Page 57 of My Brother's Best Men
Sometimes I don’t know what’s worse—being a virgin and being judged because I don’t want to have sex with just anyone, or being known for one’s sexual prowess and nothing else.
Because contrary to popular belief, Benny seems to hate having the reputation he has.
But he’s the one who built it, so I don’t understand why he gripes about it, though I guess maybe after a decade it would get old.
“Yeah,” he says bitterly. “Eli, you want to join us?”
Elijah looks at Sophie, then at me, and I can feel the judgment dripping off of him. It’s then I notice the faint glimmer in Benny’s eyes, almost like heneedsEli to say yes. Like he really wants him there.
Eli nods. “Yeah, I guess.”
“I’m going for a walk on the beach,” Sophie says, standing up, and immediately I follow.
“I was planning on heading down there and having a drink, so you know what, I’ll join you.”
She looks at me in question, but nods. “Sounds great.”
“Catch up with you guys later?” I ask.
Elijah nods and I don’t wait to settle my hand on Sophie’s back and lead us out of the restaurant. She doesn’t bristle or jump like she did before. Instead, she leans into my space, almost as if she’s seeking more of my touch. So I don’t think twice about resting my hand on her hip, pulling her closer.
“You didn’t have to cover for me like that,” she says as I use one hand to open the doors.
“I know,” I say. “But I wanted to.”
Sophie gazes back at me for a moment, biting her lip as if she wants to say something, but thinks better of it.
She takes her flip-flops off and I do the same as we come up to the sand. This place is aptly named, that’s for sure. I haven’t been on a trip like this ever, and I’m slightly worried it’s going to shade my view of future trips.
The private beach is nice, and so is the cabana service. I’ve been under those umbrellas as much as possible, because ordering drinks that they bring to you while you’re on the beach has to be one of the best feelings.
But the best feeling is this one.
The one I feel when Sophie and I can just…be.
Hang out.
“Race you to the water?” I say with a raise of my eyebrow.
“I’m in a dress, Matt,” she says as if that makes a difference.
“So?” I motion to the almost empty beach. It’s practically sunset, and I’ve learned most of the folks here don’t stay out on the beach past sundown. Not when there’s so much live entertainment and the place is huge. It’s got like three serenity pools plus indoor and outdoor pools. Apart from a couple walking down the beach through the surf right now, there’s no one out here but us.
She sighs, but I don’t miss the smile as I drop my hand and instead gently tap her arm.
“Tag, you’re it,” I say as I take off like a bat out of hell.
“Matthew!” she says in a huff, but takes off after me like I knew she would. Sophie’s always been competitive, and it’s one of the things I always admired about her. She catches up to me quickly, reaching out to tag me, but I evade her, rounding about and picking her up.
She squeals, kicking her legs, but it’s laughter.
“Oh my God, Matthew, put me down!”
I sling her over my shoulder and fireman carry her through the surf as she twists and turns, trying to wriggle out of my hold.
“Nope,” I say.
“Put me down!” She squirms, her dress riding up her thighs. “I’m going to flash the whole beach!” she fusses, but her laughter tells me she’s not pissed about this one bit. I wade deeper into the surf, up to my knees.
