Page 30 of Love Off Course

His playfulness fades when he senses my worry. I hate that I acted like a baby last night, but the truth is, the hurricane scares me.

“No new news, just that it’s imminent. By nightfall, it’ll land. Eddie’s is the safest place here at the hotel, which is why we encourage everyone to stay together.” His features harden. “Don’t fight me on this.”

I recoil as embarrassment floods through me. Am I really this difficult that he would assume I’d want to stay anywhere but thesafest place? Feeling hurt, I turn in my seat and pick up a flimsy menu that’s grease stained. Tears prickle my eyes.

Breathe, Sheridan.

You’re a Reid girl.

Tough. Resilient. Brave.

A muscular arm wraps around me and I freeze. I’m invaded by Camilo’s masculine scent that somehow overpowers the delicious smells coming from the kitchen. His lips graze along the shell of my ear, making me shiver.

“I just want to keep you safe, little bee.” His fingers brush down my arm. “I’m sorry if I sounded gruff.”

I relax a little and nod, still unable to look at him for fear of crying. I’m so out of my element. I keep grasping for the real Sheridan and I can’t find her.

“After breakfast, can you help gather supplies?” He pulls away slightly. “We could use someone to boss us around. We’re lazy delinquents otherwise.”

I peek over at him. He’s smiling at me and his brown eyes are soft. I’m thankful he’s helping coast me through my weird mood.

“You do not want me to boss you around,” I warn, smirking.

“Sugar tits,” Damian chimes in, “I would pay good damn money to watch you boss beautiful buns around. As long as you both do it naked. I’m rich. I’m good for it. Name your price.”

We all laugh and it feels good.

Is this how normal people behave?

Laughs and silliness and playfulness with friends?

A yearning settles in the pit of my stomach that I try to blame on hunger or my hangover. I know better, though. I want more than what I’ve strived so hard in life for. The more has always been elusive and murky.

Today, it’s clear as day.

I want to feel connected.

Not lost and orbiting around everyone else like some lonely god in the sky. I want to be around others who make stupid jokes and poke fun at each other.

Like Momma used to always say, “When life gives you lemons, toss them back, grab some limes, and make margaritas.”

“Right,” I say, adopting my best boardroom voice that snags the attention of everyone at our table. “First order of business. Do we have limes, salt, and tequila?”

Camilo laughs, deep and sexy. “Abejita, this is Mexico. That’s like asking if the county fair sells corndogs.”

Damian fans his face. “Don’t say corndogs in that sexy Mexi voice of yours, Mr. Pilot. I can’t be responsible for what’ll happen next.”

Kyle groans and Estefania laughs.

“Don’t do it,” Carson warns.

“I want to know,” Lawton pipes up. “Say it, CZ.”

Camilo leans in and murmurs, “Corndogs.”

And dammit if I don’t want to swoon as dramatically as Damian is right now, complete with an over-exaggerated sigh and fluttering lashes.

“You’re killing me, Mexican cowboy. Tonight I’m getting you drunk and stealing another dance.” Damian winks at him and then mouths to me, “But he’s totally yours, princess.”

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