Page 112 of Addicted

After we showered, I wrapped myself in a towel and went to the closet to pick out an outfit.

I’d packed a white linen sundress that was perfect for a beach dinner. The dress was easy, light, and still doing what it needed to do. I threw on some simple sandals and left it at that. Stone pulled on a white linen button-up and khaki shorts, looking fine as hell like usual.

We walked out of the villa and onto the private beach, and I gasped. The dinner table was set up beautifully. White linens, candles, flowers. Soft R&B music was playing from outdoor speakers.

It was romantic and perfect.

Stone and I were the first ones there, and we sat down at the table. A waiter came over immediately.

“Good evening,” he said with a smile. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’ll have a lemon drop,” I said.

“Cognac for me,” Stone said.

The waiter nodded and disappeared.

A minute later, Kenzo and Aurora appeared, holding hands. Aurora looked stunning in a soft yellow sundress that moved with every step, the color glowing against her skin. Kenzo kept it relaxed in a fitted tee and lightweight shorts.

“This is insane,” Aurora said, her eyes wide as she took in the beach setup. “Indie, pinch me. I think I’m dreaming.”

I laughed. “Girl, I’ve been pinching myself all day.”

Kenzo pulled out Aurora’s chair for her beforesitting down himself, and I caught the way she looked at him, all soft and grateful. They were getting serious.

A few minutes later, Ish and Destiny appeared, walking slowly down the beach path. Ish was wearing designer shorts with a matching shirt, looking clean and put together. Destiny had on a cute pink dress.

But what caught my attention was the way Ish was holding Destiny’s hand, looking down at her like she was the only person in the world. My baby brother was in love.

They sat down at the end of the table, and Destiny smiled shyly at everyone.

“Thank you so much for inviting me,” she said sweetly. “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”

“I told you, you’re family now,” I said, meaning it. “You’re always welcome.”

Ish squeezed her hand, and I saw him mouth “I told you” to her.

The waiter came back with our drinks, and everyone ordered theirs.

As we waited for the food, Stone’s hand found mine under the table, his thumb rubbing circles on my palm. I looked at him, and he was already looking at me with that intense gaze that still made my stomach flip.

“You happy, baby?” he asked quietly, just for me.

“More than I’ve ever been,” I said.

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles, and I heard Aurora make a soft “aww” sound across the table.

The first course came out. It was some kind of fancy seafood appetizer. Kenzo picked up his fork, examining it.

“Yo, what is this?” he asked, poking at it.

“I don’t know, nigga,” Stone said. “Try it.”

Kenzo took a bite and his eyebrows shot up. “Damn, that’s good as fuck.”

“Everything’s good as fuck when we eating at a private villa on an island. Ain’t that right, Indie?” Aurora said, grinning at me.

“Facts,” I agreed, raising my glass.