Page 9 of Beauty
Heat gathers low in my belly as I take in the view. I let out an exaggerated sigh. “Yup. Calf muscles that pop and an ass. God, you’ve got a good one.”
“I’m not sure if I should say thank you or ask you to return the favor.” He’s smiling as he turns back around.
“Oh, I’ve got an excellent ass. You can ogle it whenever you want.” I peek over my shoulder at my bum and give it a little wiggle.
He licks his lips, that grin still in place. “I’ll take your word for it, sweet cheeks. I’m Noah.”
“Oh, we’re already at the nickname stage. Love it,” I tease with a shimmy of my shoulders.
We both fall silent, though before it gets awkward, the plate on the table behind him catches my eye. The steak in the center is massive, and it’s surrounded by a salad and vegetables. It’s definitely the meal of a man who’s working to stay in shape. “Your dinner looks a little healthier than mine,” I tease, thumbing at my cheese platter.
He scoffs. “That’s all you’re having?”
I shrug. “I didn’t want to go to the buffet by myself.”
Lips twisting, he nods. “I get that.” He takes half a step back and scratches at his nape. “I’ll, uh, let you get back to your meal.”
My heart sinks a little. I’m not ready to walk away from this conversation. From him. “It’d be kind of weird for us both to sit out here and not talk, wouldn’t it?”
He shrugs. “I’m sure plenty of others have done it.”
That makes my stomach drop right along with my heart. Shit. He’s trying to politely get out of this conversation, and I’m only now catching the signs, I guess. “Shit, right. Sorry. Enjoy your dinner.” I give him a stupid little finger wave and turn away. The moment my back is to him, I close my eyes and blow out a frustrated breath.
“Wait, Sienna?—”
I whip back around without thinking it through, blinking like an idiot, trying to act totally normal. “Yeah?”
He swallows, his Adam’s apple working. “That didn’t come out right. What I said. Yes, I’m sure many guests have sat out here without talking to their neighbor. But I’d like to not do that with you.”
My embarrassment morphs into confusion. “Huh?”
Eyes closing, he shakes his head. “Sorry, you’re just really fucking beautiful, and I’m not making any sense.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks, and I flush in response to the unexpected compliment.
His nostrils flare like he’s trying to get control of himself, and then he breaks into a smile that’s somehow both boyish and devastating. “Will you have dinner with me?”
“Yeah?”
He nods. “Yes.” Another deep breath. “Please.”
Heart flipping, I beam at him. “Sure.” I shrug. “Why not?”
I rush inside to tidy up quickly, kicking the black thong on the floor under the bed.
After that’s taken care of, I give myself a quick assessment in the mirror. My shoulder-length hair is pulled back in a stubby ponytail and my cheeks are rosy from spending the afternoon in the sun—and from the wine—and my boobs look fantastic in my bikini top.
I should probably change. The bottoms are little more than a couple of strings tied together. Even with the skirt, my cute ass is out there for the world to see. Telling him it was nice was one thing; mooning him is another.
I toss my suitcase open and pull out a red dress packed near the top. The fabric is loosely woven, leaving the tiniest of holes. It’s meant to be a cover-up. Perfect. Still flirty, still me, but a little less revealing. I tug it over my head, then shuffle back to the mirror and pull my hair out of its ponytail and give it a quick fluff.
I grimace at my reflection. Nope. Now I look like I’m trying too hard.
A knock sounds on the door, the sharp noise pulling a squeal from me. Bouncing on my toes, I eye the door in the mirror, then focus on myself again.
Up or down?Make up your mind, woman.
With a fortifying breath, I back away. I march to the door. But apprehension stops me an instant before I can pull it open. With a quiet groan, I scoop my hair back into the elastic. Then,shoulders pulled back, I throw the door open. “Hi, sorry. I was?—”
