“I think that was the first conversation I’ve ever heard the two of you have.”
“And?”
“Enlightening.”
“Yeah, well, you almost lose your life with a person a few times, you come to appreciate them.”
“Oh? That’s how you talk to someone you appreciate? And how many times have you almost lost your life?” she says, sidetracked.
“A few.” I press my forehead against hers. “That’s all you need to know. I’m here, and that’s what’s important.”
“Yes, it is.” She kisses me softly on the lips.
I return the kiss, adding a little more pressure before I pull away.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize earnestly.
“For what?”
“Blowing you off.”
“You didn’t blow me off.”
“I should have come paddleboarding with you.”
“Why? I don’t expect us to like all the same things. That’s unrealistic.”
“Are you a realist, Ellie?” I tease her.
“No, I just have common sense.”
“Glad one of us does.”
“You admit to your flaws?” she jests.
“My honesty is all I have left.”
“Says the black operative.”
“You got me there.” I curl her in my arms.
“Kayne?”
“Yeah?”
“Did Jett make you jealous?”
“Baby, when it comes to you, everyone makes me jealous.”
“You don’t have anything to worry about with Jett. We’re just friends.”
“Yes,” I reflect. “I know all about Jett and hisfriends.”
I place Ellie on the board. “Enough talk about Jett. Show me.” I climb on after her. She smiles brightly. Happily. It makes my chest hurt. All I’ve wanted was to see that expression, and I’m such an idiot I didn’t realize it’d take something as simple as paddleboarding to put it there.
Once we stand, she positions the stick in the water steadying herself. I firmly place both my hands on her abdomen, pressing her back against my front. “Let’s see your skills, beach bunny.”
I WASN’T EXACTLY UPSET THATKayne didn’t want to paddleboard, but it was nice to spend time with him doing something other than having sex.
