Page 48 of His Red Carnation

“Just waiting for Jake and Leo,” Mom answered with a sigh. “We’ll take the easy trail. I want to get back quickly and relax,” she added.

“Yeah, we can go relax by the beach,” I said to Callan.

He looked at Mom then back at me; nowhewas tense.

“I hope you brought swimming trunks, Callan. I’m sure Sloane will enjoy that view,” she laughed to herself.

I felt my mouth gape wide open.

“Jesus, Ana.” Callan laughed uncomfortably.

“What’s so funny down here?” Dad asked lightly as he walked down the stairs.

Mom looked at me and Callan and shrugged before she turned to Dad. If she kept subtly teasing us during the trip, I was sure I would die.

“Oh nothing, papa,” she dismissed him, then looked over his shoulder at Leo walking down the stairs. “Oh, good. Let’s go!”

* * *

During the hike, Callan and I kept stealing glances at each other and smiling, making my heart melt every time. An hour later, we were back at the house, and everyone disappeared into their own spaces; I followed Callan up the stairs toward our rooms.

“Is it too obvious if just the two of us go down to the beach?” I whispered to him as we lingered by my door.

He shrugged, glancing over my shoulder. “If you don’t remember, it’s my job to keep you safe,” he said with a sly smile, leaning against the wall.

God, I wanted to ride him so badly. I bit my lip and inched closer to him. “Go get your trunks on then,” I ordered lightly.

Callan quickly cleared his throat, looking over my shoulder again before staring at the ground. He subtly stepped back a little.

“What are you up to now, sweetie?” Dad’s voice called from down the hall.

I turned around quickly and stepped further away from Callan.

“I was asking Callan if he could take me to the beach,” I answered nervously.

“Oh, let him rest. He’s been doing so much. I can take you, honey,” Dad replied casually, standing in the middle of the hallway with his hands in his pockets.

I froze—did Dad sense something between us?

“I mean, I can just go by myself,” I said with a smile. “Unless you want to come,” I quickly added.

Dad shrugged. “I don’t mind spending some time with my baby girl.” He smiled back at me and nodded at Callan.

“Cool. Thanks, Jake. I’ll see you guys later,” Callan said, nodding at both of us before disappearing into his room.

I looked back at Dad, who raised his eyebrows expectantly. “I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

“Okay,” I replied, practically throwing myself into my room.

Fuck. Is Dad suspicious?He definitely seemed like it. Callan was right—we were being too risky. I sighed as I pulled out my phone and texted him.Boo ??

He quickly responded.Probably better this way. Not sure if I’d be able to keep my hands off of you in a bathing suit.

I smiled and then stripped my clothes off. I put on my tiny neon green bikini and quickly took a mirror selfie in my best angle, showing off my ass. I sent it to Callan.

Fuck, baby. When we’re back in DC, I want to see you strip for me in that.

I smiled again, biting my lip.When we’re back in DC, I’m gonna do a lot more than strip for you ??

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