Page 55 of Mr. Red

“Something is on you.” he points to my shoulder.

I look down at my body. “Where?”

“Right there.”

I look around frantically, but there’s nothing.Then he grabs my waist and plops us both into the pool.

I scream once I come up for air. “You are such a butt weasel!” I splash him.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” he chuckles.

He swims over to me, grabbing me from behind, and starts kissing my neck. One of his hands is on my waist holding me close while the other is grabbing my breast over my wet shirt. I’m in a lot of trouble. Vacation Matt is funandplayful. I don’t think my heart realizes we can’t give it to him.

Chapter 31

Matt

After some fun in the pool and some lounging around, I’m wondering what to do next. There are so many things to do in San Diego, and Scarlett has never been here before. I want to make her first time memorable.

I like how she has no idea what we’re going to do, or knows much about the city. I’m taking charge so she doesn’t have to worry. It’s fun watching her squirm a little since she has no idea what’s going on. She’s so cute when she’s flustered.

“Okay, I have some choices for you,” I tell her while she lays next to me on a lounge chair by the pool. “We can go to the beach,” she looks excited, “I can take you to a spa,” that looks like a maybe, “I can take you shopping,” her face changes to looking like something smells bad, “or we can go on a hike,” again excited. She’s going tolovewhat I have in store for her later this week.

“Let’s go to the beach. I’m surprised we haven’t left to go there yet. Maybe we can do the hike in the morning for a workout.”

“Okay, sounds good.” I’ve noticed she always needs to do something active. I stand. “I’m going to get my board shorts on. You can go in your wet shirt if you want. No one will mind.”

“Shut up!” she says, as she throws said wet shirt at me. Riling her up is my new favorite thing to do. It’s so easy.

“I’m kidding.” I go to her, hovering over her body on her lounge chair. “I’d better be the only one who can see certain parts of your body,” I whisper in her ear and then kiss her neck.

She pushes me away and stands with a “psh.” She better know I’m serious.

We get changed and start heading down to the beach. She has a blue bikini on, making me want to turn her back around so I can peel it off her. Instead, I grab her hand. Not sure why. Since we left the plane I need to be touching her, and it’s a first for me. I usually don’t give two fucks. Here I am, acting like I’m pussy-whipped. I might be. I would never think to have sex while flying, but I couldn’t resist her. Ever since meeting Scarlett, I’m on the verge of losing control around her. I need to keep myself in check.

As we’re walking, she turns towards me. “What’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet? It’s probably a long shot to ask you, but I’m sure you haven’t done everything yet.”

That’s a deep question.The answer popping up is I’ve always wanted a strong, lasting relationship. I don’t know what a relationship like that looks like. My mom let my dad into her heart and he broke it time after time. I’ve kept my distance with women so I wouldn’t give them the wrong idea. If I find the right one, I want to be responsible for their happiness, not their pain. I’ve never found someone Iwantedto commit to, until I ran into Scarlett. But answering is going to let her in and it’s too soon. Too many other questions will come up. I’ll freakher out.

I redirect the question to her. “Let me think about it. What have you wanted to do?”

“Traveling. You’re helping me with that one.” She points at my chest. “Specifically, though, I want to trek the Himalayas and learn yoga in India.”

“You already know yoga.”

“I know, but it’s the country where it all started.”

I want to take you there and make your dream happen.

What is this woman doing to me?

I twitch my wrist and focus on the waves crashing at my feet as we walk on the beach, still hand in hand. The water is cold but refreshing this time of year. So different than Texas beaches, where it always seems warm. Cali beaches even smell different; it’s more salty and fresh here. Nice waves too—great for surfing.

“Do you know how to surf?” I ask.

“I’ve been before with my dad, but I’m no Kelly Slater.”

“Oh cool, we’ll have to do that while we’re here. The boards are in the garage. Don’t go out in the ocean without me.”

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