Jeremiah pops his head out of the expedition where he’s strapping in the booster seat and smiles widely.
“Bring me your bags and I’ll load them up, unless they’re already in Ryan’s vehicle.”
“There here.” I point to the ones sitting on the ground beside me.
Jeremiah steps away from his Expedition and heads my way. He’s the perfect statue of Adonis, but in real life. The way his muscles ripple as he moves has my body heating up and I can feel my pussy becoming slick with desire. It’s as if the world has handed me what I’ve desired most on a silver platter, only to add another barrier between us.
The rich scent of cedar and spice invades my nose as he bends over to grab my things. The sight draws my attention to hisbroad shoulders, his thick arms as he lifts my luggage. I have to fight to remain coherent and not blush like a teenage girl.
“Ready for a fun weekend?” he asks before tossing me a wink.
“Y-y-yeah,” I stutter, trying to figure out what will be fun about a weekend with a man that I can look at but not touch.
Wait, did he… he did.
He winked at me.
I’m going to try my damndest to disappear into the mass of people at the beach and stay as far away from Jeremiah as possible. No matter what, he is still firmly off limits. Ryan would have a conniption.
“Okay everyone, time to do a final check that the house is locked up, then we need to get on the road. Angel, RJ, time to use the bathroom, and no complaining,” Ryan announces loudly. “Amberlee, is your apartment locked?”
“Yes, daddy, I even turned the alarm on.” If he doesn’t get the sarcasm lacing my voice, then my eye roll will give it away for sure.
Maddy lets out a snort-like laugh as she takes RJ and Angel’s hands and leads them inside, slightly waddling with each step. I can only imagine how big she’s going to be the further along she gets, but God, I can’t wait for her to have these babies.
Ryan takes off at a jog, catching up with Maddy and the kids, leaving Jeremiah and I alone for the first time in years.
Fuck!
I should’ve lied and said I needed to check the door, at least then I could escape for a moment.
“Looks like it’s you and me on the ride to the beach.” Jeremiah’s muscular arm brushes against mine and my heart races as a shiver zips across my skin.
“We do have the kiddos. Or did you forget that?”
“Nope, I didn’t. But they’ll be so engrossed in whatever they’re talking about or asleep so it’ll be just me and you.”
The slight touch has my body on fire, clouding my brain. I step away, needing to break the contact. It shouldn’t be this easy to get me turned on. It really shouldn’t.
But the hold this man has on me is unlike anything else I’ve ever felt—even after all these years.
“I asked Ryan and Maddy if they could watch Angel one night during the trip, so I could take you out and show you all the attractions in Myrtle.” His eyes twinkle and his dimples wink at me as he smiles, making my pussy throb all the more. I swallow harshly.
“Oh, that’s okay. No need, I don’t want to burden them, this is a vacation for them before the twins arrive. Besides, I’m sure you have better things to do than show me around. I can see the sights myself.” The lies roll off my tongue with such ease. I want nothing more than to be the center of Jeremiah’s attention, I just know I can’t be.
“It’s a vacation for you too. Don’t worry about it, they’re going to get time to themselves while we take the kids one night. I was thinking of taking them to play some mini golf or the amusement park there.”
“Excuse me!” How dare he plan my time for me, without even consulting me? It’s not like I’d turn down watching the kids for any of them. RJ is great and from what I’ve seen, Angel seems to be just the sweetest little thing. But I have a life too, though not at the moment, but maybe I have my own plans.
“Why am I excusing you? Come on, Amberlee. Ryan and Maddy get to spend time alone. Something they only get now when RJ spends the night at my house. And once the twins come, they’re going to have their hands full.”
“I get the win for them, but you just volunteered my time, without even asking. I know RJ is my nephew and I love him. Spending time with him is never an issue, but it would’ve beennice if you asked me first. Just like this trip that was sprung on me.”
I can see the hurt on his face. The smile disappears and the playful glint in his eyes fades.
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry.” I soften my tone. “That came out all wrong. It’s just always been me. Now I’m here with Ryan and Maddy and I’m not used to decisions being made for me. It’s just nice to be asked and not for something to be assumed.”
