Chapter Sixteen

After only a few days, this was getting all too comfortable. Waking up in Shaun’s bed and feeling as if we’ve been together for years.

Crazy how quickly this attachment has taken hold of me, considering my initial reluctance at letting him in. And crazy to think I wouldn’t mind it keeping hold for a long time to come.

Question is, is he feeling the same? Is he thinking beyond today, tomorrow…?

My mind is a jumbled mess.

I breathe deep, calming myself, willing myself to relax.

I’m startled out of my become-one-with-myself moment by Shaun lightly pinching my rear. “Hey,” I weakly protest.

“Don’t you ever shut your mind off?” His voice is sleepy-gruff in a sexy-sort-of-way.

“Not really.” I sigh. “I mean, I try, but sometimes it’s like ten hamsters on the wheel at once. I think I need more yoga.”

“Or more mind-numbing sex,” he offers. He casually slides his hand over my hip and in between my thighs, stoking the embers he left smoldering from last night.

“Or that.” I moan as his hand does wonderful things to me and I forget all about whatever it was I was just thinking about.

Yep, I could get used to this every morning.

****

After showering and a quick breakfast, we return the rental car. We only have to wait a few minutes before a black Cadillac Escalade pulls into the parking lot. The doors open simultaneously, and it’s like witnessing a slow-motion scene from a Hollywood movie. Two of the most gorgeous people I’ve ever seen emerge, and their brilliant smiles and waves are perfectly in sync.

Drake and Rachel.

“Are they for real?” I murmur.

“Oh, yeah.” Shaun chuckles. “Quite the pair, aren’t they?” He leads me toward the couple and I feel like a star-struck fool.

Drake is a good foot taller than his wife with the broadest shoulders I think I’ve ever seen. And he’s all muscle, as is clearly noted since he’s wearing only khaki shorts and an Oxygen Paragliding polo that’s stretched to its limits. His black hair is neatly cropped and his face sports a well-groomed mustache and soul patch. Rachel’s hair is black also, cascading down her back and around her shoulders as burgundy highlights dance through it while she moves.She’s beautifully encased in snug jeans and a sequined tank. Her confidence is apparent as she strides toward us, taking her husband’s hand in hers as they round the front of their vehicle.

“Hey, Shaun,” Drake calls out. Once in front of us, Shaun introduces me to them.

“So nice to meet you,” I say.

“Likewise,” Rachel says. “It’s a rarity we get to meet a female friend of Shaun’s.” She winks at him.

I raise my eyebrows and look to Shaun, seeing him playfully roll his eyes.

“That’s because our buddy has been in a bit of a dry spell,” Drake adds. “And I can see what’s quenching his thirst.”

Again, I raise my eyebrows, clearly caught off-guard by his … compliment?

Shaun chuckles while Rachel swats at Drake’s chest. “You rogue, behave yourself.” She then turns to me. “Don’t mind him, he’s the biggest flirt. I’ll try to keep him in line.”

“That’ll be the day,” Shaun adds. “Thanks for meeting us.”

“No problem, buddy. The Escalade is loaded with the supplies, so whenever you’re ready, we can head out.”

“Supplies? Supplies for what?”

“So,” Rachel begins, flashing a smile our way. “Shaun’s kept our outing a secret?”

“Yes. Not one hint.”