Page 89 of Carnal

She bites her lip. Nerves fill her expression.

"The deal was if you had a good time, we keep seeing each other. If you had a bad time, then we stop. Don't tell me you're going back on your promise," I add, my chest tightening.

She takes a deep breath and then releases it. She turns more in her seat and replies, "I'm not going back on my word. But, Tristano, I'm not ready to tell Dante or anyone else anything."

I have mixed feelings about keeping us a secret, but I know why Pina feels strongly about not telling my family. So I consider this a win. I'll help her come to terms with telling my family over time. I kiss the back of her hand and promise, "Understood. I'll let you decide when the timing is right."

"You will?" she asks.

"Why do you seem surprised?"

She shrugs. "I don't know."

"Well, don't worry about this," I instruct as I rise and hold my hand out to help her stand.

She takes it, and I tug her into me. She looks up and says, "It really was a great weekend."

"It was. Come on. I better get you to your place so you can get to work." I lead her off the plane and onto the snowy runway.

The cold air tortures us. I instantly wish I could go back to the warm sunshine. I battle snowflakes to guide Pina to the vehicle.

Flex opens the back-seat door and says, "Shit. You two are tan. Where did you go?"

"The Bahamas," I reply.

Pina slides into the SUV, saying nothing.

I fist-bump Flex then get in. He shuts the door.

Pina frets, "Are you sure Flex isn't going to say anything?"

I put my arm around her. "Yes. Stop worrying."

Flex gets in. "Where to?"

"Pina's," I answer.

He nods then puts the SUV into gear. "So, what's interesting in the Bahamas?"

"Everything," I state.

He grunts. "Want to be more specific?"

Pina jumps in, "The Blue Lagoon was amazing."

"Like from that old movie?" he questions.

"It's a private island you have to take a half-hour ferry ride to, but it's worth it. The water's pristine," she informs him.

"More so than the resort water?" he inquires.

Pina thinks a moment. "No. It's just different. You have to see it to understand, I guess. And it's cool because no one lives there."

"If only they let us stay longer than two hours," I add.

Pina beams. "Yeah. Agreed. It was still awesome though."

I stretch my legs as far as possible. "Flex, you see Callie this weekend?"

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