I try reminding myself of how mean he’s been to me for years, but I fail to tear my eyes away from the bulge of his biceps and the smooth skin of his muscular chest. He’s gotten tanner since the last time I saw him shirtless.
This should be illegal. He shouldn’t be allowed to do this in a public place.
“So glad to have met you girls. Come by for a margarita later,” Alani says.
“We will. It was great to meet you too. And your baby is precious.” I smile at her.
Alani stretches her arms out toward Dayton. He tenderly sets Luna in them.
Oh my gosh. Stop looking!
Seeing Dayton, of all people, gently rocking a baby is doingthings to my psyche I don’t like. I’ve kept him in a very clearly labeled box—BIG JERK, STAY AWAY.
Now, I can’t unsee this side of him. It’s like another version of how he was at the birthday party for Amelia, only this is ten times worse. I’ve never beenthisattracted to a man—ever.
I questioned my sexual orientation after my divorce. Being cheated on obliterated my ability to even feel aroused for months. I finally realized through therapy that I wasn’t asexual or attracted to women. I just needed time to heal that part of myself.
My relationship with Axel was fun at first, but it was never wildly passionate or very sexually charged. He was the kind of man who wouldn’t initiate sex for weeks at a time. Once we had it, it was vanilla and a little boring, which I was thankful for. I thought maybe it meant he wouldn’t cheat on me because he didn’t need sex the way my ex-husband did. Andrew was addicted to it.
After breaking up with Axel, I’ve been hoping there is a happy medium somewhere. I need a man who turns me on and wants me, but he doesn’t act like sex is the foundation of our relationship.
Feeling hot and bothered by Dayton Copeland,of all men,isn’t what I wanted from the universe.
I would prefer this feeling with ANYONE but him.
My arms and hands suddenly feel awkward, hanging by my sides, so I fold them over my chest and follow Sav as she walks down closer to the water. I can feel Dayton’s presence behind me.
“Axel is supposed to be going soon,” she says.
The beach is overcrowded with spectators, but we finally find a spot with a decent view of the stage. I can see Axel way far ahead near the stage.
“Who is Axel hanging out with?” I ask Savannah.
“I don’t know. Some guys who are surfing and performing tomorrow.”
The fact that I don’t know is a sign that the relationship was more dead than I let myself believe.
We mingle through the swimsuit-clad bodies, listening to a few of the songs and clapping and cheering with the crowd.
“When this is over, we’re going out for drinks at Cocktails and Chaos. Do you want to join us, Dayton?” Juniper asks him.
I wish I had told her not to.
Surely, he’ll say no.
“I think I’ll pass. I doubt Summer wants me to crash the party.”
I roll my eyes. “As if you care about what I want.”
He grins, flashing his perfect white teeth at me. “It hurts me that you would say that.”
“Really? Well, in that case …” I turn to the girls. “Let me just reiterate that Daytondoes notcare about what I want.”
He nods. “She’s right. I guess I’ll be joining you guys.”
Mia leans down to whisper in my ear, “Is it just me, or is he kind of flirting with you?”
“Who?”
