Laiken nods. “Yep, agreed. If Cash wants me to kick him out next time, I will.”
“It’s sad that we’re talking about it in absolute terms.”
“Says a lot about his character.”
I nod absently, wondering if I can speak for Cash and have Benson removed next time. Just on principle. I think Ben needs a reminder of that lesson. Maybe having it happen again will open Onyx and Bryce’s eyes, too.
“So this is a guy you hooked up with, then?” I ask.
Laiken looks at me, laughter in his eyes. “You think I sleep with all my friends, Lie?”
“Except Dad, yes.”
He shakes his head. “Wow. No, I haven’t hooked up with Deryke. He’s not into guys.”
I narrow my eyes. “Please forgive me for not believing that a man who books habitual vacations on a gay resort isn’t into men.”
“He’s a public figure,” Laiken explains.
“All the more reason I don’t believe you. That’s news that would spread like fire.”
“Not in a place where there’s no technology to prove his presence here.”
I’m not convinced.
As we start up the winding path that weaves between palm trees and tall flora, Laiken takes my hand. I glance around, heart racing. We could be seen.
“You want to know why I asked you to join me today?” he asks.
I nod.
“Because Deryke is someone with no personal connections on Kala except me. We don’t have to hide our relationship in front of him. You have Cash to talk to about this. Deryke is probably the only person I can share this with, and I want to share it with someone.”
My heart beats all dramatically as I stare at him. “That’s really sweet.”
His smile is beautiful. “I don’t hate keeping this between us, but I’m really looking forward to sharing it with someone.”
“It’s so weird to think that we can just… be for a minute.”
Laiken nods. “It’ll be a taste of what it’ll be like in the future.”
Yep, there go the butterflies in my stomach.
The bungalows are small, one bedroom, kitchen, bath, and small living area buildings set within little flora alcoves to keep them private. They open to the beach in the back, where you stepoff a shallow deck and straight into the sand. They’re within a short walk to the Cantina, a couple of restaurants, and a small everything shop.
They’re cute. I’ve always thought they’d be fun to rent for a weekend. Just as a taste of what it’ll be like to have my own place.
A place where Laiken can come over without the threat of my parents walking into my room while we’re in a compromised position. Somewhere private, where no one is watching our every move.
Someday.
Laiken knocks on the door. It opens almost immediately. I’d be amused that he’s waiting just beyond the door, but when it opens, I can see the small living area with a couch, a chair, and a coffee table only steps behind him.
The space opens to the right where the big bed is. To the left is a hall that must lead to the kitchen and bathroom.
This isn’t how I thought they’d be set up. Where is the door to the beach? Must be down the hall.
One thing I’m happy I imagined correctly is all the windows. Every wall is covered in windows, and even though we’re surrounded by trees blocking our view of other buildings and people, it’s still beautiful. There’s beauty in privacy, for sure.
