on their arms to get their attention. “Let’s go hang with the hotties, ladies.”

“Oh!” I declare, after only a few steps. “Just a heads up, I told him my name was Lynn.”

Skyler’s brows shoot up and Rylee and Sutton both appear just as surprised.

“Really?” Skyler says, her lips curling into a delighted grin. “All right, Lynn. We’ll play along, but that just means you’ve got to seal the deal with…”

“Jensen,” I offer.

She nods. “Jensen. Got it. Anything else we should know? Any details of a mysterious or scandalous past we should hint at but then never actually go into depth about?”

I laugh and shake my head. “No, just my name. And don’t mention where we go to school or give him any contact information for any of us. Especially me, please. Remember, this is just for the week. Nothing more. Now, play it cool, okay? Don’t blow this for me.”

“Don’t worry, that’s not the type of blowing I have in mind for today,” Rylee snickers.

I gasp and playfully punch her shoulder. Skyler rolls her eyes with a smirk while Sutton snickers at Rylee's joke. They all link arms and saunter over to where Jensen and Tyler are lounging by the pool, their laughter carrying through the warm evening air.

Jensen stands as they approach, a charming smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Ladies,” he greets them collectively, his gaze lingering on me for a beat longer than the others. “Glad you could join us. I’m Jensen.”

Skyler takes the lead, introducing herself and the others with her usual confidence, putting everyone immediately at ease. Rylee winks at Tyler, who raises an eyebrow in amusement, and Sutton strikes up a casual conversation with Jensen about the beautiful view from the resort.

As the evening wears on, drinks flow freely and laughter fills the air. I find myself drawn to Jensen, our conversations becoming more intimate, though I’m careful not to give away too many details about my life. There’s a magnetic pull between us that I can't deny, and I feel myself falling for this stranger in a way that both thrills and terrifies me.

We all eventually make our way to the Mexican restaurant inside the resort for dinner. Jensen sits next to me, his knee pressing against mine under the table.

“So,” he grins. “Are you a tequila girl?”

I chuckle and say, “Usually, yes. Tonight? I think I’ve had enough. I’m just going to stick to beer from this point onward. And water. Lots of water.”

Laughing, Jensen glances toward my friends and his brother, who are already ordering tequila shots. “We need to make sure they drink some water too,” he says.

I sigh and nod. “Don’t worry. My girls might be small, but they can probably drink your giant of a brother under the table.”

Jensen looks impressed. “Damn. That’s saying something.” His gaze turns back to me. “What about you? Not the partying type?”

I take a sip of the water that’s been brought to me and shake my head. “Not really,” I say. “I keep myself busy in other ways.”

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