Page 121 of Resting Beach Face
She smiled. “I’m always here if you need someone to listen.”
“Andthisis why I want to date you,” Jasmine burst out. At Poppy’s horrified look, she added, “As friends, I mean. No romance! No sex! Just…awesomeness.”
Poppy tilted her head. “Huh. That actually sounds kind of cool.”
It seemed as if even an aro ace could find a special someone—even if it was just a really close friend. Somehow, I found that reassuring. My relationship with Cash wasn’t a fluke or a wild stroke of luck.
It was just two people coming together and knowing they were better together than apart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Cash
I raisedthe carafe of coffee the next morning, where Declan’s latest round of guests sat at the breakfast table. “Who wants a refill?”
Gray had called with questions about the greenhouse project, and Declan had looked so excited to go talk shop that I’d offered to cover breakfast service.
A broad-shouldered guy in a plaid shirt named Chuck raised his cup. “Hit me. I’m used to coffee darker than oil. This fancy stuff isn’t cutting it.”
I smiled gamely and refilled his cup. His wife, a sturdy sort of woman with curly red hair and tons of freckles shook her head when I offered her the same.
“Well, I love the coffee,” Jade, a blonde in a flowery tank top said. “It’s just right for us lightweights.”
Her boyfriend, Drew, lifted his cup, saluting me. “And for those of us with a hangover. Fill ’er up.”
“Did you all hit Shallow Beach again?” I asked as I poured the dark brew. Jade and Drew were the couple who were out late thenight of the vandalism. Unfortunately, they’d told Declan they hadn’t seen anyone when they got in that night.
Chuck snorted. “That’s an appropriate nickname. I’ve never seen so many bikinis in my life.”
He must not get out much. I was fairly certain Ft. Lauderdale would have us beat by a mile. But the partying got pretty rampant across the lake.
“It’s wild over there,” Katelyn said from her spot at the table. “I’ve only been to a party there once, and I thought Cash would kill me when he caught up.”
“Nah, I’d have to hurt any guy trying to lay hands on you though. You’re only fifteen.”
“Aw, you’re a protective big brother,” Jade said. “That’s sweet.”
Drew slung an arm over her shoulder. “Now, don’t go getting any ideas, Jade. You’ll break my heart.”
She laughed and slapped his arm. “Stop it! You know Declan is his boyfriend.”
Drew grinned. “Eh, some guys go both ways.”
“He’s not wrong,” I said, tapping my chest. “Bi guy. But I’m also loyal, which means no cheating with pretty guests.”
“That’s good news for me,” Drew muttered.
Jade laughed and blushed a little. “Don’t be silly.”
Katelyn sighed. “So gross. Why do people think you’re so hot?”
“It’s the burden I have to bear,” I said with a put-upon sigh as the guests all laughed. The conversation moved on to their plans for the day, and Chuck got into a lively debate with Jade about the best kind of vacation. He insisted there was nothing better than fishing in a quiet spot at the lake, enjoying nature, while she liked to get out and experience the local culture.
I could see the appeal to both, but I had no desire to wade into that mess. I mentally checked out while I finished my breakfast plate.
My phone rang shortly before the end of breakfast service. I pulled it out to check the screen.
Mom.
