Page 27 of Resting Beach Face
“Because I can’t even be upset with him for shooting me down for the hundredth time,” I said.
“Aw, poor baby,” Brooks crooned. “You’re going to have to accept that noteveryperson in the entire world wants you.”
I smiled crookedly. “Well, I had to accept that when Skylar chose you, didn’t I?”
“Eh, Brooks just got to me first,” Skylar said. “You never had a chance.”
Brooks jabbed him in the ribs, and Skylar jerked away with a laugh, then apologized profusely as Brooks tortured him with tickles. By the time Brooks had dragged him into an incredibly X-rated kiss, Poppy had already made her excuses and fled the scene.
I watched, waiting for some spark of arousal, but nope. There was nothing. Just standing near a man who didn’t want me made my dick half hard, but watching Brooks and Skylar suck face?
Boring.
I tossed a few bucks on the table as a tip and pushed my chair back. “Well, I’m going home to jerk off over the man who ruined me with half a kiss.”
Brooks and Skylar broke apart.
“Half a kiss?” Brooks asked.
I waved that off. “Long story.”
“I bet,” he murmured.
Skylar directed a sympathetic smile my way. “You don’t know that Poppy is right. Maybe he does just need to see how you’ve changed.”
I lifted a shoulder. “Not much more I can do to display that. Though, obviously, kissing Sawyer in front of him didn’t help. He says he wasn’t jealous, but…”
“Maybe he was?” Skylar suggested.
“I guess it doesn’t matter since he’s decided I’m all wrong for him.”
Brooks frowned. “I wish I had something more helpful to say. Sawyer hates Ash, and he’s kissing him on the regular. Sometimes shit just doesn’t make sense until it does. I mean, look at me. I never once thought I’d end up with a guy.”
“But you were a goner for Sky almost right away,” I said. “Declan’s had all year to come around.”
Brooks looked pained. “Everyone moves at their own pace?”
I chuckled. “In that case, maybe I’ll get lucky in ten years.” I pushed my chair in. “Goodnight, guys. See you at work next week.”
CHAPTER SIX
Declan
I steeredclear of Cash as much as I could over the next week.
I had more pressing matters to focus on than the strained conversation we’d had on the dock, even if my mind replayed it ten times a day.
I still had to decide what to tell Nate about that development offer. Could I really just sell the B&B and walk away?
Aunt Millie loved it, and I’d tried to love it too. I really had. But if the guests weren’t even enjoying their stay—as their reviews suggested—then wasn’t I doing a disservice to her memory?
On the other hand, sheknewme and she’d chosen to leave me the B&B instead of my sister, Monroe. I had to believe that was because Monroe would have sold on Day One.
My thoughts circled round and round, never leaving me with a clear answer. I still didn’t have one when Nathan called on a Monday morning. I had only one couple booked at the B&B, and they’d gone into town, leaving me to enjoy my coffee over a crossword puzzle.
At least until my phone rang.
“Not trying to rush you, man, but it’s been over a week,” Nathan said after I’d answered. “This opportunity won’t last forever.”
