Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 108846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“Basically.” He said she’s off-limits. It could leave room for interpretation. For an idiot.
“Not basically. Exactly. Because he knows you.”
“Yeah, well … fuck him. He doesn’t get to cock-block me.” Besides, he already has Abbi.
Connor seems to ponder this. “And what happens if he finds out?”
“He’ll fire my ass. Belinda will make sure of it.” I’ll lose the job I’ve been killing myself to learn. I know this, and yet I’m incapable of staying away whenever Sloane’s around. The second everyone hopped into the water, I was moving for her like a kid slinking toward a cookie jar, desperate to get a taste of what was inside.
So, fuck Henry Wolf. What he doesn’t know can’t hurt me.
Connor hoots with laughter. “You’re right, man. That is way more complicated than creepy dolls.”
Tasha
Flights are booked! Oh my God, we’re so excited. Party of ten heading your way. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can’t wait to see you! XOXO
Glad I could help. I’ll send you the codes tonight so you can register.
“So, how long have you lived in Mermaid Beach?” Ryan leans against the bar, gazing dreamily at Sloane.
I chuckle. She’s four margaritas and a tequila shot in and slurring her words. I’ve never seen her drunk before. It’s cute.
“My whole life.” Sloane tosses a used straw in the trash behind her. “It’s all I know.”
“That’s so nice.” Ryan studies Sloane’s tan, svelte body unabashedly. There’s nothing but wistfulness in her expression. She’s always been like that since I’ve known her—acutely aware of other female bodies. At first, I wondered if she was secretly into pussy, but then I realized it was more about her obsession with anyone with a form that doesn’t match her compact, curvy one. Either way, Ryan seems more confident in her own skin since meeting Kyle, which I’m happy to see. She has a lot going for her—in beauty, brains, and personality.
But I guess it’s hard not to admire a figure like Sloane’s. I know because I’ve been ogling her long torso and perky breasts since I parked my ass on this stool, counting down the minutes until I can touch her again. This afternoon cruise feels like an eternity, and she’s been keeping her distance. Probably smart. Just the thought of her coming on my hand makes my dick hard. I’m going to have to go chill my erection in the Gulf again.
“Here, you should drink this.” Sloane cracks open a bottle of water and sets it in front of Ryan. “The sun’s extra hot today.”
“Oh, good idea. I don’t want to get drunk.” Ryan chugs from the bottle, missing Sloane’s smirk. “Where did Kyle go, anyway?”
“Up there.” I point to the top of the giant red inflatable jungle gym. “That’s him and Katie, about to come down the slide.”
“They’re so high up.” Her face is scrunched. “Is that safe?”
“Relatively. The water’s deeper there. Still, I’ve seen a few injuries.” Sloane stoops to join us in watching them teeter at the top.
Ryan squints. “Is it me or is Katie naked?”
Sloane chuckles. “A white string bikini. Imagine that.”
“Did you notice, Ronan?” Ryan asks.
“Nope.” Yes, but I’ve seen Katie and Rachel naked so many times, it doesn’t faze me anymore.
“Wait. Of course you’ve noticed.” Ryan waves off my answer. “I forgot about you guys.”
“Forgot what?” Sloane reaches for her own bottled water.
Oh fuck. “Nothing—”
“Every time those girls come to town, they end up in Ronan’s bed. Or my brother’s bed. Or all of them end up together.” Ryan’s hands splay overhead, her fingers clumsily intertwining, I assume to mimic a tangle of limbs.
Sloane chose the wrong moment to take a sip. Water sprays from her mouth, and then she’s choking on remnants that went down the wrong tube.
I take it back. Ryan is not cute when she’s drunk. I climb over the bar to slap Sloane’s back, sparing a glare at my friend.
“What?” She shrugs. “I thought you guys were open about that stuff.”
Ryan knows damn well I don’t talk about my business, unlike Connor who broadcasts to anyone who will listen.
Sloane’s coughing fit finally subsides, allowing her to swing heated, accusatory eyes on me. “So, have you already fucked them this weekend or is that tonight’s plan after you’re finished with me?”
I stifle my groan.
“Oh.” Ryan presses a palm over her mouth. “Oh my God. I’m sorry. I didn’t know that you two”—she draws her fingers horizontally between us in a sloppy line—“were a thing.”
“We’re not anything,” Sloane snaps, before taking a deep breath. “We’re not anything,” she repeats calmly.
Her words prick me unexpectedly. I don’t know if I’d go that far.
Ryan offers me a pained expression as she mouths “I’m sorry.”
It’s not totally her fault, but I move her half-finished can of margarita out of reach, anyway. “I haven’t been with Katie or Rachel in over a year, and nothing will be happening with them tonight, regardless of who else I’m with.” Which is supposed to be nobody because I’m staying away from women, and especially not Sloane, who I have—had—plans on fucking in that little registration hut the second my feet touch gravel.