Miles jumps into action, rushing past us to pick up the luggage and carry it back as I guide her into the main area. I lead her to the couch and then take a seat, curling her up in my arms.
“It’s okay, my sweet little peach.” I lift her chin and then kiss her tear-stained cheeks. “We’re going to figure this out—thefourof us.”
“We will,” Brody echoes my sentiment. “Last night, Robert took some low blows, and he’s damn lucky I left without leaving a fucking dent in his face.”
Georgia continues to sniffle, but then shifts on my lap, directing her attention to Brody and Miles, who are hovering on the other side of the coffee table. “But he thinks I’m a gold-digging slut.”
“Fuck him,” I say, kissing her once more. “We know what you are, and that’s what matters. He’s making knee-jerk reactions to something that he doesn’t understand.”
She shakes her head. “But like I said, I could loseeverything.”
“I know,” Miles steps forward and then kneels in front of her. “I see how you feel that way, but you have to know that we’ll never let that happen to you.”
“Even if you choose to walk away from this,” I add. “We’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
“Or if she chooses just one of us,” Miles adds. “Thatcouldhappen.”
Georgia lets out a long sigh, wrapping her arms around herself. “I don’t think that’s ever going to happen. I can’t imagine having one of you without the others.”
Brody nods. “Then we’ll take it day by day from here. We’ll just see where it goes.”
“Agreed.” Miles chimes in.
“I’m in.” I kiss her once more, barely able to keep my hands off her. “Now let’s relax and have a good day. We’ll have some drinks, listen to some music, get some time in the water. We’re definitely not going to let Robert ruin what we’ve got going here.” I tip Georgia’s chin back to look up at me. “How does that sound, my little peach?”
“I think that sounds perfect,” she whispers. I pull her lips to mine, kissing her deeply. I force myself to break apart, knowingdamn well I have an audience. “Let’s go have some breakfast and then we’re going to have a party.”
Music thumps through the speakers as Miles lies on a lounge chair, sipping on Sangria. I step out and strip my shirt off over my head, letting the warmth of the sun warm my skin.
I catch Georgia sidling out in a pale blue bikini, sunglasses perched in her hair. Some of the previous night’s ache still lingers in her eyes, but the sunlight makes her squint and smile. She settles on the lounger next to Miles, pulling her knees up and stretching her arms behind her.
“I can’t believe you made sangria,” she laughs, eyeing the glass he pours for her.
“I googled it,” Miles replies, handing it over. “Just for you. I’ve never been much of a drinker.”
She tastes it and gives him a huge smile. “It’s kind of amazing we had all the ingredients.”
I stretch my arms above my head and then pour myself a glass, watching Georgia while I do. She’s doing the thing where she pretends to be fine, and although most people would buy it, I can see right through it.
But I have to admit, I admire her for it.
She giggles at something Miles says and then leans back. The yacht rocks gently, and the wind carries a heat that beads sweat along my chest, but I’m entirely fixated on how Georgia makes just existing look so goddamn sexy. Maybe that’s why I’ve been so drawn to her, from the very first day.
Brody brings out a fruit tray with pineapple and strawberries and mango and passes it around. Georgia picks up a berry withher fingers. There’s nothing performative about the way she pops it into her mouth and chews.
But I’m still entirely entranced by her every move.
Georgia must sense my eyes on her, because she flicks a glance at me. “You’re staring, Emmett,” she teases with a half-grin, like she’s not at all bothered by it.
I don’t look away. “Of course I am,” I say. “How can I not?”
Miles makes a noise, something between a laugh and a scoff, and says into his glass, “Jesus, get a room, you two.”
Georgia’s eyes stay focused on me, a giggle slipping through. She sits up, removes her sunglasses, and gives me a challenging look. “I’ll race you to the water.”
I let my gaze linger on her just long enough to prove I’m one-hundred percent up for the challenge, then nod at the water. “First one in the water? Winner gets…” I hesitate, then smirk. “Dealer’s choice.”
Brody, from the other side of the table, rolls his eyes. “Just don’t kill yourselves, you idiots.” But he’s already up and following, a competitive streak flickering to life in a matter of seconds.
