“Pax, you can’t mean that. This soon?”
“Soon? Woman, we’ve been in love for years and were too slow to do anything about it. Yes, we’re going to spend our lives together. But first, I’m going to keep my promise to you. We’re going to pack some things and head back to Coronado for a few weeks. What do you say?”
“Really? Oh, Pax, thank you!” she said, hugging him. It took a moment for her to realize they were naked, and her nipples were reacting to his hard chest and hard other areas.
“Unless you want this to keep moving, we should get out,” smirked Pax.
“Well, I kind of do, but maybe not in the pond where everyone can walk by and see us.”
“Agreed,” he laughed.
CHAPTER NINE
“Next time, do you promise to listen to me?” frowned Gabi, Kennedy standing behind her, giving a knowing smirk.
“I promise, Gabi. You too, Kennedy. I don’t understand it, but I don’t think I’m supposed to. Thank you. Thank you all for helping me,” she smiled.
“We’re family,” smiled Benji, winking at his son. “Right?”
“Yeah, Dad,” he laughed. “We’re family. We will be anyway. Deanna wants to spend a week or two back at the house in Coronado. She was really enjoying the peace and quiet. We’re gonna head back out there.”
“I’m coming,” said Braxton, frowning at them.
“You are?” asked Deanna.
“Yes. I mean, if that’s okay. I could really use some time away from here. I mean, I know I was gone for a long time, but, well, whatever. Can I go?”
“Of course, it’s fine. I mean, there are plenty of bedrooms there. Right, Pax?” she said, smiling up at him.
“Uh, yeah. Sure.”
“Good,” said Saint. “I’m coming too.” He looked across the grove at Marilisa and quickly looked away.
“What the hell is wrong with you guys?” frowned Gabi. “You two have been acting strange for more than a week now.”
“We’re good,” said Brax, frowning at his brother. “Saint and I need a break as well.”
“What if your mother and I came? Is that okay?” asked Benji. Pax stared at them all with an expression of disappointment. But it was Deanna who laughed, shaking her head.
“It’s fine. We can all go,” she giggled.
“Alright, I’ll go get your mother, and we’ll pack a few things. See you at the plane.” Deanna kissed Pax.
“I’m just going to grab a few more things from the cottage,” she said. He nodded, smiling at her as she walked away.
“Everything good, bro?” asked Brax.
“You’re asking me? What the fuck is wrong with the two of you? Why are you running from those women?”
“I’m not running,” frowned Brax.
“Aren’t you? And you,” he said, pointing to Saint. “What’s with you and Marilisa?”
“Nothing! Nothing,” he said, calmer. “I just need a break for a while.”
“Well, don’t screw with what’s finally happening for me and Deanna. She admitted that she’s loved me for a long time, and I admitted the same to her. This is it. Do you two understand me?” he said with a serious expression. His brother chuckled, shaking his head.
“Like we didn’t already know that,” laughed his brother. “You’re so stubborn and fucking slow you just needed to figure it out on your own.”