Page 28 of Firsts

I shoot him a quick reply.

Yeah.

Pool.

Pushing up from the chair, I tell Cassie, “My friend’s stopping by. I’m going for a swim. Coming?”

“Sure.”

We veer off to our rooms to change.

Mark arrives in his swim trunks and t-shirt shortly after I head out to the pool.

“Hey, man.” We smack hands in greeting.

“What’s up?”

“Just got back from Westport.” He tosses his towel on one of the lounge chairs.

“How was it at your dad’s?”

“A total shitshow.” He throws his hand up. “My stepmother was at it again. That demon planted hard liquor in my car and showed it to my dad. He got on my ass for it.”

“Damn.” I don’t even bother to ask whether the alcohol was indeed his. I know him well enough to know he isn’t bullshitting.

“The woman is destroying our relationship. He can’t even see that.”

“Shit, man. Sorry.”

He shrugs. “Anyway. How are things with your cousin?”

“Good. You were right. I want…her…” My voice falls as Cassie walks out the sliding doors wearing a two-piece yellow swimsuit. My god. She’s hot.

Wait. Is it okay to find my cousin hot?

Seeing her braless the other day with her nipples poking through the thin top won’t leave my mind. I’ve been grossly anticipating another shirt like that.

I can’t stop my eyes from trailing over her body, drinking in her modest chest and cleavage, flat stomach, smooth-looking brown skin, and lingering on her hips as they rock from side to side with her movements.

“Say what?” Mark follows my focus and gasps. “Whoa. Fuck.”

I hate that he’s gawking at my cousin. The urge to wrap the towel around her and hide her from him emerges unexpectedly.

“I would have dumped Bristol, too,” he whispers. “She’s hot.”

“Shut up.” I nudge his arm. “That’s my cousin.”

“That’s her?” he blurts and blows a long breath.

Cassie waves as she reaches us. “Hey.”

“Hi,” Mark replies nicely. Too nice.

“Cassie, this is Mark Kingston. He lives up the street. Mark, this is my cousin, Cassandra.”

He extends his hand for hers. “How’s it going, Cassie?”

“Cassandra,” I correct with a grumble.

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