Page 8 of Paradise Pride

Meghan hid her face in her hands and laughed. “Sorry, it’s what I sleep in. I don’t have anything else.”

“I’m just messing with you. It’s fine. Nice and airy for a warm night.” When Florence sat up in bed, the outline of her breasts was clearly visible through the thin top, and Meghan swiftly looked away. “Well, I think I’ll try to get some sleep.” Florence yawned through her words. “Thank you, Meghan. I had a lovely time with you.” She hesitated. “Maybe we can meet up again sometime while you’re here?”

Meghan’s face broke into a huge smile. She had no problem going out by herself; she easily made friends, but she loved Florence’s company and was eager to spend more time with her. “I’d like that.” She got into bed and turned on her side, facing Florence as she slipped under the covers. It wasn’t awkward but certainly unusual, having someone other than Kim there. She didn’t feel like she was taking up Florence’s time or asking for too much, though. This was a two-way understanding, and she was pretty sure Florence wasn’t here because she took pity on her. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Meghan.”

Meghan turned off her bedside lamp, leaving the room in the dim light from the poolside and the full moon. Sea breeze was flowing through the balcony doors, and in the distance, she heard music coming from the clubs and bars along the promenade. She was mindfully aware of her own body and the fact that Florence was lying in the bed next to hers. The image of Florence’s breasts hit her, and she shook off the thought. This made no sense. She’d come here with the intention of flirting a little, perhaps even have a holiday fling. It had been a year since she’d ended her relationship with Tom, and she was ready to have fun again, but with a man, not with a woman.

Her mind went back to the girl she’d kissed at the university party. Meghan hadn’t thought of her in many years, but talking about it tonight brought it all back, and she could vividly remember her face now. A sharp jawline, big, blue eyes and short, ash-blonde hair that fell over one side of her forehead. She’d been confidently charming and assertive, something Meghan wasn’t used to back then, not even with boys. And her lips had been so soft…

Meghan closed her eyes, attempting to relive the moment. She’d kissed her soft and tenderly at first, then more persistent and hungrily as their hands explored each other’s waist and hips—until one of Meghan’s friends had pulled her away from the girl because they were leaving. During the cab drive back to their campus, they’d teased her relentlessly, and Meghan had laughed along, blaming her out-of-character behaviour on too many cocktails, but she’d never forgotten, not really. The memory turned vague, and then darkness took over as she slipped into a deep and dream-filled sleep.

8

Florence

“Yes, I’m coming!” The knocking was hard and persistent, and Florence rushed to the door and opened it.

“The stuff you wanted,” Manuel said, sticking his head into the room. As soon as he saw Meghan in her bed, he quickly retreated and mouthed, “What have you been up to?”

“Nothing,” Florence whispered. “I swear. The hotel was empty, she was scared, I was here, and it saved me going home and coming back.” She took the bag from him. “Thank you. Did you get my toothbrush too?”

“Yes, it’s all in there.” Manuel looked her up and down and decided she was telling the truth. “Aren’t you going to get into trouble for this?”

“Of course not. If anything, they should thank me for helping out a terrified guest who was here all alone.”

“Right. That makes sense.” He stepped back and pointed to her messy hair. “You’d better get ready, though. You’re looking a bit rough, and we open in half an hour.”

“What?” Florence grabbed his wrist to check his watch. “Oh God. I forgot to set the alarm.” Behind her, she heard the bed creak as Meghan stirred awake and sat up. “Okay, I’ll see you down there. Thanks, Manuel.” She closed the door and turned to find Meghan smiling at her.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” Meghan yawned and rubbed her face, looking adorably sleepy.

“Yes, like a baby.” Florence returned her smile. “Must have been the wine. You?”

“Yeah. I had weird dreams.” Meghan frowned as if she was trying to remember, then subtly shook her head. “Really weird dreams.”

“Care to share?”

“Best not.” Meghan chuckled. “Anyway, it’s all fading now.” She got out of bed, stepped onto the balcony and leaned over the railing, taking in the final preparations that were going on around the poolside. “Wow, it’s a beautiful day.”

“It’s going to be a great day.” Florence couldn’t help but stare at Meghan’s perky behind, only sparsely covered by her white lace panties. Her T-shirt didn’t help either, as her shapely waist was clearly visible through the thin fabric. A tightness grew in Florence’s core, and she tried to think of something else. Anything else. Last night, she’d put her subtle flirtations down to the alcohol and the full moon, but now that the sun was up, not much had changed. She still felt the need to let Meghan know she appreciated her looks, and as she joined her on the balcony, she attempted to bite back the flirtatious comment that was dying to slip from her lips.Don’t say it.“I hope you’re going to cover up that cute ass today, or you’re going to have women flocking around you like there’s no tomorrow.”Damn it.

“What?” Meghan’s cheeks flushed as she looked at her, wide-eyed. “Me?”

Florence could’ve kicked herself for her impulsiveness. “Do you see anyone else here? Yes, you.” She laughed it off as a joke and sincerely hoped she hadn’t offended her.

“I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.” Meghan turned and arched a brow as she eyed Florence’s T-shirt. “And I hope you’ll cover up those puppies for the sake of all the single women who are dying to get it on with the bartender.”

“Hey, if it catches your eye, it may work with others.” Florence grinned as she met her eyes. “Unfortunately, I have to wear the Pride top the organisation provided me with, so there will be no flashing action behind the bar today.” She held Meghan’s gaze, and Meghan didn’t shy away.

“Shame. I guess all the attention will go to me and my cute ass, then.”

Am I mistaken, or is she flirting back?“I guess so. Are you ready for that?”

Meghan shrugged. “As long as you look after me, I think I’ll be fine.” It wasn’t so much what she said as the way she said it that caused a stir in Florence’s core. Meghan’s voice was sultry, and her eyes were twinkling with mischief.

“I can do that.” Florence hesitated, contemplating what to say next. She wanted to ask Meghan when she was free to meet up, but she was worried it would come across as if she was asking her out on a date. “I’ll look after you if you let me take you out on Monday.”

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