He opens his mouth to argue, but my words must sink in because he hides a smile, shaking his head. “Ha. Ha.”
“Can I come or not?” I plant my hands on my hips and huff, my brow raised.
“Sure, it’s a free country.” Boredom oozes from his tone. “I’m leaving in five minutes.”
“Great. But I need fifteen. I’ll meet you at the door.”
I brush his shoulder as I walk past, and a spark of something runs through me. Ignoring what was obviously static electricity, I bounce up the stairs, a huge smile on my face. Jack may have promised the beachlater, but I’m a water baby… I’ll take the beach over anything else.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Mason
Between swimming and reading my book in the blistering sun, I manage to completely ignore Jenna’s presence for the entire first hour of our “fun” outing. I’m proud to say, my eyes never once drifted her way while she sunbathed on her floral beach towel, her olive-green string bikini undone at the back, revealing a little too much side boob.
Nope, my gaze stayed firmly locked on my thriller.
Jenna disappears for a swim, and of course, I glance up at the exact moment she returns, water cascading down her bronzed skin, her wet hair slicked back off her face, and my stupid eyes bulge.
I’m surrounded by beautiful, half-naked women. All the time. Hell, when I’m at work, mixing cocktails and nodding along to the beats, I have women throwing themselves at me.
But there’s something about Jenna Brooks that has me lowering my book so no one can see the semi in my board shorts.
I let my eyes linger for a beat, hiding behind my sunglasses. But when she fucking moans as she drops down to her towel, I quickly avert my gaze, silently cursing myself.
She’s the devil. I’m sure of it.
Either that or I need to get laid.
“It’s as if someone corralled the most attractive people in Australia and sent them here to welcome me. I’ve never seen so much beauty in one place.” Jenna lifts her sunglasses as a young guy walks past, and I swear her eyes darken as she checks out his abs. “So many options.” She sighs longingly and I scoff.
“Didn’t you fly halfway around the world for my brother?”
“In a way, yes. But he’s a friend.”
“Does he know that?” I snap, finally drawing her gaze, my eyes flashing to my lap, relieved to find my bulge well and truly hidden.
The flash of a frown crosses her features, but before I can question it, it’s gone. “I’m not sure.” She shrugs. “I always thought so but then his last…never mind. I’m here because I wanted a break, and I figured it was time I paid your brother a visit. I skipped our Thanksgiving letter. The first one I’ve ever missed. Did he tell you that?”
Her eyes meet mine and my throat bobs as I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. “I knew, yes.”Please don’t ask too many questions.
“Well, I felt bad. So here I am.” She smiles, lying back on her towel while stretching her body. Her back arches, and my gaze locks on her pert breasts falling out of the tiny triangles she’s trying to pass off as bathers.
Swallowing a lump in my throat, I ignore the throbbing in my shorts as she continues.
“The funny thing is, I told him I was here to explain myself, but I’ve been avoiding the topic ever since. It’s a long emotional story, and I’d rather keep things light between us. We only have a few days, a week at most. It's better to spend that time having fun.”
My eyes flash to her face, scrutinising her expression. She says she wants to keep things light with Jack, and yet it almost feels like she’s opening up to me.
The thought has my stomach twisting, but I don’t question it.
Jenna lifts her sunglasses again, raising her perfectly manicured brows in question. “Does that make sense?”
“It does,” I rush out. “But—”
“Goddddaaamn.” She cuts me off, biting her lip as she moans, sitting up again. “An ass like that should be illegal. Please tell me you know her?”
“Her?” My eyes widen as my gaze darts to the woman she’s staring at, and I instantly see the appeal, but... “You’re attracted to women?” I glance back at Jenna, confused. I could have sworn she—
