Page 129 of The Vacation Mix-Up
Knowing that if I wait too, I’ll be longer than the minute I gave Riley, and he’d no doubt use it against me in his infuriating adorable way. So, throwing caution to the wind, I step into the communal shower.Screw it!I’m in Iceland, and Mom wanted me to try new things. Perhaps this wasn’t what she had in mind, but… oh well.You only live once!
Embracing my newfound bravery, I prop my bag against the wall, strip off my sweats and underwear, and turn the shower on, my nipples beading in the fresh air. Embarrassed, I quickly cover them with my arms, then just as quickly follow the hilarious washing guide on the wall that instructs you on how to thoroughly clean your head, armpits, feet, and hoo-hah. It also suggests you cover your hair with conditioner and keep it out of the water to prevent damage, so I do as suggested and pile it atop my head.
Resembling Pebbles fromTheFlintstones, I thread my new bathing suit on, mildly irritated at the string bikini Riley insisted on choosing because he was paying for it.
In all honesty, I probably would’ve picked it anyway, because it’s green, and the only other choices were a multicolored one-piece or a white bikini with a push-up top. Riley liked that one too, but I lied and told him it was too big.
He unequivocally assured me I was wrong.
I’d growled at him.
Collecting my towel and clothing, I place them in my rental locker and scan the electronic wristband I was given when we arrived, and then I scurry out to the lagoon, slowing my stride when I spot Riley dipping his toe into the water, his long legs lean and muscular, his new black swim trunks shorter than the previous pair, accentuating his well-defined thighs. He rubs his chin as if he’s still unsure about the mineral components of the pool and then turns toward me, lips lifting when his eyes find mine.
I perform a catwalk spin for him and laugh. “How was it?”
“If I tell you, you might knee me in the balls.”
“Why?” I laugh. “What happened?”
“Well, when you’re a man and see something you like, your junk transforms?—”
“What?” I shriek, covering my mouth with my hand. “You got an erection in the changing room?”
He rears back. “What the fuck, Riles? No! What are you talking about?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your sexy spin thing you just did.”
Staring at him dumbfounded, I erupt with laughter and facepalm. “I meant how was the changing room?”
“Notthatgood. Jesus!” His eyes rake my body, and I suddenly feel more naked than I was moments ago. “I picked good.” He tugs a string at my hip, so I slap his hand away.
“Did you shower naked in front of everyone?” I ask, my smile cheeky.
“No, I didn’t.”
“I did!”
He holds me at arm’s length, his expression perplexed.
“You seem shocked,” I say, much like he does to me.
“I am.”
“I guess I’m feeling brave today.”
He grazes his knuckle down my arm, soft and sweet. “You are brave. Braver than you know.”
Shivering at his touch, I collect his hand in mine. “I’m slowly figuring that out.”
He lips feather mine, and I melt into him as I stretch up to my tiptoes and drape my arms over his shoulders, deepening the kiss, the friction of his skin heating my body much like the volcanic activity surrounding us.
Knowing I’ll erupt if we don’t stop, I pull back and ask, “Are you ready to be healed and rejuvenated?”
He rubs his chin. “I’m still not convinced that’s water.”
“Be brave.”
