Page 20 of Whispering Waves

“Both. Either. I can pick up your stuff for you if you want to take a nap.”

“I think my brother would have a set of conflicting emotions. He tries to be protective, but I am five years older than he is, so things get complicated.”

He chuckled. “So, you are in your early thirties?”

“Uh, yeah. You?”

“Thirty-eight.”

“Oh. That is less terrifying than it could be.”

He leaned back and smiled. “I already know that you have surviving parents.”

“Yup. Which you will never meet.”

He laughed. “I do have living parents, and you will meet them, and they will be delighted to welcome you to the family.”

She blinked. “Oh. Right. I forgot about that.”

“Yes, some families are gone, but thankfully, that is not the case here. They live over in the Wonder chain in a retirement community.”

“Oh. Nice. Do you see them often?”

He groaned and moved his hand on her back, under the shirt. “About once every two months. We videochat weekly.”

“Okay. How did you buy these islands?”

“Ah, there is so much treasure if you know where to look, and I do.” He smiled. “Treasure hunting is lucrative.”

She smiled. “Hey, I might have normal family as well. Maybe.”

“Oh, yes. Your grandparents and aunt.” He purred against her cheek again, and her eyes narrowed.

“Yeah. I should check my phone.”

He shifted slightly.

She clung to him and whined softly. “No. Don’t go.”

He leaned back and kissed her quickly. “I am not going anywhere. Well, not for long. I need to check the barometer.”

She swallowed and leaned back. “I think that is where my phone is as well.”

“I will grab it.” His hand ran down her back, squeezed her butt, and stroked the back of her thigh.

“How did you get under there anyway?”

“I distracted you with my clever technique.”

He put both hands on her waist and set her on her feet, holding her until she was stable.

When she was standing there, he nodded. “Just a moment.”

He disappeared in a flash of motion, and in less than ten seconds, he was back and handed her her phone.

She had a text from Drake. Where are you?

She winced and replied, Still with Kimo.

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