“I desperately want that,” I groan. “Both are true statements.”
She leans into my touch, smiling brightly. “And a charmer. I got lucky.”
I wink at her and ask, “How’s your room?”
“Too big.”
Good god, when she glances at my dick, it takes everything in me not to drag her to the bed and have my way with her already. Every second in her presence tests my restraint. In the face of my greatest desire, there’s no boundary I wouldn’t cross. Gladly. Repeatedly.
Outside, we walk by the side of the lake. The sun caresses our faces just as softly as our pinkies brush before they latch together.
After a short stroll, we sit at a table on the terrace, ordering two coffees. As Lilly reviews the activities and programs the resort offers, my phone rings, and I answer it to talk to Levi.
He moved back to Seattle a while ago, and by the sound of the huff he greets me with, my sister is still mad at him.
“I told you to go back sooner.”
A deep sigh vibrates in his throat. “Fuck man. I did everything in my power to return to her as soon as possible.”
I know that, but I am also aware of how hard it was for my sister. Fact is, I am not taking sides, and they’re old enough to figure things out. Love hard enough to make the right decision.
“So, how are things going?”
“Bad, I told Amelie the truth. But I’m not giving up. I am here to stay, and if it takes years for her to take me back, then so be it. What about you?”
Glancing around, peacefulness washes over me. “We’re here.”
“How did we both end up with women we want but don’t have?” he grumbles, voice thick with annoyance.
I chuckle. “Yet. And at least mine is not shutting the door in my face.”
“Yeah, brag with your just friend,” he mumbles.
“Asshole,” I counter. “See you tomorrow. Maybe a drive together will smooth things between you.”
“We’ll see, man,” he says, sounding tired.
I ponder, not knowing how to help them. Amelie and Levi shouldn’t waste any more time. They love each other. Where was that epiphany when they were younger? Maybe they wouldn’t have gone through all the struggle if I didn’t have my head up my ass.
Lilly places her delicate hand on mine, pulling me out of my guilt-infused thoughts, and asks, “What happened?”
“I don’t know how to help them. But they need a damn push.”
After we finish our coffee, we meet with my parents in the garden.
Lilly trails her finger over the bed of roses, and I lean into her, whispering, “Still not as beautiful as lilies.”
The corners of her mouth arch up into a delicate smile. “You might be biased.”
“No, just have incredible eyesight.”
When we reach my parents, my mom beams at her.
“Rein it in,” I mouth at her while Dad chuckles.
Ignoring me, Mom tells her, “I want to know all about you.”
Typical Mom.
