Page 22 of Riding the Tide

“No, I don’t think he would. I’m trying to explain to you why I’m not in the middle of a complete meltdown.”

Brett stared. “Hmm. The information I found on you said you’ve been on your own for quite a while.”

Blair shrugged. It didn’t take much digging to find that. “That’s true.”

“That’ll certainly make somebody grow up in a hurry, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes. Look, I don’t want to be offensive, but what are we doing here?” Blair waved at the two of them standing out there in the middle the jungle. “You trying to warn me away or warning me of what I’m getting into?”

“I’m giving you a heads up. Both Kannon and I were plunked down in the middle of this new life we found ourselves in with little to no warning. Neither one of us reacted well.” Brett ran a hand through his hair. “I guess I’m trying to spare you the same anguish we went through.”

“Anguish?” Blair nibbled his lip. That sounded rather extreme. “It was really that bad?”

“Any time you have emotions involved, it can get messy. That’s all I’m going to say. Oh, and I’m also going to add I consider Marcus a friend. Don’t hurt him.”

Blair shivered slightly in the warm tropical air. “What about me? Shouldn’t somebody be warning him not to hurt me?”

“He’d rather die than hurt you.” Suddenly Brett sighed. “But that doesn’t mean you won’t end up getting hurt regardless. No matter how good the intentions, things can still go wrong. Just… trust in him. And yourself. He wasn’t expecting this anymore than you were.”

“That’s oddly… deep.” Blair patted Brett on the shoulder. “He’s stumbling around, too? Excellent. If I’m going to be fumbling around here in the dark, the least he can do is join me.”

Brett snorted. “I think I’m going to like you. Ready to head back?”

“Absolutely. I’ve spent a little bit more time in this jungle than I wanted to.”

Blair was relieved to see the conversation heading back was not quite as heavy. Once they left the jungle, he followed Brett back to the resort.

“Okay, I’m going to leave you here. Oh, listen. Tonight, when you get here, give the receptionist your name. She’ll escort you back.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, my pleasure.” Brett snickered. “Absolutely my pleasure. Hope you enjoy yourself. See you later.”

Blair was pretty sure that “absolutely my pleasure” meant something, but he wasn’t sure what. He checked his cell and was surprised to see close to two hours had passed. The whole day stretched in front of him, but he hadn’t planned anything. He pursed his lips. The pool did look rather inviting.

Mind made up, he returned to his room. He’d kill little time at the pool, maybe eat lunch out there, and then grab a nap before tonight… all while trying to figure out what the hell he going to do with the little bomb Brett dropped about him and Marcus being mates.

Satisfied with that, he changed clothes. Slipping on his sandals, he grabbed a towel and his room key before heading back down to the pool. He found a nice spot where he could sunbathe and lay down.

Wonder what Marcus is doing?

CHAPTER SEVEN

WONDERWHATBlair’sdoing?

Marcus bet it was more pleasant than the activity he was currently involved in. After he tried on the borrowed clothes, he returned to the kitchen and stood silently while both Kannon and Nisha checked him over.

“Not exactly a perfect fit, but close. These will work.” Kannon checked the waist of the pants Marcus wore.

“Stop that.” Marcus swatted Kannon’s hand.

“Just checking to see how much give there is.”

“I’m good. Seriously. I don’t particularly like clothes, but if I have to wear them, these are fine.” Marcus took a breath and threw himself off the cliff. “All right, how do I look?”

“Wasn’t there a show called that?” Kannon mused.

“I have no idea what that means, and I don’t want to know. Just tell me if I pass.”

---