Page 28 of Rum Sips and Salty Lips

“Maybe not yet. I know better than to act surprised when you express any emotion beyond ‘pleasant.’ And what is the deal with so many people trying to dictate your love life?”

“Excuse me for trying to be a nice person. You’re the one who’s letting Beckett have his bachelor party on your boat even if it feels like a dagger to your soul. You’re only doing that because it will make you look good to his family.”

“We’re not talking about me. This is about you.” His voice is forceful. “You are a nice person. You’re kind and caring and beautiful. You are more than that.” I ignore thebeautifulcomment. “Do you think I’m attending this wedding to network?”

“Why did you agree, then? Trust me, if you didn’t like the idea of Nebula Athletics on your boat, you’ll hate a bachelor party. Especially this group.”

He looks at me like I’m completely dense. “Figure it out, Carina.”

I huff. I don’t have the patience for speculation. “Have you ever thought since I get along with everyone else but can’t get along with you, you are the problem?”

“I’m fully aware of my problems. But I’m not your problem.”

“I don’t care. Whatever. We don’t have to be friends. We can be neighbors and have the same friends and we don’t have to pretend we are anything more than that.” I start walking again. He’ll agree it’s for the best and I don’t want to be looking at him when he does.

“We’re going to a wedding together,” he says.

I stop. He won’t let this go. “We don’t have to. I can talk to Sienna. I’m sure the guest list has flexibility. Or one of her sisters will need a date.”

“I honestly don’t care about Beckett getting married and I don’t know Sienna. The only reason for me to go is to be your date.”

I can’t see his eyes in the dark or read his expression. He sounds sincere. I don’t know what any of this means. “There’s a networking opportunity,” I try.

“For fuck’s sake, if you really think that’s my motivation, then you don’t know me at all.”

“I don’t need a date,” I protest one last time.

“When was the last time you did something for yourself? Something you didn’t strictly need?” He steps closer to me.

The water is right there but this man smells like the sea. I want to lose myself in him.

“All the attention will be on Sienna and Beckett, and you’ll work so hard to make the day perfect for them. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone was there just for you? Someone you don’t have to impress or perform for? Someone you can relax around?”

I’ve never had that. I’ve never had someone who cares about me first. It’s a tempting offer. But I can’t let him get too close. In two months, he could already be bored with Florida. “Fine. But only because Sienna won’t care and this is too minor of an issue to bring to her attention.” It’ll be a friend thing. No big deal.

He places his hand over his heart. “You wound me.”

I smile. “I get final say on what you wear. You can’t embarrass me with cargo shorts.”

“Please, I have standards.”

“I’ve seen you wear cargo shorts.”

“Yes, on the boat, where I need pockets.”

He’s currently wearing shorts. They are black and the logo is from a major competitor of mine. I don’t take it personally. They are pricey and super soft. I might have some of their women’s clothing stashed in a drawer to be pulled out when I will be at the house all day.

He steps close enough so I can see him in the dark. We’re almost touching. “The wedding is on the beach, I’m guessing.”

“Yes, at the resort.” It’s a safe guess on his part. Everything important on this island takes place on the beach.

“I have a suit.” He looks away from me and at the water.

“Right. I still want to see it. Make sure it fits.”

“It’s bespoke.”

I didn’t expect that. He doesn’t appear to be the type to have custom clothing. Not when he was living on a boat. “I’ll have to trust you, then.”

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