“Noah has some pretty cool friends,” I agree.
He stands, stretching his arms overhead. The motion is casual. Effortless. Sexy as hell.
God. This is absolutely not why I brought him on this cruise.
Or—
No.
I shut that down immediately.
Whatever complicated, subconscious reasoning my brain wants to invent can wait. I’m on a schedule. I have things to do.I did not drag him halfway across the ocean to reignite our love life.
Even if I am standing here in a towel.
Even if my gaze catches on the curve of his bicep, the hollow at his collarbone, the way the sinking sun paints his skin in gold.
That doesn’t mean anything.
It just means I’m human—a healthy, red-blooded woman who has… needs.
Beckett steps back inside.
His eyes flick to mine, just briefly, and as he passes me—close enough that there’s barely air between us—his chest brushes my shoulder.
My breath catches.
Not because it’s supposed to mean anything.
But becauseit’s him. Because I’m half-naked and contemplating risking my heart all over again.
I stare at his mouth without meaning to.
His hand doesn’t reach for my waist. Instead, his palm finds the side of my face and he pulls me close.
His lips catch mine—warm, deliberate. A long, searching kiss—but not searching for permission. Not even for forgiveness.
It’s not hungry. It’s not hurried.
It’s like he’s memorizing me.
The shape of my mouth. The curve of my top lip. The way I still sigh against him without meaning to.
And I do sigh. Because suddenly I want him to stay right here. To kiss me until the world feels simple again. Until I can convince myself that he’s my person, and always will be.
His lips linger for one more heartbeat. Then, without a word, Beckett turns and disappears into the bathroom.
The door clicks shut behind him.
And I just… stand there.
Every part of me aching with want and confusion.
Because I know I have choices, but I had a plan, gosh darnit, and Beckett…
Is not making it easy.
IN-LAW FROM HECK
