Page 8 of Conflict
I shake my head, trying to regain my composure so I’m nottooobvious. I plaster an unaffected, bored expression on my face, having no idea if I’m even playing it off. “And if I am?”
His answering grin melts my insides like butter. God, the combination of that grin with Prince crooning in the background is downright sinful. How can a girl not be affected?
“Then I’d say it’s a shame, but I’d really be lying. All the better for me, of course.”
The words on anyone else’s lips would sound predatory. From this man, judging by the sudden ache between my legs, they elicit nothing but pleasure.
“I’m assuming that means you’re here alone as well,” I say, hoping he can’t tell that I’m totally fishing. Because if he’s flirting with me and then a girlfriend, a sister, or a freaking mom shows up, I’m going to curse the universe and swear fealty to the sisterhood.
“Flying solo,” he says, and two words have never been sweeter. “Now, tell me there isn’t some man waiting for you upstairs.” He pauses, his lips quirking. “Because I’m usually a gentleman, but if any man is stupid enough to leave you down here alone inthattiny bikini, he deserves to lose you.”
My cheeks flush with heat. “No. No man,” I reply, surprised at the throatiness of my voice.
His expression changes to that of a kid who’s just unwrapped his favorite toy on Christmas morning. And I hope he’s been good this year, because I want this man to unwrap me next.
“A man waiting for you wherever you’re from?” he asks, and strangely, I’m kind of touched he cares to ensure that his newest—I hope—conquest is actually unattached. It shows character. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
“I stand by my previous statement. And you? Do you have a woman?”
The sound of his laughter echoes around us. “Uh, no. Not attached. Single as can be. I’m not one for relationships. Life’s too busy. But if I were, I’m the monogamous sort. I just haven’t met anyone who’s made me want to settle down.”
“I can appreciate brutal honesty. Especially since I feel the same.”
He takes a beer off the ledge next to him and lifts it towards me. “Here’s to two beautiful, single people sitting in a hot tub on a beautiful night at the beach.”
A giggle escapes my lips, and even though I want to groan at my idiocy, I raise my own drink in his direction, take a sip, then watch him.
“Cocky much?” I ask.
His lips twitch before curling up into a wry grin. “Confident,” he says. Then he tilts his head. “Am I wrong?”
“If that’s your way of fishing for a compliment…” I pause, unsure if I should tell him what he wants to hear. In the end, I decide to just go with it. “It worked. Confidence is definitely sexy.”
And the grin that crosses his lips showcases just how confident this guy is.
“So, what’s a beautiful woman like you doing at the beach all by herself? Navarre’s getting more popular, but it’s still not quite reaching the top travel destinations yet. And heaven help us if it ever does.”
“I’m not here by myself…” I say, but I trail off when a frown crosses his lips. I’m quick to amend my statement. “I mean, I’m here alone tonight. It’s just that my older sister will be joining me in the morning. We’re just taking some time off to de-stress before the new year.”
Mock disappointment comes across his features and he releases a sigh. “Ah, so you’re not here celebrating a break from college where you’ll be downing tequila shots and dancing on tables?”
While that would’ve been me a couple of years ago on spring break in Mexico, that girl has grown up. Kind of. So I roll my eyes, taking a sip of my cocktail before looking back at him with feigned shocked. “Of course not. One, I’m finished with school, and two, that’s not my style.” I lean forward. “Anymore.”
Once again, he gives me that stupid grin. “Hmm. I’m not so sure about that.”
I bristle at his words. Mostly because he’s right. Iwasthat girl while in college, at least during my undergrad program. I was all about the parties, the drinking, the dancing. Yes, even sometimes on tables. Pretty sure it’s a rite of passage when you go to Cabo, and who was I to forgo tradition?
But that was before. Once I moved from an internship to full-time employment, I left my reckless, carefree self behind. Between work and school, I no longer had time for parties, happy hours, or vacations. I was too busy trying to establish a presence at WC so I prove to my parents I don’t need a man to take care of me the way they expect it from Ariana.
I take the straw from my drink and bring it to my lips, toying with the end before pointing it at him. “You’re right. Perhaps once upon a time, I was that girl, but those days are over now.”
“A pity. Tits like yours would definitely win a wet T-shirt contest.”
I gasp in shock while simultaneously experiencing a stirring in my loins. For God’s sake, the man is making me think of loins. Gah.Andhe’s rendered me speechless, which is no small feat for any man.
“How rude of me,” he says with a smile. “I should at least introduce myself if I’m going to admit to enjoying the sight of your gorgeous breasts. I’m Shane. And you are?”
I gape at him. I mean, didn’t I just say that I appreciated brutal honesty? But still…
