Page 27 of Tan Lines & Trouble
But now, it's nearly all I can think about. Like I said...I'm losing it.
"You'd think, living at the beach, I wouldn't be so mesmerized but the water isn't clear like this in Palm Bluff."
I nearly choke. "I'm sorry, where?" I ask sputtering. Because surely she didn't just say...
"Palm Bluff. It's a little town in Florida on the coast. I didn't tell you where earlier because, you know, you could have likebeen a stalker or something." She grins but I'm too dumbstruck to reply.
Because, holy-fucking-hell, this is some fate shit if I've ever seen it.
"Griff, are you okay?" She reaches over and takes my hand, rubbing small circles over the top with her thumb. "Do I need to ask them to take us back to the resort?"
"No. Uh. No."
"Then what's wrong? I don't want us getting in the water if you're not well."
Oh, I'm well. I just found out my dream girl calls the town I'm moving to home. I'm really, really well.
"I'm fine. Promise."
"You said you were in Florida too, right? I wonder if we live close together?"
I clear my throat, hoping like hell this doesn't freak her out. "Yeah, we do. Really close."
Her eyes shine brighter than the sun. "How close?"
"Well, Palm Bluff's a pretty small town, so I'd say within a fifteen-mile radius close."
Now she's the one who's silent.
"You okay?"
She nods. "I am. Promise. Just shocked."
"Yeah," I agree. "Me too."
Before we can discuss it any more, the boat anchors and it's time to dive in.
"That was amazing!"Blue cries as we step off of the boat and onto the dock. "But now I'm tired."
"Nap?" I ask, pressing a hand to the small of her back as we walk toward the resort.
"I only have two more days in paradise, so nope."
"You sure?"
"Positive, but I definitely wouldn't say no to some coffee."
"I hear it tastes even better by the pool."
Blue tips her head up toward mine, a breathtaking smile painting her plump lips. "So fucking sold!"
Luckily, the pool is only steps away and the outdoor bar offers coffee. "Grab us two chairs and I'll get our drinks. What do you want?"
"Iced white mocha please."
"You got it, baby doll."
By the time I join her, she's stretched out with her hat covering her eyes and her body glistening with the coconut-scented oil she loves so much. No lie, she looks like a blue-haired, bronze-skinned goddess.
