Page 100 of In The Game

“Mom, I’m driving the boat!”

“You’re doing great!”

This man is weakening me by the minute. It doesn’t help that he’s in nothing but swim trunks and his tanned muscles are on display. His chest, back, thighs, calves, arms… good God. He decided that we,meaning me, needed a break from the stress of packing to relax and cruise around the lake. He’s been dropping hints about taking us out on his boat for a while now. And you know what? I decided to take him up on that. I’m taking Jill’s advice and letting myself have happiness.

Arthur’s face remains focused as he takes his captain duties seriously. Over his shoulder, Barrett points out a piece of driftwood that Arthur needs to maneuver around.

“Okay, Mini Bear. See that big log sticking out of the water, can you steer us around that on the right side? Do you know right from left?”

“Uh-huh,” Arthur says, turning the wheel.

“You’re a natural. Maybe I’ll take a nap in the cabin and you can show your mom around the lake.” He gives him pointers, and they make conversation as if they’re lifelong friends. It makes my heart flip and my ovaries throw a goddamn ticker tape parade.

The hot sun beats down on us, but the breeze off the lake feels like a warm blanket over my exposed skin, and it makes my eyes heavy. I might be the one taking a nap up here in the bow seats—I’d probably sleep better than I do in my own bed. I’ve never been on a boat this nice.

“Mom!”

“Yeah, bud?” I answer with my eyes closed.

“How come you’re not wearing your swimsuit like me ’n’ Barrett?” Arthur asks. I sit up and turn around.

“Yeah, good question, Mini Bear!” Barrett winks at me. “Why don’t you take off that cover up?”

Previously, I was always very self-conscious in a swimsuit, but lately, I’ve become so much more comfortable in my own skin. I’m sure Barrett’s influence has something to do with that, especially when I catch him checking me out. I went out and got a couple of new suits for Hawaii. Normally, I would’ve rather shaved my shins with a cheese grater than shop for new suits, but I wanted something cute and sexy.

I grab a handful of my loose sundress and pull it over my head, showing off my new two-piece, and behind me, Barrett chokes on his sparkling water.

“Mini Bear… Your mom ishot.”

“Barrett!”I shoot a glance at him, and my face heats up. Arthur giggles like it’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard. I have a feeling it’s mostly because he’s never heard anyone else be on the receiving end of my “mom” voice.”

He wolf-whistles as I sit back down in the cushy seats at the front of the boat.

“Arthur, don’t ever whistle at girls like that, it’s rude and they don’t like it.”

That’s a lie, pretty sure Barrett could catcall a fucking banana and it would start stripping its peel. My attempt at setting a good example is weak, and I have to smother my grin. I love getting that reaction out of him. When his gaze falls on me, I’m the only woman in the world.

It’s an incredible feeling to be wanted the way he wants me. The other night, he came over for dinner and after Arthur went to bed, Barrett licked my stretch marks like he was worshipping each and every one of them. He bit and clawed at my stomach and thighs like he couldn’t get enough. Knowing I still turn him on, even after all the changes my body has gone through, digs up the feelings I’ve had buried and brings them to the surface.

“Raleigh, come back here so I can put some sunblock on you.”

Seems like a trap, but he’s got a point.

I reluctantly sit up from my relaxed lounging and head toward them. “I can manage.”

He slows the boat to a trolling speed, and I walk to the back to grab the bottle. When I pass the two of them, he points at the horizon to Arthur. “Okay, you’ve got a really important job, I need you to aim us toward that row of trees, way out in the distance, see it?”

“Yup!”

“Good, don’t take your eyes off it. Keep us headed in that direction.”

He skims his rugged palms up the back of my calves, behind my thighs, until he reaches my ass. I freeze. I should slap his hand away, but I’m loving his attention and Arthur is too busy playing ship captain.

“I’m going to grab us some snacks. Can you keep driving for a minute?”

“Yessir!”

I know a diversion when I hear it.He scoots off the short bench and grabs my hips, walking me backward until my feet hit the stern. One hand tangles in my windblown hair, and the other kneads my ass.

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