Page 15 of Firecracker

“Why didn’t Norton come in the water?” Arden asked as they trudged across the warm sand.

“He can’t swim,” Tyler said. “He doesn’t even like to get his feet wet.”

“Oh.”

As requested, another round of drinks sat waiting for them. Arden picked hers up and, instead of sitting, moved to lean against the railing so she was in the sun. She tipped her face up and sipped her drink, letting the sun dry her hair and warm her skin, moving a little to the music the band was playing, a cover of a Chainsmokers’ song.

Tyler grabbed his beer and joined her. “Having fun?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “I really am.”

“You sound surprised.”

“I guess it’s been a while since I’ve had fun.”

He nodded. She watched a drop of water trickle down his neck, over his collarbone, and then lower, over his still bare chest. He had a beautiful body—just enough chest hair, but smooth enough that his brown skin gleamed in the sun. His muscles shifted and flexed as he moved, his shoulders wide and powerful, his chest and abs lean and cut.

She’d been married to an athlete, and she definitely appreciated the male body. She still had a hard time reconciling this muscular man with beard stubble and chest hair with the teenage kid she’d known years ago.

She became aware of the conversation Mila and Jamie were having. “How old is Tiffany?” Mila hissed at him. “She doesn’t even look legal.”

Jamie shrugged. “She has to be legal. She’s drinking.”

“Likeyounever used a fake ID?”

“Actually I didn’t. I tried once, but they laughed at me because I looked twelve.”

Arden laughed. “I remember that. It was just before I went to college.”

“Why are men always interested in younger women?” Mila asked. “You go on any dating site, the men are all looking for women younger than them.”

“True.” Jamie rubbed his chin. “I guess there is something appealing about a younger woman. Hey, it’s got to be some kind of primal instinct. Younger women are more likely to be reproductively healthy. So men are just instinctively attracted to younger women because there’s a better chance of procreating and continuing the human race.”

“Oh, for Chrissake,” Mila said. “A thirty-year-old woman can still have children.”

“Sure, make me feel old, jerk,” Arden said to her brother.

“You’re twenty-eight. You’re not old.”

She made a face. There were times lately she’d definitely felt old.

“Noteveryguy is attracted to younger women,” Tyler said.

Arden’s skin tingled and heated. She determinedly didn’t look at him.

“Speak for yourself.” Jamie shrugged. “Let’s order food.”

“Where did Tiffany go, anyway?” Mila asked.

“Not sure. Why are you obsessed with her?” Jamie grabbed a menu from the table.

“I’m not obsessed with her.” Mila rolled her eyes.

“What’s the problem with men liking younger women?” Norton asked. “Don’t women like older men?”

Mila shrugged. “I guess. There’s something to be said for a guy who’s sexually experienced. And who has money.”

“You don’t need to be old for that,” Jamie said. “Let’s order a bunch of things to share.”

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