Page 77 of Rum Sips and Salty Lips

The annoying part is it’ll be a few days before I get her in my arms again. I don’t know how she’s reacting to my sister being around. Her nonchalance is more tied to our frenemies game and not us having sex on a near daily basis. I doubt I can convince her I’m an expert at sneaking out of my house without my sister knowing.

In the past, I’ve brought too many women home to meet my family. I’d convinced myselfthis one was different, no matter how many times I’d been wrong before. But thingsaredifferent with Carina. The fact that I want to protect what we have is enough evidence. She wants to keep us quiet and has reasons I don’t agree with. But I have enjoyed the chance to be with her without any interference from anyone else.

We said we’d explore each other and see if there is something here. But I don’t need to learn anything more—I’m committed. I’ll find the right time to tell her soon. Sometime when we’re rested. So she won’t be able to find an excuse for why it’s not real.

Back in my house, I take a quick shower after telling Spencer and Brooklynn to help themselves to whatever’s in the fridge. When I come out, they both lounge in my living room with iced tea.

“This is really beautiful,” Brooklynn says. “The pictures you sent don’t do it justice.”

“Thanks.”

“I really like the photos you brought from Mom and Dad’s.” She points to one of the two of us on the lake when we were little. “I think that was your first boat trip.”

I smile at the memory. This house feels like the first solid thing I’ve ever built. “It’s a great location too.”

“And Carina?” she asks.

I’m tempted to share the truth, but I don’t. “She’s a good friend. Introduced me to people. Got me into yoga.”

“I was telling you for years it would help your back,” Brooklynn says.

“I know, I know.”

Brooklynn will see right through both of us.

We makethe trip to Paradise, sweating again before we even get to the beach, and Alex joins us for lunch. He and Spencer have been friends for a long time, but Spencer has never visited before. Bristol serves us with her usual local charm, telling us about the good places to go for water activities.

I see light in Brooklynn’s eyes. She’s never been to Florida and mostly knows only the Florida Man stereotypes. I see her wanting to experience more than strip malls and beaches. They’ll be here for four days, plenty of time to make this trip memorable for her.

Once we’re back in the air conditioning at my place after an afternoon hitting the tourist spots, she asks if we could check out one of the springs Bristol mentioned. “The one with themermaid shows sounds like so much fun,” she says. “But you have to work.”

“Weeki Wachee,” I say. “I got the charters covered.”

“Yes, there! But I’d rather not kayak. Your accident freaked me out. I’d rather try paddleboarding. Do you think we could rent or take lessons?”

This is my opportunity and I know it. I’ve never been to Weeki Wachee Springs. It’s natural to invite someone to show us around. And even better if that person loves to paddleboard.

“Let me see if Carina wants to come. She’ll know more than I do.”

“You’re sure she’ll be able to?” Brooklynn asks.

“She’ll probably love the chance to show off,” I answer. I move away from the table and head for the door.

“Where are you going?”

“To ask her.” I could call or text, but I need to see her. Need to hold her.

I walk around the fence and to the side door she leaves open for me. If she wasn’t home or was busy, she would lock it.

I leave my shoes at the door and walk through her office, smiling at the smell of orange blossoms she probably doesn’t even register anymore since it’s everywhere she is. She’s not there or her living room. I make my way up the stairs and see her bedroom door is cracked.

I push it open and she shrieks, jerking the covers over her bare chest. “Fuck, Orion. I thought you were an intruder.”

“You left the door unlocked.” I hear something vibrating. It’s not her phone. “Really, Carina? It’s been twelve hours.” I’m impressed I can form words because my blood has rushed directly to my dick. I love the evidence she needs this as badly as I do.

“Longer than that, and that’s rich when you’re sporting wood.” She gestures to my shorts.

“You really expect me to not get instantly hard knowing what you’re doing under there?”

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