Page 93 of Sand in My Boots

“Prolly not. Be on standby in case.”

“Sure thing. That’s what I’m here for. Are you washing your hair?”

“Do I have pee in it?”

“I haven’t the slightest clue.”

Standing in front of the open glass door, she bows her head. “Smell it for me, would ya?”

Odd as it is, I do it. The floral scent does little to help me achieve my goal of not getting turned on. “You’re good.” Overcome with emotion, my tone is choked. “Call me if you need help. I’ll be in the bedroom.”

I turn to leave, but she grabs my arm. “I had a great time tonight. You’re an entertaining date.”

“Same, and you, too. Glad we’re giving this dating thing a try.” She nods, her lids growing heavy. “Don’t fall asleep in there.” I push her into the shower, turning it on so she doesn’t have to figure it out. She quickly ties her hair up on top of her head.

To be on the safe side, I put the lid of the toilet down and watch her. It takes a lot of willpower to sit and observe. Luckily, I don’t think she realizes I’m still here.

Juli makes quick work of washing her body. About three minutes in, I notice there aren’t any clean towels. Since she’s drunk, she might not care. Panic creeps in, not having a clue what to do. Until I get the brilliant idea to check the other bathroom.

Making sure she’s okay, I dart to the guest bathroom and spot an entire stack. Another reason to be thankful for the extra bedroom.

Back in our bathroom, she’s finishing. When she sees me return with the fresh towels, I’m greeted with an enormous grin. I swear I fall deeper.

At this point, I’m not sure what happens if this doesn’t work out.

Chapter 24

Juli

My four nights at Whispering Tide are up. I’m not ready to go home. Not even a little. Nor is Cameron ready for me to leave. He’s said it a couple of times now—“Don’t leave.” While I’m not the girl who does what her boyfriend wants for everything, I’m listening now. Because I’m not ready to leave.

The major problem with this scenario is that I barely have any clothes. I don’t want to keep wearing the same thing repeatedly, but I have no desire to go shopping for new stuff either, especially because I’m not staying permanently. Maybe a few new outfits, but not an entire wardrobe. Not when Cameron hasn’t seen a quarter of my stylish clothes.

His place isn’t exactly what I was expecting, but it’s so him. The first floor comprises the living room, a tiny bathroom with a toilet and sink, and an eat-in kitchen. A larger bathroom and his bedroom, complete with a balcony overlooking the beach, round out the second floor.

Everything is brand-new and hardly used. Like his car. His bedroom is the only room in the house I’d consider “lived-in.” The appliances aren’t top of the line, but they’re decent brands. Same with the furniture.

The townhouse has hardwood floors throughout and butcher-block counters in the kitchen. The color pattern is neutral, with most of the walls painted beige. Again, except for his bedroom, which is the color of the ocean outside the windows. So fitting for him.

Currently, Cameron and I are sitting on the couch in his living room, my feet in his hands. The TV’s playing a show in the background. A show I haven’t seen before, but the glimpses I’ve caught make it seem like it might be something I’d watch.

“We should go grocery shopping tomorrow, stock up on some food to cook, so we don’t have to leave the premises the rest of the weekend,” he suggests.

“But we can go for walks, right?”

“Um, okay. That would break the whole ‘not leaving the premises’ pact, but I guess I’ll allow it.”

“You’re the best. On Monday, I’ll make it up to you.”

His hand stills on the sole of my foot. “Why do I have to wait until Monday?”

“‘Cause that’s when some things I ordered are being delivered.” I got a little carried away at an online lingerie store. Underwear and bras are essentials, but no way I needed over three hundred dollars’ worth of undergarments. I sense he’ll appreciate them.

“Will there be a runway show?” His eyes light up with hope.

“That can be arranged. Only if it ends with sex on your balcony.”

“Only a fool would turn that down. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m no fool.”