I have to suppress the eye roll. Of course Wanelda has told half the town by now.
“Photos were all over the town’s social page. It’s such a rare occurrence.” Mom searches her bag. “I have my phone in here somewhere. I can show you.”
“Mom, we don’t need to see the photos. We were there, remember?”
“Front row seats,” Glory says.
“Oh yes. Of course.” Mom laughs to herself. Clearly she’s had one too many eggnogs from the Holiday Cheers stall.
I let her and Glory chat. Mom always had a soft spot for her, just like me. I’ve never brought a girl home to meet my parents. Nobody has ever been special enough.
Glory would fit in well at the dinner table during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mom and Dad already love her and I can see why. Trouble is, it can never be. I let myself have a moment picturing her cooking in the kitchen with Mom, then wince as Gray pops into my head. He’s my best and oldest friend.
A sticky sweat coats my skin as my stomach rolls. It’s not the heat making me nauseous, but the overwhelming feeling of finally finding the one and she’s off-limits.
GLORY
Back in the studio, I tidy up the set, ready for shooting. The lighting crew erects the equipment around me. I thrive in the busy atmosphere of being on set, taking part in creating something that people will watch and enjoy.
“The hunky cameraman swings that camera in your direction more than mine,” Ivy says.
I turn my head and wave at Noel. He’s hidden behind the rig, but waves, confirming what Ivy said, that he is watching me through the lens.
“See. He’s watching you now. I think he has a thing for you.” She fingers her long glossy hair, as if she’s in a shampoo commercial. “He’s quite the playboy in LA. I’d hate to see you get hurt.”
“I know. He’s my brother’s best friend.” My chest sinks. She isn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know, but hearing it from someone else makes it all the more real. “Have you and him ever…?”
She waves her hand in the air. “Heavens no. Though I have had my share of playboys.” A smile unfurls from her lips. “I’ve actually been getting to know Maddox, the boat captain. Do you know him?”
“You won’t go wrong with Maddox. He’s much friendlier than his twin, although since Levi and Lark have been dating, Levi’s actually a lot more amicable.”
“Okay guys, let’s get to work. Maybe we can wrap this up before lunch,” Axl shouts as everyone rallies to their stations, ready to run through the scene.
* * *
“How was your night?” Noel’s breath fans my neck as he whispers the words from behind.
My heart pumps faster, as it always does in his presence, only now I feel the thrum between my thighs. “It was a good night.” I spin around to face him. He lifts his shades, showing me those baby blues as clear as the ocean. “I’m looking forward to tonight more.”
His lip quirks in the corner. “Why? What’s happening tonight?”
I shrug my shoulder. “I might visit a certain beach rental and try out the hot tub.” Leaning into him, I whisper in his ear, “naked.”
With a lax jaw, he drops the shades back down, then scans our surroundings. “You’re such a tease, sprout.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “Must you insist on calling me that ridiculous name? I hate Brussels sprouts.”
“You might hate them, angel. But they’re my favourite.” He taps my nose before casually walking away, leaving me all fuzzy and tingling.
I know I said the other night that we can keep this a secret, like a friends-with-benefits thing, but the more time I spend with Noel, the harder I’m falling for him.
I’m no fool. He isn’t the settling down kind. I’ve never known him to have a long-term girlfriend, even when he was in high school. There’s a first time for everything, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.
NOEL
Bursting through the beach house door, she’s on me before I can drop my bag. Her lips find mine and I pierce her mouth with my tongue. “Let’s get in the hot tub.”
“Sounds good.” I tug at her top, pulling it over her head. My hands cup her large tits that I fucking love to feel spill over my hands. Her stiff nipple pokes through the lace and I need to feel it beneath my palm. I unhook her bra, peel the straps from her arms and throw it over my shoulder, not really caring where it lands.
