Page 61 of Take 2
“You know that’s not what it is.”
“But I don’t know what itactuallyis.”
He rubs his temples and lets out a long breath. “I want you for more than sex.”
“I know.” Waves, wind, and tourists fill the silence, and I realize that wasn’t the answer he was looking for. “I do, too. You’re handy to have around for banter—I really do love how you always have a quick response to my sass. And no one else throws me off boats, so …”
“You’re a pain in the ass.”
“Well, you’re obviously a masochist, as proven by the fact that we haven’t had sex. So, I guess that’s why you like me.”
“I guess so.”
I fold my hands together and rest my chin on them. “I can’t promise any more than that right now. And I don’t think we can figure out any more than that while we’re flirting and building this tension only to bottle it up. I don’t know about you, but I’ll go insane.”
He relaxes into his typical smirk. “I thought you could satisfy those needs on your own.”
“Ican,but there are definitely things you can do that I cannot.”
“Glad to know men haven’t been made obsolete.”
Now, when his eyes skim over me, they’re full of heat and none of the pain. It was amusing to torture him, but this hungry look is such a turn on. The only valid excuse he’s made today was the need for food earlier. Eating more than a croissant and coffee was probably a good idea. I’m going to need my energy.
Too perfect continues to be a trend on this trip. The weather, the view, and even spending time with Preston—all amazing. Until later when I put my top back on to get in the water. I screech when it gets past my ankles.
“Well, we tried,” I say, jumping back onto the sand.
“Oh, come on. The Pacific is just as cold.”
“Which is why I don’t go in the water there either.”
“You went in the water here the other day.”
“Not by choice!” Apparently, the adrenaline from being thrown off the boat had warmed me and kept me from noticing how cold the water was.
“You didn’t even mention the cold.”
“Because I was too busy yelling at you.”
“So, if I throw you in again, you won’t notice the cold?”
“If you throw me in again, I will kill you in your sleep.”
He laughs as he walks toward me, but I match his steps to keep a safe distance. “What if I promise to warm you up?”
“I already told you—there are other,hotterways to get me wet.” All the puns intended.
Including but not limited to this scorching look in his eyes that makes me squirm.
“I think I’m done with the beach,” I say.
He nods and squeezes my hip as he walks past me. We collect our things and make the short walk back to the hotel hand in hand. I’m the one who said we shouldn’t put so much weight on this, but every moment’s delay has built up the pressure. So much so that by the time we get into the hotel room, I feel like a virgin on prom night. I sit on the bed, and my knees bounce.
Preston leans back against the dresser. “Do you want to shower?”
“Together?”
“I meant … before.”
