“We’re in public,” he reminded her.
She craned her neck to look at him, then darted her eyes around the lobby, remembering they weren’t alone.
“Kiss me,” she whispered, and he obliged.
“Jack!” someone shouted the instant their lips met. “I know she’s really hot and everything, but I’m starving so let’s get moving.”
Jack groaned again—albeit different from the one moments ago—and pulled away, sliding his hand between them to adjust himself before grabbing her hand and turning to face his friends.
Jessica was surprised to find Bethani tucked into the crook of Zach’s arm, and her friend shot her a smirk.
“Since you’re soooooo hungry,” Jack said to Chad, who had been the one that shouted at them, “you can pick where we eat.”
“I want steak,” Chad said.
Their resort consisted of a central tower with guest rooms, the main level of which was dominated by a massive indoor green space full of trees and flowers, bushes and other plants. Branching off to each side from there were two low slung buildings housing several hundred more rooms. The front of the complex was the lobby, sports bar, lounge and meeting spaces. The grounds extended far beyond the buildings, though, and included the three pools, beach access, and various dining establishments.
The restaurant Chad wanted to go to was about a five minute walk from the lobby, so they set off in its direction. Now that the sun had sunk below the horizon, the air had cooled to a more comfortable temperature. For no reason other than because she wanted to, Jessica looped her arm through Jack’s and clung to his side.
“Can we consider this our first date?” Jack asked quietly as they strolled behind their friends.
“No,” she said quickly, and laughed when she saw Jack’s frown in the low exterior lights of the resort paths. “No offense, but I didn’t imagine our friends on our first date.”
“In that case, remind me to take you on a proper one before this week is over.”
A thrill raced through her at the promise in those words.
When they arrived at the restaurant, it was early enough that there were plenty of tables available, and the hostess sat them on the patio beneath a canopy of palm fronds and twinkling lights.
“This is magical,” Jessica breathed once she was settled in her chair.
“You’re magical,” Jack said, scooting close to her.
“You guys are disgusting,” Chad groaned.
Jessica stuck her tongue out at him, and Jack said, “You’re just jealous.”
Chad’s gaze swept over her like a brand—across the delicate lines of her exposed collarbones, around the slopes of her shoulders, and down the length of her arms, pausing on where her hand was clasped in Jack’s on the table.
“I mean…you are pretty hot,” Chad said finally.
Jack made a noise of warning in the back of his throat, and Jessica giggled, squeezing his fingers.
“I’m with you,” she reminded him. “Ichoseyou.”
He rewarded her admission with a small smile. “I still don’t understand why. I was kind of an asshole to you.”
“There’s nokind ofabout it,” she teased, prodding him in the side before leaning closer and dropping her voice. “But let’s just say I like your mouth better when you’re kissing me instead of cussing me out.”
Jack tipped his head back and laughed, and Jessica grinned in response. His eyes sparkled when he met hers again. “Trust me, sunshine, there’s a lot more where that came from.”
The shiver that shot down her spine had nothing to do with the breeze rolling in off the ocean.
Soon, the drinks were flowing and the table in front of them was laden with dishes of meats, appetizers, veggies, and various carbs. Before they dug into their feast, Chad insisted on a celebratory shot.
“To the Admirals!” Chad shouted, raising his shot glass over the table and aggressively clinking it against everyone else’s before downing what little liquor remained.
“The…Admirals?” Jessica asked, shooting Jack a quizzical glance.
