Page 40 of Rum Sips and Salty Lips

She gets out of the car and grabs her bag. “Whatever. I’m sure this is a momentary blip on my part anyway.”

Something tells me she doesn’t want to believe that.

fifteen

CARINA

I spendthe day after the boat trip getting caught up on what I missed the day before. As the head of a company, I pride myself on a work culture that supports work/life balance. I minimally check emails on my days off and don’t expect anyone else to. But even with boundaries and a fantastic executive team, the tasks don’t disappear when I’m out.

I work from home often. Remote work has been great for my employees, and I embraced it for their sake. It also helps me focus. Too many people require my attention when I’m physically at the office.

It’s late in the afternoon, and while I’m up getting a cup of tea, I notice Haley’s car is in Orion’s driveway.

My heart catches in my throat.No. This can’t be happening.

All I think ismine.

But he’s not. We’re friends who yell at each other. I have no claim on him. It doesn’t matter what almost happened in the water yesterday, or what we did two weeks ago. I made it clear to him—I don’t want anything more.

And it’s not like Haley knows any better. I could tell her, and she wouldn’t go near him. She’d never break the friend code stating you don’t hook up with the same guy your friend did. Even if I told her it was okay.

This is ridiculous anyway. She’s dating Eric. It’s casual, but she doesn’t stray.

I’m staring at my teakettle, trying to get my thoughts under control, when there is a knock on the sliding glass door in my office. My kitchen has a clear view so when I turn, I see Orion standing on my wraparound porch.

“I have a front door, you know,” I say when I open it.

“Yes, but it’s on the other side of the house. Why would I walk around when I can come in here?”

This part of my porch isn’t in the backyard. I understand it’s more convenient for him without being truly invasive. But I don’t respond because I’m trying to come up with something clever to say. I can’t because he smells like sunscreen and charcoal, and I love it.

“You going to stand there with the door open, letting the a/c out?” He smirks.

I haven’t given him permission to enter my house. I debate for half a second about stepping outside. But it’s hot and I’ve already showered once today. I don’t need to get sweaty and add another thing to my to-do list. I don’t have to let him past the doormat. “What can I do for you?” I step back just enough so he has room to stand. We’re close. Too close.

“As you can see, Haley is over. Everyone else will be by in about thirty minutes.”

“For what?” I ask.

“The orgy.”

He says it with such a straight face that I almost believe him.

My first thought isFuck that. I’m not sharing you.

My second thought isMy laptop could survive being thrown on the floor so we can fuck on my desk.Who cares if the blinds are open and people could see?

But he’s fucking with me. “Ha ha. What’s really happening?” I take one step back.

He shakes his head, annoyed he didn’t get a rise out of me. “Haley is putting the fish they caught on the grill. Everyone is bringing side dishes and drinks. You just need to show up.”

“What? When did this happen?”

“Yesterday, when you were bringing things in before lunch.”

“Fuck, Orion. You could have given me some warning. I need to get something together. I have ingredients for dip.” I rush to my pantry to see if I have an unopened bag of chips. I usually have basic charcuterie for unexpected guests. I’m usually prepared, but he could have told me earlier. He drove me home yesterday and could have said something then.

He was out on a charter all day. I waved to him this morning as he drove past me while I was walking. He could’ve texted.

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