Page 70 of Raine Out (Grand Slam 2)

“I was going to say that I should get my sunscreen and hat.”

Maisie dumps her beach bag on the floor of the flamingo. She waves her hand over her supply of sunscreen, ponytail holders, chapstick, and a baseball hat with Seb’s number 20 on it. She hands me the hat. “Sit down, Raine. We have some talking to do.”

“Fine,” I say, pulling the hat low on my head. “Make me a drink. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.

“Hey, Dad,” Sophie yells. “Will you pull us out further?”

Her dad wades over and starts pulling us out into the water. “So Raine, I saw you walk in with Alex Molina. What’s going on there?”

“Not you, too, Mr. Banks. Seriously?”

He shrugs. “I’m just thinking that maybe I can get another one of my daughters married off—”

“Stop,” I say, pointing at him. “It’s not like that. And don’t mention to my mom that you saw me with a guy. And tell Mrs. Banks not to say anything. You know how Mom gets.”

“My lips are sealed, but I can’t guarantee Deb won’t say anything.” He laughs as he walks back to shore. “Don’t drift out too far, ladies.”

“It’s not like that, huh?” Maisie says, smiling at me. “Then please do tell us what it’s like.”

“Sophie, make her leave me alone.”

“No way,” Sophie says, pouring herself a drink. “I’m on her side on this one. And take off your cover-up before you sweat to death.”

I already know what’s coming. I sigh as I pull my cover-up over my head.

“Holy shit, Raine!” Maisie says, sitting up as she stares at my very small, very pink bikini. “Did you wear that for Alex or for me? Because I’m about to pass out just looking at you.”

I slap her hands away as she points to my cleavage. “Stop it. I’m wearing it for me. I’m trying to take more risks.”

“From the way Alex is looking at you today,” Sophie says, “I think you’re already at risk of him throwing you down on the sand and taking you, but if not, that suit’s going to push him over the edge.”

I take a long drink of my mai tai. “That’s already happened.”

“What?” Their combined screech is so loud that everyone at the party looks out to us.

“We’re fine,” I say, waving up at them and then turning back to Maisie and Sophie. “Keep your voices down, maniacs.”

“You slept with him last night?” Sophie whispers.

“And this morning—”

“Oh my God! Who are you right now?” Maisie says, spilling some of her drink as she tries to sit up. “How was it? Is he any good? He has to be, right? I mean, God, just look at him.”

“Mae! Raine might not want to talk about that.” Sophie slugs her leg. “But seriously, is he any good? And exactly how good? Be specific.”

“Crazy good—like I’m sweating just thinking about it,” I mumble as I pull the baseball hat over my face. I shove them both as they start squealing again. “Stop! They’re going to know what we’re talking about.”

“So is it going to happen again?” Maisie whispers. “Or was it like a one-night thing?”

“Uh,” I say, taking a long drink as I ease my head back onto the side of the flamingo. “I think that’s up to me.”

“And?” Sophie says, grabbing my arm.

“No squealing.” I point at them. They cover their mouths—eyes wide. “Yeah, I think it’s going to happen again. I know I want it to.”

They both twist around as they muffle their screams.

“Is it just lust at this point?” Maisie says. “I mean, I get it if it is. He’s so beautiful.”

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