Page 114 of You Kissed Me First

“Yeah, I don’t really feel like sitting on the sand. I know animals, hell even people go to the bathroom on every beach, but it’s completely different when you see it happen.” I wince.

“Chairs it is,” he says, pulling us down the beach.

The man behind the counter smiles as we approach. “Welcome, how can I help you?”

“Do you rent chairs?” Dominic asks.

“And maybe an umbrella?” I smile at the man.

“I do.” The man moves out of view and comes out a side door, holding two beach chairs and an umbrella.

After Dominic pays the sweet man, we set up the chairs right where the water rushes onto the sand, facing the ocean, away from everyone else.

“I love the feeling of the sun on my skin. The way it warms me and makes me feel like I’m in a cozy little haven. It’s like heaven.”

“I’ll make sure not to block your sun,” he teases as I get comfortable.

I blush, shaking my head. “I don’t know where that came from.”

“Hey, keep talking. I love the sound of your voice.”

“You don’t mind? Barrett used to tell me all the time I should talk less and listen more.”

“We both know he’s a fucking idiot. Whatever he told you to do, make sure you do the exact opposite, okay?”

“Okay.”

We fall silent and just enjoy the sound of the waves and the slow pace of the beach. There are people around, but it’s not absolutely packed like some of them we’ve visited.

“This is nice,” Dominic says quietly.

“I was just thinking that.”

“I’m going to go for a swim. Will you be okay here, or do you want to come with me?” He stands, peeling off his shirt.

“I’ll be okay. I might join you in a little bit if that’s okay.”

“I’ll stay close.” He stands and walks toward me. Leaning down, he brushes his lips against mine. “Don’t get in too much trouble.”

“I won’t. I’m just going to read,” I say, holding up the book I started at the beginning of the trip but never finished.

“Don’t read the dirty scenes without me.” He winks as he steps back.

“I won’t.”

I watch Dominic wade farther and farther into the water before returning my attention to my book. Every few pages, I look up, searching for Dom. I watch him playing in the waves. The way his back shines from the water and the sun. After looking up for the fifth time, I give up and close my book, setting it aside. Standing, I startle, finding a flamingo just steps away from our chairs, staring at me.

“Well hello,” I mumble.

Slowly I back away from the bird, wading into the water. Once I’m satisfied I’m far enough away, I turn, making my way toward Dom.

“Bird scare you?” He smirks.

“That obvious?”

He shrugs, pulling me into him. “Only to me. How was your book?”

“I was too distracted.”

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