Page 67 of Knot Your Sunshine
A bird suddenly lands on top of the gazebo, eyeing our food with obvious intent.
"Don't even think about it," Keanu tells the bird, pulling the platter closer. "These pastries are spoken for."
"Territorial over breakfast?" I tease.
"Territorial over making sure you're well-fed," he corrects with a playful growl that sends heat straight through me.
"My hero," I say, kissing his jaw. "Defending my breakfast from aerial threats."
"All in a day's work." He salutes the bird, who flies away with an indignant squawk.
I settle deeper into his arms, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my back. "Thank you," I say against his skin. "For the food, the lesson, and... everything."
He pulls me closer. "Thank you for trusting me. In the water and... after."
We stay there as the sun keeps climbing higher overhead, sharing fruit and stories. He tells me about growing up here, about secret beaches and midnight swims. I tell him about hikes high up in Lakeview's mountains, late nights in the salon, dreams that felt too big until today.
"Ready to head back?" he finally asks, though neither of us moves. "We should probably rinse off all this sand and salt."
"Probably," I agree, running my fingers through my tangled hair. "I'm going to be finding sand in interesting places for days."
"I could help you look for it," he offers with an innocent expression that fools no one.
"I bet you could." I stand, stretching, very aware of his eyes tracking the movement.
"Off we go then." Keanu starts gathering our things, then pauses. "Mia?"
"Yeah?"
"Today was..." He seems to search for words, then just kisses me instead. Slow and deep and full of promise.
When we break apart, I'm breathless again.
"Solid closing statement," I murmur with a grin.
We pack up the gazebo, shaking sand from towels, finishing the last of the coffee, and walk back up the beach.
"Race you to the path?" he suggests, already starting to run.
"Cheater!" I chase after him, laughing.
Chapter twenty-six
Keanu
Mia reclines in her beach chair, eyes closed as the masseuse works her shoulders. She moans, and my body tightens instantly. I shift in my chair, angling away slightly to hide the evidence poking through my shorts… The same evidence I got to put to very good use just hours ago on the beach.
Jesus, get it together man.
Josh makes a strangled noise, his fingers gripping the edge of his chair. On Mia's other side, Noa clears his throat and reaches for his water bottle, throat working as he swallows.
We're all affected. Our omega, content and boneless, making those sounds that go straight through us.
I stand and lean over her with a slice of chilled mango, touching it to her lips. She opens her mouth without opening her eyes, tongue darting out to catch a drop of juice. Another soft hum vibrates from her throat as she chews.
Fuck.
Mia's eyes flutter open. She smiles at me, slow and satisfied, and my heart stumbles the same way it did back in the gazebo.
