Page 98 of Royal Flush

When I lifted her higher into the air, she continued kicking and wiggling but I managed to toss her out by several feet. Just watching her drop and splash did my heart good.

Nothing seemed to daunt the woman. She’d righted herself and flung her body at me seconds later, somehow managing to bring us both down to the sand. As water splashed all over us, she tried her best to dunk my head under water.

We both had to fight to keep our sunglasses from falling and floating away, which continued to make us laugh.

I was having none of it, pulling us both to our feet. We were soaked but what did it matter? We were together. As our laughter died, passion rushing to the surface, there were so many things I wanted to say to her but had no idea where to begin. When had I ever been stymied for words?

As I crushed my mouth over hers, the intensity of our combined emotions was more powerful than before. Even the taste of her was more profound, keeping me so turned on I wasn’t certain I could stop.

Sweeping my tongue inside, tasting her glorious essence was electrifying.

She was the one who pushed me away, shaking her head as if admonishing me. “We have a picnic to feast on. I did not slave away making my delicious food to have it spoil. Come on, big boy.”

As I watched her walk away, I couldn’t help but remind myself this wasn’t real life.

And as with all fantasies, it could eventually end. Now it was up to me to keep that from happening.

If only I could be Superman.

CHAPTER 26

Jasmine

There wasn’t a girl alive who didn’t believe in heroes and fairytales.

At least until their dreams and hopes were crushed.

What little girl hadn’t been devastated by a boy who’d acted as if she didn’t exist or worse, making fun of her just because he was with his friends? What woman hadn’t tried dating, finding frogs not princes? And why were there so many entitled people in the world?

Maybe that’s why I’d taken very little of what had occurred with Braxton too seriously. I knew the bubble would eventually be burst, the glass house shattered.

But I’d finally allowed myself to relax just as he had, laughing at silly things, enjoying the warmth and sun. The food I’d prepared for the picnic had been incredible, perfect for the day. It was funny to me how frolicking in the water could stir up a huge appetite. We’d pigged out on fruits and cheeses, seafood salad and deviled eggs.

We’d played in the water before taking a little nap under the shade of the palm trees.

And we’d made love.

I’d consider it one of the best days of my life.

I hadn’t thought anything could top the incredible afternoon but the shopping trip I’d insisted on was almost a perfect match and we’d just started.

“Mr. Royal. What can I do for you?” the salesclerk asked.

We were still in our beach attire, likely smelling to high heaven from sunscreen and saltwater. She’d even given me that look of disdain, acting as if I wasn’t good enough to be in the posh store. My guess was my experience would suck if he wasn’t standing right there with me.

The sexy man had tousled hair and a mild sunburn, but it didn’t matter one bit when you were the owner.

“Yes, you can, Margaret. Do you see this beautiful woman over here?” He turned his head in my direction.

Her look of disdain was cut off short. “Yes, sir.”

“Well, I want her to enjoy a fabulous shopping experience on my tab. We’re going to be spending an obscene amount of money.”

His eyes were twinkling while hers were open wide, her brow furrowed. It was almost impossible to keep a straight face.

“Obscene?” she repeated.

“Filthy obscene. I think we understand each other. Don’t we?” As with everything about the man, his authoritativeness and power weren’t lost on anyone.

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