Page 26 of Sweet Heat at Bayside
Violet narrowed her eyes, and with a knowing smile aimed at Desiree, she said, “I’ve never heard it called that, butokay.”
Serena spit out her drink, spilling it all over herself and the table. “Sorry!”
“Oh no!” Desiree handed her a napkin.
Everyone began wiping up the table, except Drake, who reached over to wipe droplets of alcohol from herbreastbone. His eyes were dark and full of desire, and she was sure everyone was onto them. She swatted his hand away.
“What did you mean, Violet? What’s wrong with taste testing?” Desiree huffed out a breath.
“She meant something dirty,” Mira explained, turning a questioning look to Serena—and then to Drake.
“Ohmygosh.” Serena sank back into her chair.
“I always feel like I’m two steps behind,” Desiree complained. “You keep changing code words. Can’t you just saysex?” Desiree asked.
“No!” Serena snapped. “We’re not having sex!” All eyes turned to her. “Great. Thanks, Violet.”
“I can say it, baby.” Rick nuzzled against Desiree’s cheek and said, “Let’s go home and have sex.”
Now Desiree was as red-cheeked as Serena felt.
“Geez.” Serena swiped at her clothes to keep from looking at their knowing stares. “I’m all wet.”
Laughter burst from Violet’s lips. “This is news to you? Because you’re not going to win any Academy Awards for that performance of innocence—”
“Violet!” Drake warned. “Come on, Supergirl. Time to get you out of those clothes.”
“Finally!” Violet lifted her glass in a toast and said, “Proceed with the long-awaited seduction!”
“Violet!” Desiree chastised.
“We are not having sex!” Serena insisted.
Drake shut Violet down with another harsh glare and hauled Serena against him.
“Stop. They already think I’m lying about sleeping with you!” she said in a harsh whisper.
Drake slid a serious gaze over their friends. With his arm protectively around Serena, he said, “Let me make this very clear: Serena and I arenotsleeping together. We haveneverslept together.”
“Well, that’s technically not true,” Mira said. “You’ve fallen asleep on the beach together.”
“Aw, you guys are so cute,” Desiree said as she got up to hug Serena. “You should go home and change out of your wet clothes.”
Drake waggled his brows. Serena rolled her eyes as the others got up to hug her goodbye.
“I love you, sis. I’m going to miss you, so make sure you call me a lot,” Chloe said. Then she whispered, “And I want details!”
Serena groaned.
“Me too!” Emery said, pulling Serena into a fierce hug. “Have funtaste testing.”
“I’m never going to live tonight down, am I?” Serena asked as Mira hugged her.
“Probably not,” Mira agreed. “I don’t know what’s going on between you and my brother tonight, but rest assured, I donotwant any details.”
“That’s good, because I don’t know what’s going on, either,” she confided. “I love you, and I’m going to miss you so much.”
“I have a feeling I’m going to be wiping Mira’s tears tomorrow morning when she wakes up and her bestie has moved to Boston.” Matt wrapped Serena in his arms. “Good luck. You’re going to make us all proud.”
