I peer up at him.I just hope it stays this way.
He squeezes my hand and then leads me up the stairwell.
The air in Charleston feels more humid, and as we step off the yacht, I note the overcast skies.
“Are we going to have another storm?” I ask Brody as he guides me toward the parking lot.
He stops me, spinning my body in a way that has me suddenly pressed against him, his fingers threading through my hair. “No storms today, baby. Just clouds.” Brody tips my chin upward, his lips pressing to mine.
His kiss is intense, but short, leaving me breathless as he breaks away. He chuckles as I run my fingers along my lower lip.
“Maybe you should come to my room tonight.”
“Maybe,” I say, feeling the heat creep up my neck as we make it to a rental Mercedes that was dropped off earlier for us. He opens the passenger side door for me and helps me inside.
For a second, I imagine what it would be like ifthiswere our life—living together—not just yachting down the coast.
And it feels too good to be true.
Brody jogs around the front of the car and then hops into the driver’s seat. “So, what’s so great about the markets?”
“Well…” My voice trails off as I gather my courage. “I used to go there growing up, and then I guess… I always imagined having my own café one day and going to the markets to find fresh foods for my daily menu.”
He nods, something in his expression softening. “Here,” he reaches into his wallet, and then pulls out his credit card. “Grab all the food you need and feel free to try some new things. I think we can all agree we’re open to trying new things.”
“Thanks,” I take it from him, and he starts the car.
“Anything for you.” He gives me a grin and then pulls out of the parking lot. He turns the radio to a country music station, and we drive with the windows cracked for the next fifteen minutes.
Everything about it is perfection.
“Have a good time,” Brody says as he comes to a stop outside the entrance. He reaches across the console and cups my jaw. With a gentle tug, he brings my mouth to his and gives me a sweet, short kiss. “I’ll be back as soon as I finish my errands.”
I kiss his cheek. “Sounds good. I’ll try not to max out your credit card.” I smirk and then push the door open. I slide out and head into the market, the tempting smells making my stomach growl.
Maybe I should’ve eaten a cinnamon roll before I came.
I frown for a moment, but then smile. I’m literally complaining about not eating breakfast.Thatis my biggest problem right now?To think, a few weeks ago, I was panicking over rent, my credit card, and my shitty job at Macy’s.
Now, I’m just concerned about being hungry and balancing the three men who all want me.
Damn, how things can change.
My eyes scan the booths, taking in the rows of farmers and other small businesses offering their products. I start at the first row and decide to take my time. I stop immediately at a booth with amazing looking seafood.
“It’s all fresh,” the woman says from behind. “We catch it ourselves.”
I nod, leaning over to get a better view of the tuna cuts. “I think I may actually?—”
“Georgia?” averyfamiliar voice cuts me off, and I freeze, my brain refusing to accept who it is.
“I thought you were in Italy?” I choke out, spinning around to see my father, standing a couple of feet away, his arms folded across his chest.
He lookspissed.
“Why have you been ignoring my calls? I’ve been worried about you. And why the hell are you here in Charleston without even bothering to tell me?”
“Um…” I swallow hard.This is bad. This is so bad.
