Page 16 of The No Falling Rule
When I look back, Carly’s still sitting there—her warm, easy smile gone.
I’m not someone who intimidates easily, but the way Carly’s looking at me has my balls halfway up my throat.
“I think it’s really cute, everything you’re doing for Mia,” she says, twirling her fork and picking out every piece of honeydew from her fruit salad. Her tone is light—too light. If it weren’t for the daggers in her gaze, I’d think she actually wanted to be my friend.
“It’s been just the two of us since our parents passed a few years ago,” she adds casually, then leans back and pins me with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I made it my mission to take care of her, be the best sister I could. So don’t think for a second that all your money or power would stop me from castrating you—no anesthesia, very sharp scalpel—if you ever hurt Mia. She’s sweet, innocent, kind, beautiful, and smart. I sure hope you’re being sincere with her.”
Carly’s threat shouldn’t get under my skin. I’ve handled tougher negotiations and more volatile tempers. But this—this isn’t a deal I can control. If I mess this up, I don't lose a client—I lose the first woman who’s made me want to slow down in years.
“Everything okay?” Mia asks, walking my way. She presses the back of her hand against my forehead. “You look pale. Are you sure you want to go out? Maybe it’s best if we stay in today.”
“Absolutely not,” Carly declares, standing with her arms crossed, daring me to disagree. “You two are going out and having fun.”
“I’m okay,” I assure Mia quickly. “I think I just need a bit more food in me. But we can grab something where we’re going.”
I give her what I hope is a reassuring smile. She eyes me warily but relaxes when I press a kiss to her nose.
Carly heads toward her room, but not before dragging a finger across her throat—a silent promise of what’ll happen if I ever hurt her sister. I nod, message received.
Before closing the door, she calls out, “Enjoy kids—and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Mia rolls her eyes, a goofy grin tugging at her lips. But when she looks back up to me, her smile falters.
“Did she tell you something? I’m so sorry. Carly loves talking a big game, but she wouldn’t hurt a fly. I promise.”
A cackle erupts from her room, and Mia grabs my hand, hurrying us toward the door.
“She might’ve said a thing or two,” I admit, helping her into the golf cart. “But I’m sure it’s just older-sibling talk.”
As soon as we’re rolling and some distance stretches between us and Carly, my lungs finally remember how to work.
The sun is blazing, a few lazy clouds drifting overhead—it’s going to be a beautiful day for what I have planned.
“So where are we going?” Mia asks, bouncing in her seat, excitement radiating off her.
I glance her way—just for a second—and immediately regret it. Her bikini top strains against gravity, and my self-control takes a hit. I grip the wheel tighter. I want her—badly— but I also want her to know I meant it when I said more than that.
“We’re going snorkeling," I say, trying to focus on the road instead of the movement of her tits—or anything else currently testing my restraint.
Mia stops bouncing. Her fingers find her braids, tugging them lightly. When I glance again, she’s forcing a smile.
Shit. Did I pick the wrong activity? And here I thought breakfast would be the hard part.
There’s a flicker in her eyes—something shy, almost retreating.
“Hey,” I say softly, touching her knee, “we don’t have to. I just thought it’d be fun.”
She blinks, caught off guard by the gentleness in my tone, then exhales a laugh.
“You plan datesandbring breakfast? I can handle a little snorkeling,” she teases, though her voice wobbles just enough to make me want to pull her close.
I squeeze her knee—my thumb brushing over her skin—and leave it there. One hand on her thigh, the other steady on the wheel.
She hums—a low, content sound that feels like sunlight.
I grin, the knot in my chest loosening. Whatever happens today—whether she loves it or panics halfway through—I’ll be there, right beside her.
The cart curves toward the marina, the sea glittering ahead like it’s daring me to keep my promise.
