Page 52 of All I Desire

Dammit. I do not want this evening to dissolve into a discussion of best practices for hospitality and tourism. I sit next to Matthew and he slides a couple inches closer to me, then wraps his arm around my shoulders. My chest wells with emotion, because it’s obvious he wants to show Sadie that we’re together.

“It affects so many of us. The booze cruise guys. The paddleboard people. And that woman who takes people out on canoes to meditate with dolphins, she’s beside herself,” Sadie cries.

“It does suck,” I admit. “Why don’t you make an appointment to meet with him, to find out why he’s doing this?”

She blows out a breath. “You know.”

Matthew pipes up, ignoring the hard squeeze I’m giving his thigh. “I don’t. Why can’t you just talk to him?”

“Because I can’t muster up the courage. That’s the problem. I’m so tongue-tied around him. Because he’s gorgeous. He’s a gorgeous jerk. He’s older than me and is the mayor and I’m a pirate ship captain. And now I also don’t know if I can talk with him because I’m so pissed and I’m worried I won’t be able to control myself.”

Matthew scratches his jaw. “But he’s just a…”

I clear my throat. “Hot dog vendor. That’s correct, with his father. It’s a family business. Sadie, this is ridiculous. It’s going to affect your ship. Who cares what he looks like?”

“I know,” she cries. “But I’ve been working up the courage to ask him for a drink and now I hate him. It makes me even more anxious. But I’ve got to stand up to this fascist tyranny.”

“I’m not sure fascism really applies here,” I offer. “Maybe he has a good reason.”

She chews on her cheek, her pink lips plumping in an alluring way. Sadie’s so pretty, I’m shocked Justin hasn’t noticed her yet. We’ve all assumed that it’s because he’s secretly taken and doesn’t want to tell his constituents for some strange reason.

He’s also rumored to be into kinky sex, so maybe Sadie’s not his type. Who knows?

“Maybe I’ll send him an email,” she says, drumming her fingers on the chair’s arm. “Have you guys eaten dinner?”

Oh, for God’s sake.

“An email! That’s it!” I leap up and clap my hands. “Perfect idea. Why not do that right now while it’s fresh in your mind?”

I make my way to the door and shoot Sadie a pointed look, then motion with my eyes at the exit. She glances at me, then Matthew, finally grasping what’s going on.

“Yeah. Yeah! I’ll do that.” She climbs to her feet. “You two look busy with stuff anyway. Well, nice meeting you, Matthew. See you around.”

She scurries to the door. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt. He’s really handsome,” she hisses at me as she saunters out.

“Don’t forget to come to Mermosa for Sunday brunch. There’s a big party,” I call out as I shut the door.

Then I turn to Matthew, whose grin has taken over his face.

“What?” I ask.

“You. Your friends. Your life. I’m enjoying every second of being with you.”

“I feel the same about you,” I purr, sliding onto his lap. “Now, where were we?”

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