Page 52 of Why Not Us?

I know he’s engaged to Lis, so the jealousy that burns through me is completely irrational. “You know this from experience?”

I’m very proud of myself for keeping my voice even.

Spencer takes a drink of his beer before answering. “Have I bought her drinks before? Yes. Have I taken her on a date? No. None of the four of us have ever dated each other.” He gestures at Derek, Vic, and over to Adalie with the rim of his beer cup.

Adalie overhears, turning to us and grinning. “I don’t know. I’ve always thought Vic and I had something special.”

Vic rolls her eyes. “Adalie. You’re drunk. Go home.”

Vic’s tone is dry, like it’s a joke she’s made before, and Adalie laughs, letting Lis spin her as they dance, her skirt flaring out with the move.

When Adalie faces Lis again, the other woman says, “You said the hot tub might be open.”

Adalie glances at me and I nod.

Lis claps. “Let’s go in.”

Adalie does a little shimmy. “I’m already ready.”

“I need to get changed!” Lis rushes inside, stopping to kiss Spencer’s cheek on her way past.

“Anyone else?” Taylor asks. Patricia, Raine, and Ava go inside as well, and I set my beer down to help my brother get the cover off the tub. Adalie stands next to me.

“I probably shouldn’t drink anymore while I’m in there.” She hands me her cup.

“Are you feeling okay?” I ask. “You want something else?”

“Water?” She smiles at me, and I am certain I will get her anything she wants. “Thanks.”

I’m about to turn away to get the water but stop as she takes the hem of her dress in her hands and, in one swift motion, pulls it over her head, leaving her in a bikini in the colours of a sunset—dusky purple fading to pink, to gold—with palm trees in a dark purple silhouette. My gaze drags down her body, from her wild curls to her light purple toenails. She has a belly button piercing, the deep red gemstone catching the light as she climbs into the water. She settles down with a sigh and I tell my cock to calm the fuck down.

Inside, Lis is leaving the bathroom while I pour Adalie some water.

“Is that for Adalie?” she asks.

“Yes.”

She stops and comes closer, her towel wrapped around her like a dress. She leans her elbows on the kitchen island.

“You really like her, don’t you?”

I don’t say anything. What can I say? I do. But I’m not about to tell Lis that before I’ve even told Adalie.

“It’s okay,” she says, winking at me. “Your secret’s safe with me. But I should warn you, everyone kind of suspects.”

I follow her outside, handing Adalie her water, which she accepts with a quiet, “Thank you.” Our fingers brush and I don’t want to stop touching her. I want to slide my hand along the back of her shoulders to see if her skin is as soft as it looks.

I return to the conversation with Spencer, Derek, and Vic. The night goes well. Everyone has a good time. There is leftover food, so everyone has eaten enough. Later, after the sun has set and it’s started to get cold, the hot tub is empty and we’ve retreated into Taylor’s living room. Eventually, Spencer says he’s ordered an Uber, and it’s on its way.

They pack up and I follow them to the front when the car arrives. Before she gets in, I catch Adalie’s hand.

“Do you still want me to call tonight?” I ask quietly.

“Yes,” she whispers. Then she laughs. “But you’ll have to do it fast. I’ll probably fall asleep pretty quick.”

“That’s okay. I’ll talk to you soon. Twenty minutes?”

“Perfect.”

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