Page 17 of Fine, Dork

I sighed. Preston’s girlfriend was fine, just a little dramatic and girly-girl for my tastes. I’d always struggled with high-maintenance female friendships. That’s why Jaxon was my best friend—not a girl. “Fine, Preston. But pull your shit together after this because I’m tired of your drama.” I left the door open and headed for the bathroom. “I’m taking a shower, and then I’ll take her to the beach. Tanning is her favorite activity, right?”

Preston grinned. “Second favorite, right after sex with me.”

Jaxon laughed. “Except for right now, because you pissed her off again.” Jaxon followed Preston down to the kitchen, but not before casting one more longing gaze over my body.

I’d really gone and started something last night, hadn’t I? Jaxon’s body so close to mine in the dark had majorly fucked with my head, and I threw myself at him. Was this going to be another one of my Kinky Kinley screwups, or one of my brave, admirable take life by the horns moments? It could go either way at this point.

???

Lyla scowled up at the sun and rubbed another layer of sunscreen onto her fair shoulders. Selena opted for tanning oil and promptly spread out on her towel with a satisfied smile. “This is what I’m talkin’ about, ya know, ladies?”

Lyla rolled her eyes and plopped a big straw hat on her head. “For sure.” Lyla didn’t like Preston’s new girlfriend, but Preston and Beckett were best friends, so she spent a lot of time with Selena.

I smiled at Lyla and slid out of my white crochet swim cover. The sparkling blue water looked so damn enticing. I wanted to take some photos and then dive in, but I promised Preston I’d talk to his princessa. “So, Selena, how are things with Preston?”

Selena sighed. “Boy don’t know when to shut his mouth around other women.” She sat up, crossed her arms over her full chest, and pushed her lips into a pout.

“Really? Who was he flirting with this time?” I frowned in confusion. We hiked to the waterfall yesterday and then went straight home and built a bonfire in the backyard. Preston hadn’t even been around other women.

“Didn’t you see him stop and help that soccer mom at the waterfall? She was fuckin’ staring at his abs and giggling all over the place, and he smiled at her.”

Lyla slid her sunglasses on, and I was sure it was to hide her massive eye roll.

I didn’t try to hide my reaction. I burst out laughing. “What did you want him to do?”

Selena shot me a look filled with poison.

Seriously, Selena? You’re staying in my beach house for free, and you’re going to give me that look?

“Selena, look, I don’t know you that well, but I’ve known Preston since we were like ten. He’s a nice guy! Would you rather be dating an asshole that lets soccer moms fall on their faces? He was helping the poor woman, not flirting.”

Selena’s expression turned thoughtful, and then the poison was back. “Yeah, well, sometimes he flirts with you,” she accused.

Lyla snorted but still refused to join the conversation.

I let out a long slow breath and fought the urge to rub my temples. “Preston does not flirt with me. He talks to me. Is that what you’re referring to?”

Selena narrowed her dark brown eyes at me. “Was there ever anything going on between you and Preston?”

I arched a brow. “Seriously? Hell no.”

“Yeah,” Lyla finally spoke up. “Kinley and Preston have never hooked up. Trust me, I would know.”

I let out a sigh of relief and mouthed, “Thank you.”

Then Lyla smirked. “She did make out with Beckett once, though, and Jaxon’s always had a thing for her.”

“Oh, fucking hell, Lyla.” I groaned and covered my face with both hands. “Beckett and I both regretted and were disgusted by our single drunken kiss that happened over five years ago. And Jaxon does not have a thing for me.” I shot Lyla a glare. “Thank you for that super helpful contribution.”

Lyla grinned and winked at me over the top of her sunglasses. “I live to serve.”

The sour look on Selena’s face almost made me laugh. Lyla and I were clearly not the kind of girls she was used to hanging out with. I sighed and said, “Look, Selena, Preston is a good guy, and he is crazy about you. You have to give him a break.”

Selena slowly blinked her eyes, and her sour look melted into a guarded one. “Yeah, I have… trust issues.” She smoothed her long black hair and gazed out at the ocean.

The waves were picking up, and I was dying to capture the wild beauty of the white caps. I tore my gaze away from the water and played with the strap of my camera bag. I had to finish this girl talk with Selena real quick, and then I’d be free. “Oh yeah? What kind of issues, girl?” I never called people girl. The word felt unnatural on my tongue, but this was how other females that weren’t Lyla and me talked to each other, right?

Selena let out a long dramatic sigh. “Every guy I’ve ever dated has cheated on me.”

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