“Apology truce?”She stuck out her hand.
I shook it once, then hugged her.“Apology truce.”
“Are you ready to go?”
I looked around the room and nodded.“Yep.I don’t think I need a coverup, do I?”
Ashlyn shook her head.“I wasn’t going to bother with it.I have towels out.”
“The cooler is packed.Water?”
“Last thing.Then we can go.”
We filled our water bottles, then walked outside.We both wore flip-flops since there were sticks on the pathway to the dock.Josh was already on the boat, and I was happy to see Christy was, too.
“By the way,” I told Ashlyn, “you look hot, too.”
She shook her butt.“I know.”
I laughed as we stepped onto the dock.
Josh looked up, his gaze sliding down my body.It clung to my breasts, then my thighs, then snapped to my face.He forced his eyes to Ashlyn and waved.“Hi.”
“Hey.Thanks for inviting me to join you guys.And for offering such a great apology to my bestie.”Ashlyn smirked at Josh.
He choked and nodded.“Um, yeah.”
Ashlyn took his offered hand and let him help her onto the boat.She stopped and looked up at him.“Seriously, thanks for making her happy.She deserves the best.”
Josh nodded, his lips lifting in a shy smile.“Thanks.Uh, you know Christy, right?”
Ashlyn walked over to Christy.“Not well, but I think that’s going to change today.I’m glad I’m not a third wheel by myself.And I’m so sorry about your dad.He was always so friendly and kind.He will be missed.”
“Thanks,” Christy said.“And you’re the only reason I’m here, so I’m glad you don’t mind.”
Ashlyn held up the cooler.“I brought cheese.”
“You’re now my best friend,” Christy said.
Josh turned to me with a smile.“Can I give you a hand?”He held his hand out to help me onto the boat.
I slid my hand into his.“Thanks.”
He didn’t release me when I stepped onto the deck.“You’re captivating.The most beautiful woman ever.”
My cheeks heated with his words.“Thank you.”
He leaned down and kissed me softly, mindful of our audience.“Don’t bother to change before you come over tonight.”
I laughed.“Why is that?”
“Because I want to peel you out of this.With my teeth.”
Good thing I was wearing a bathing suit because all of a sudden, I was soaked.
Seventeen
Josh’s handslingered on my bare skin the entire time we were on the boat.As he steered, he kept one hand on my waist, his fingers teasing the gap between my top and bottom.When he anchored us out on the water, he held my hand or slung his arm over my shoulders.We all jumped into the water to cool off from the warm summer sun.The lake was refreshing.Then Josh’s hands were on me again, and I warmed right back up.
