Page 61 of Mr. July

“We’ve kissed more today than I did my last boyfriend in a month.”

His jaw worked. “I don’t ever want to hear about you belonging to another man. You got that?”

He swallowed my response with his mouth. The waves broke behind us, frothy surf covering our torso and legs. Neither of us cared until the whistles of other people on the beach brought us back to Earth.

“Damn girl. I forget the world when I kiss you.” He helped me up. We were both soaked. My clothes clung tight to my body, something his eyes didn’t miss. Unlike him, I couldn’t just whip my shirt off. He had no problem doing that, roping the wet fabric behind his neck like a towel. He whistled the same song Hunter had played as we walked hand-in-hand back to the bonfire.

“Whoa. What happened to the two of you? A little midnight swim?” Hunter baited. All Chase’s company smirked. My face heated. All we did was kiss. He didn’t even try for second base or press his hips into mine. And I was more than interested in feeling his package.

“Daisy chased a tennis ball into the surf. The tide was going out. We both jumped in to save her.”

“Liar,” he breathed, tucking me into his side. “Come on. You can borrow something dry before I take you home.”

No one mentioned that the dog was bone dry as I followed Chase into the house. “That was awkward. They all think we went skinny dipping.”

“We will. Eventually.” He flashed me that cocky smile as he led me into the laundry room. He opened the dryer, handing me a soft gray DUKE T-shirt. It was still warm as he placed it in my hands. The threads thinner and worn as if he had it a long time.

“It’s my favorite.”

Next, he handed me a pair of basketball shorts but at least it had an elastic waist and drawstring. I went into the downstairs bathroom to change. The laundry smelled of him mixed with a familiar detergent. It was warm on my skin. I hadn’t worn any mascara so there was no makeup streaking down my face. But my skin glowed. He made me glow and we hadn’t even gone far yet. I turned off the light, balled my wet clothes and went into the kitchen.

“Ryan?”

“Hey Gran.”

“Is he… being nice to you?”

“He’s been a perfect gentleman.”

“He better.” She looked worried as she rinsed her wine glass in the sink.

“Is this weird for you?”

“No.” Her eyes twinkled. “If I were forty years younger… he’d be just my cup of tea. Better for you though than me. I had my run. A good one too. I’m off to bed. I figure I’d take Daisy with me.”

“You’re going back to Raleigh tomorrow.”

She nods. “But I have a feeling I’ll be back soon.”

“Or I could come visit you?”

“I’d love that. You’ll have to come surprise Chase at the office.”

I bit my lip. “I don’t know. That seems a bit aggressive to just show up at his work.”

“Nonsense. You’d be visiting your granny. Think about it.”

“Okay.”

“Ready?” I turned my head. Chase stood in the doorway, arms crossed as he took me in wearing his things,

“She could’ve borrowed some clothes from me.” Charlie ducked under his arm.

“Maybe I wanted her to wear mine.” The heat in his gaze had Gran blushing. Gran handed me a bag for my clothes, and we hugged goodbyes.

It was after midnight, but as Chase drove us through the streets, groups of people were out. The bars would be open until two. It was the holiday weekend, and no one wanted it to end it seemed. Music spilled out into the night from cars, parties, and beach bars.

I didn’t want the night to end but I knew it had to. Chase pulled over and parked outside the shelter and walked me up the back steps. “I’m not going to kiss you good night because it’ll lead to a kiss good morning.” The pads of his fingers skimmed my cheek. “Goodnight beautiful.”

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