We’ve fallen into a good routine over the last few weeks. I stay at Kendall’s house most of the week, and then we spend long weekends at the lake house. When I’m working late, Kendall and her girlfriends hang out by the pool or at the lake house, depending on our schedules for the week. We’ve managed to sort out the living arrangements. Neither of us wants to sleep alone, so it’s worked out well for both of us.
There was one night when I thought the girls would be gone by the time I arrived, but I crashed their party. Her friends are supportive and loving to her, and at this point, I think I would say they actually like me, too.
I’ve made room for Kendall at the lake house, space in the closet, my dresser, and bathroom. She’s brought stuff to leave here, including one of her swan floats that she uses in the lake. I love watching her try to climb onto it, but once she's on it, it’s a gorgeous sight to see.
When I brought my overnight bag inside, she smiled, knowing I was leaving things at her house too. My heart was full when she cleared out space for me to feel at home there.
As for the Jake situation, that's settled. He’s in jail for at least two years. We’ll deal with him again eventually, but for now, he’s far away from Kendall, and that gives us peace of mind, along with Joel’s connection that keeps that fucker in line.
When the end of August rolls in, the summer nights are getting cooler, but it doesn’t stop us from hopping on the boat for sunrises and sunsets on the lake. This evening we won’t be here to catch the sunset, as we'll finally be following through on the promise of a double date with my brother.
I walk into the bathroom as I ask, “Are you almost ready?”
I stop in the doorway, watching her move as she applies mascara to her lashes. I mean, they are already lush, long, and beautiful. Still, she insists they can always look thicker and longer. What do I know?
“Almost.” She drops her mascara into her vanity drawer. She has one side and I have the other. It wasn’t hard to clear out to accommodate all of her stuff. My chest swells with her standing here in the most gorgeous green dress. Her hair flows down her back, and my eyes drift to the dip in the dress right above her perky ass that I can’t resist grabbing.
“Dane! If you start that, then we’ll never leave.” She laughs and turns to me, her emerald green eyes pop with the dress she’s wearing.
“And if I want to be late?” I tease, dragging my fingers down her arms and wrapping them around her waist to pull her closer to let her feel what she is doing to me. Sliding my hands down to her ass, gripping those round cheeks, I claim her as she feels what she’s missing.
“You are ridiculous.” She tries to wiggle out of my grip, but it’s not working. I simply hold her harder against me. When she realizes I’m not letting her go, she melts into my body. Exactly where she belongs—with me, in my arms.
I whisper in her ear, “Only for you.”
I didn’t think she could be any closer, but with her arms wrapped around my neck, she tugs on me. Resting her head on my chest, she says, “I love you.”
“Sweetheart, I love you, too,” I say, caressing her back. Goosebumps appear immediately over her arms, and it spurs me on. “Come on, it won't take you long.”
She leans back and swats at me. “Let’s go before we end up on this vanity with your brother calling in the background.”
A low grumble in my chest is the only answer I give her. Reluctantly, we walk out of the bathroom. I slide my hand into hers, guide her downstairs, and to the car.
When we walk into the restaurant, Logan and Theresa are waiting for us.
Logan glares at me. “You’re late.”
I look over my shoulder and point to Kendall. “Her fault.”
She grabs my shoulder tightly. “All my fault…Logan, nice to see you again.”
Kendall takes a couple of steps and hugs Theresa. “You too. How are you?”
“Doing well. I’m so glad we are finally having dinner together. Everyone’s schedule is so crazy.” Theresa has dark, wavy hair, brown eyes with luscious lashes, and is dressed to impress in a royal blue wrap dress that flares from her hips.
“I know. Are you guys coming back to the lake house after dinner?”
“Yes, we need this night out. I love the sunsets on Mirror Lake, and I’m looking forward to spending time with you. We haven’t had much time together.”
I’m glancing between them, and all I can think about is how much trouble Logan and I will be in if these two women becomebesties. Yet, even after only hanging out a couple of times, they already seem inseparable.
Logan leans into their private conversation. “Alright, ladies, our table is ready.”
They both swing their heads toward Logan. “Great,” they say in unison.
I nudge Logan with my elbow and whisper, “We’re in trouble.”
He gives me a knowing nod.
