Page 68 of As The Shifter World Turns

Ivor

There were six bedrooms in total, so enough for each of us and with Micah and Archer sharing, I had the choice of two rooms. Feet padded behind me on the wooden floor. There was no need to turn around as I scented Ryder. He stood behind me while I hovered near the doorway checking the view.

But he didn’t speak so I strode inside and after dumping my bag on the floor, opened the glass sliding door and walked onto the balcony, breathing in the salty ocean air. It instantly made me feel better and reminded me of the times I’d spent at the beach as a kid.

“Can we talk?”

“Go on.” I didn’t look at him, but leaned on the railing.

“I have frequent nightmares about Kellan. He’s a bad guy and our relationship was fucked up. I just didn’t want to admit I’d failed and it was easier to stay in than get out.”

He placed his hands on the railing. The hands that had been on me and in me, making me scream in the best possible way. I longed for them to do it again but my belly was jittery and I worried if I said something, it’d be a jumbled mess of mixed up words.

“As far as I’m concerned, Kellan is out of my life.”

“And there’s the problem.” I faced him. “Does he know that?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t be in a threesome, Ryder.”

“What no? What makes you think…?

I cut him off. “You and me, along with Kellan thinking he makes three and interfering in our lives.”

He sighed and studied the waves. “I like you.”

“Me too. I mean I like you, not me, though I like me too.”

He grinned and brushed hair off my forehead. “Can we agree to take things slowly? We both live in the same building, and we work together when you’re not at college.” He extended his arms toward the beach. “And we’re staying in a multi-million dollar house overlooking the water. Let’s have fun.”

He was right. There hadn’t been a lot of fun in my life up until now. I walked back into the room. “Where’s your stuff?”

“Huh?”

“Shouldn't your bag be here if we’re sharing a room this weekend?”

He drew me into his arms. “The bathrooms have waterfall showers. After we swim, we can get clean together.”

Time to be bold, which I never did, except the night I slept with this stag shifter. “I’m dirty now.” My wolf growled, agreeing with my decision.

Ryder slammed the bedroom door closed with his foot and swung me over his shoulder. “Because who wants sand in their hair and their swimsuit.”

Neil

I unpacked my clothes and camera gear and put everything into the walk-in closet. I didn’t need to get ready for hours as my sessions were very late thisevening. I’d brought the same background I always used plus the cushions and bed cover. My customers didn’t like change and I didn’t want to upset them. Besides, I agreed with them.

“Coming to the beach, Neil?” Archer asked.

“I’m more comfortable with the pool.”

“Do you want us to be with you? Or we can join you after swimming in the surf?”

“That’s fine.” I was happy to lie on the lounger with a book. Being in the sea scared me and I hated it if seaweed got tangled around my legs. Gross!

“Lunch is served around the pool in five minutes,” Daire yelled. In a big house like this, there was a lot of yelling, though he could have used the intercom.

“Did he get takeout?” Archer asked.

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