Page 41 of Loving Lauren
The model winked back. “Girl, your hands feel like actual silk. Keep this up, and I’m never leaving your makeup chair.”
Lauren shrugged. “Many years of practice, and an ungodly amount of coffee. Mostly the coffee.”
While everyone gathered for a group photo, Sierra slipped her hand into Lauren’s. Hooked pinkies, like yesterday. Their little ritual.
One model leaned over and whispered conspiratorially, “You two are seriously soulmates. It’s disgusting how cute you are.”
They both grinned but let it drop there, fingers tightening together in a quiet squeeze.
With the equipment packed and everyone else already moving toward the dock, they lingered at the back of the boat.
The sun was sliding down, turning the water gold, orange, too beautiful to seem real.
Sierra’s eyes were on the waves. “Do you realize we did a two-day shoot on a yacht, saw actual dolphins, learned hula, and still managed to flirt our way through the whole thing?”
Lauren grinned, stepping closer. “You make it sound like some kind of incredible dream.”
Sierra looked out at the endless blue stretching to the horizon. “Maybe it is.”
Lauren stepped behind her, sliding their arms around Sierra’s waist and pulling her back against their chest. “Then promise me we won’t wake up yet.”
Sierra leaned into them, content. “Not a chance.”
Chapter 24
Jonas’ text came through right before their alarm went off, and Sierra could practically hear the relief in his voice even through the phone screen:
No shoot today. Resetting for the next location. Enjoy the day off.
Sierra let out a squeal that probably woke up half the resort and could’ve launched a seagull into orbit. Lauren did this ridiculous victory spin in the middle of their room like they’d won the actual lottery.
They made coffee that was way too strong and loaded up a plate with tropical fruit and these incredible flaky croissants from the resort’s breakfast spread. Sierra popped a grape into Lauren’s mouth and got a strawberry in return. Their sweet little trade-off made them both dissolve into giggles.
Sierra twisted her hair into the messiest bun known to humanity. “Okay, real question. What the hell are we gonna do with a whole free day? We could beach-hop around the island, or get matching tattoos that we’ll definitely regret.”
Lauren’s eyes lit up like Christmas morning. “Oh! We could take one of those fire hula hooping classes. or, hear me out, rent mopeds and zip around until we get lost.”
“I don’t think Jonas would survive getting a call from the hospital saying we crashed into a palm tree.”
Lauren chewed thoughtfully on another strawberry. “We could build the most outrageous sandcastle this beach has ever seen. Like one that needs actual zoning permits.”
“Okay, tiny criminal mastermind.”
Lauren suddenly had that focused look they got when they had a real idea. “Or, I saw this brochure yesterday about a waterfall hike through an actual jungle forest, ending at this waterfall you can swim in.”
Sierra raised an eyebrow. “You seriously want to go hiking on our one day off? When we could lie on the beach and do absolutely nothing?”
Lauren’s eyes were sparkling. “We have to. It’s been on my bucket list forever. Plus, if I’m willing to wear a bathing suit in public, you know I’m serious.”
Sierra groaned loudly and theatrically. “God, I hate how much I love you sometimes.”
Lauren’s grin spread like victory. “So that’s a yes.”
They over-packed for what was supposed to be a simple hike—snacks, way too much water, towels, sunscreen, and an emergency chocolate bar that Lauren swore was essential. Swimsuits under their clothes, sneakers that weren’t built for this, and enough SPF for an entire army.
Lauren reached the trailhead and looked at Sierra. “It’s only three miles.”
“I’m gonna die.”
