Page 50 of Marriage is a Shore Thing
Vivian and Finn share a knowing grin while Brynn’s eyes double in size.
“I guess I’ll be there,” I say, trying to hide how completely flustered I am.
Striding to collect used wraps for the laundry gives me just enough time to collect myself before both Noah and Brynn practically charge me.
“I thought this was fake,” Brynn says at the same time Noah asks, “Did something change between you two?”
“You know?” they ask each other simultaneously.
Then Brynn crosses her arms. “Leave. I’m talking to my friend.”
“She’s been my sister longer than she’s been your friend,” Noah scoffs, mirroring her stance.
“Quiet,” I hiss, my gaze darting around the emptying gym. “We’re not talking about this here.”
When neither of them moves, I sigh. “It’s…complicated.”
I still don’t know what last night’s kiss means for our tenuous relationship. Technically, we’re married, but that was our first kiss. Was it also the best kiss of my life? Undoubtedly. But that doesn’t mean that anything significant is going to change with this arrangement. Van is here to satisfy a commitment he made to his late sister. Expecting him to upend his entire life—his career—to move to our tiny island long-term is a foolhardy dream.
“Gen, what else can I help you with for close-up?” Van calls from where he’s putting medicine balls back in their labeled places.
This shakes Noah and Brynn out of their standoff as the six of us finish picking up and cleaning. I’m used to doing this by myself after my most packed class, so I’m shocked when it only takes us a few minutes. We’re saying goodbyes, and I’m aboutto lock up when Van remembers he left his gym bag near the bathroom.
“Just wait one second, then I’ll drive us home.”
I almost scoff that my house is mere blocks from here, but Vivian and Finn are nearby, saying their goodbyes before she walks home with Brynn. A happily married wife would accept a ride home from her husband. Noah gives me a pointedThis isn’t overglare before jogging in the opposite direction toward the condo tower.
Once everyone is gone, I lean against the door jamb, letting the soothing sounds of cricket song and the distant waves steady my pulse. My chin tilts back to watch the evening stars peek between the scattering of clouds hazing the sky. A content exhale leaves my lips as the Cheshire moon gives me a smile.
But then, Van’s voice calls from inside. “Could you come here for a minute?”
twenty-one
Van
The second Geneva steps beside me, I lift her, setting her atop the waist-high storage shelving. “I couldn’t wait until we got home.”
Then I take her lips in a bruising kiss.
Relief courses through me when Geneva’s startled sound shifts into a muted groan. Her nails instantly slip into my hair then scratch down my back, pressing us closer.
“I’ve been thinking about this all day.” My words are hoarse over her mouth before I deepen the kiss.
Just like last night, Geneva matches me touch for touch, just as ravenous as I am. My mind shouts words of gratitude into the universe when her fingers slide over my jaw before she pours herself into the kiss.
“And this…” My fingers tease over the inch of skin left bare between her tank and her leggings. “This sliver darn near made me lose my mind.”
Geneva doesn’t shiver as much as she flinches at my touch.
The smile brightening my face feels like pure sunshine. “Are you ticklish?”
“No,” she says, tone serious. Her hands brace my shoulders as if she’s ready to push me away if I try again.
I set my grinning lips at the crook of her neck, pleased when she becomes as pliant as a piece of seagrass. “You are. Interesting.”
Geneva tilts her head away, giving me access as I work my way up to the sweet spot beneath her ear.
“What other secrets are you hiding?”
