Page 35 of Beauty and the Boss Man

We both lean back in our chairs, letting the sun warm us as we sit in comfortable silence. I’m convinced this is indeed the meaning of the word ‘paradise.’ Minnesota and its shitty weather are an entire world away.

I have no idea how long we lie there, but after a while, the sun starts to warm me—maybe a little too much. It’s beginning to beat down on my skin, and this cover-up isn’t helping to keep me cool.

“Do you want to get in the water?” I ask Aiden.

“Yeah, let’s go.” He stands up and starts to head toward the big blue ocean.

“Are you going to take your shirt off?” I ask.

He smiles. “Only if you take yours off.” He looks at my cover-up.

He pulls the tank top over his head, exposing his chest and stomach. I could stare at him all day.

But as he pulls his hair back into a low ponytail, he says, “Your turn.”

I glance around to make sure no one is staring before I slip off the light material. I try to suck in my gut, but there’s only so far it will go. Plus, I can’t breathe, so I let out the breath I was holding and head toward the water.

Aiden is already wading up to his waist. I let out a slight squeal as the cold water flows over my toes.

He whips around to make sure I’m okay. When he sees my swimsuit, his eyes go wide.

Blushing, I say, “Another one of Veronica’s bright ideas.”

“Okay, forget a thank-you card. Remind me to send that woman a whole damn gift basket.”

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