Page 56 of Revival

“I thought I could get him to stop.”

“He’s not going to stop, Kitten, because he’s realized he made the biggest fucking mistake of his life. So make it really hurt and stop giving him your attention.”

She watches my fingers tap on her screen. “What are you doing?”

“I’m blocking his number for the remainder of this trip.” I tuck her phone into her woven beach bag.

“Are you jealous?”

“What makes you think that?”

“Seems to me like you want all my attention to yourself.”

“And what if I do?”

My hands settle on her waist, giving her a solid squeeze.

The admission catches her off guard, elongating her silent pause.

“I’m about to get into the ocean, somewhere I have no desire to be, and I have to watch all the men in the immediate vicinity staring at you in that tiny bikini, wishing you belonged to them, while I have to spend the entire afternoon not fucking you back in our villa so yeah, a little of your attention would be appreciated.”

“You’re thinking about fucking me?”

I throw my head back and groan at the cloudless blue sky. Returning my eyes to hers, I lean in and drop my voice. “I’m always thinking about fucking you. In case you forgot, this fling has an expiration.”

Sensing the argument subsiding, Cortney wraps her arms around my neck and leans into my chest.

“The good news is this is our last excursion. I promise not to find any more so you can spend our last two days here…” With her smirking mouth at my ear, she finishes, “Fucking me.”

“Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.”

“Oh, I intend to keep it.” Her palm skates solidly over my hardening cock. “You aren’t the only one trying to get their fill before this is over.”

“Wish you would have said that earlier. We could be back at the resort right now.”

“And miss an opportunity to drag you somewhere against your will? Not a chance.”

11

Cortney

We boardthe catamaran with about twelve others and two guides. For the first hour, we cruise around stunning turquoise waters while drinks are served and music plays through the speakers. Without asking, I tuck myself against Spencer’s side. Cuddling is a perfectly normal activity for friends with benefits, right?

Because that’s what we are now. Friends. I’m officially friends again with Spencer Stone.

We relax into our new positions. His arm drapes lazily over my shoulders, and his rough fingertips draw imaginary shapes across my bare skin.

Both familiar and brand new, his touch ignites fluttering in my stomach. The sensual action will necessitate a dip in the ocean soon before the growing wet patch on my bikini bottoms becomes visible.

I look over at Spencer in his long-sleeved shirt to cover his burns. He told me the fabric is breathable, with UV protection and a cooling mechanism. By the way he fans the collar away from his neck, it doesn’t appear to be enough.

The sun beats down from overhead in a cloudless sky. We’re already seated beneath the shade of the upper deck, but it’s still hot for a couple of Midwesterners.

“Are you okay?” I pull back with a concerned brow.

“I’m just a little warm.”

The words provoke me to create more distance between us.

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