They start a conversation, giggling from time to time. I catch just bits of their talk because they change the topics so quickly and I am engaged in a conversation with my father.
“When you know, you know, son. Friendship is a good foundation, but there’s more between you. You look happy, settled. It’s because of her. Do something about the ‘just friends’ part.”
I am on it, damn it.
Lunch rolls around, and we all go with the special that sounds scrumptious.
“This place is amazing. I have nothing to complain about,” Mom says.
“And she tried,” my dad says with a knowing look.
I chuckle. Yes, that sounds like Mom.
“I can’t wait to see Amelie and Levi tomorrow. It’s been too long,” my mom says, a frown creasing her forehead. “Do you know anything? I don’t understand their break, no break, whatever they have going on. Both are so secretive. I thought I’d be planning their wedding.”
“They’re figuring things out.” Hopefully.
When we finish lunch, my parents excuse themselves as they have a couple’s massage scheduled.
I can redirect my attention entirely to my person. “So, have you decided what you want to do?” The only acceptable answer would be me. A man can dream.
She places her cheek in her hand, elbow resting on the table. “By the pool, chilling with a cocktail?”
I chuckle. “That sounds like a good plan.”
Going to our rooms, we change quickly.
By the pool, we find two empty sun loungers, where we discard our towels, and she peels off her cover-up.
It’s a horrible idea. The worst.
She looks mouthwatering in a swimsuit with strips of fabric that wrap around her belly, connecting the top and bottom. Add in that big hat and glasses, and she looks like a goddess. I swear the sun shines brighter as if to impress her.
I am fucking hard behind my shorts.
She bends to put her dress in her bag, giving me a perfect view of her round ass. Glass shatters and I shoot a glare at the waiter, who stops eyeing her, hurrying to pick up the shards before he scurries away.
Run, because this woman is mine.
I can’t believe I am jealous of someone just looking at her. I don’t just have it bad for her. I have the entire spectrum of bad for her.
Lilly sits on the lounger, creaming herself up with sun lotion, and I dive headfirst into the pool, trying to cool myself—in vain.
When I emerge, I see she has laid my towel over the lounger as well, and walks over to me.
“How’s the water?”
I grin. “Perfect.”
She dips her toe in and pulls her foot right back, a shiver rocking her. “That’s cold.”
“Join me.” I crook my finger for her to come to me.
She rolls her eyes but places the hat down.
I don’t count, but it takes a while just for her to climb down one stair.
When she notices me approaching her, her eyes widen. She puts a hand in front of her to stop me. “I’ll never forgive you if you pull me in. This is freezing.”
