Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 103102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
The two of them are sitting on the outside patio, in matching shades of pink, laughing at a shared joke.
They don’t look like two people on edge, yet to consummate their union. Or two people concerned about their sexual compatibility.
They look just-fucked.
Sure, they cleaned up well enough—neat hair, clean clothes—but they’re both wearing a post-orgasmic glow.
It might be the desert sun, or the rising temperature, or the hotel coffee.
But I doubt it.
For a moment, I imagine a different scenario. What would have happened if Lexi had met me at her car the first night I was here, instead of Deanna, driven me to the county’s favorite make-out spot, turned up the slow jams as she turned off the engine.
It’s hard to imagine. Even though I pictured the scenario a million times. Even though, a few weeks ago, I wanted it as much as I wanted anything.
That guy is a completely different person. One who doesn’t understand the world the way I do. One who barely understands himself.
There’s no jealousy in my stomach. No romantic notion of what could have been.
I’m glad I spent that night with Deanna. Not just because I adore her. Or because I don’t want to be the other man. Or because I feel so good, right here, next to the smartest woman I’ve ever met—
Because she shattered all the illusions in my way.
Next to her, everything is clear.
“Can we go back to the room?” Deanna adjusts her square sunglasses and squeezes my hand. “Have sex again?”
“Why not there—?” I motion to the hotel lobby beyond the big glass doors. The white couch next to the bar.
“In front of everyone?” she asks.
“Public sex is too much?”
“Semi-public.” She leans in and presses her lips to my neck.
Right at that moment, Lexi notices us. She stands, squeals, holds up a napkin reading 6.0. “Adorable.”
Deanna’s blush deepens as she explains the reference. “A perfect ice skating score.”
I can imagine her on the ice, twirling in a skirted one-piece, nailing every jump and turn. I can imagine her in a million places.
Lexi practically runs to us. “Is there a reason I haven’t seen you all day?” She laughs. “No. I know the reason.”
Deanna blushes and hugs her sister. “No.”
“Sure.”
“Really.” She whispers something.
Lexi laughs and releases her. “I’ll let you go then. How much time do you need? Is twenty minutes enough? Or do you prefer the agony of teasing?”
“Do I prefer that?” Deanna winks.
Lexi actually blushes. “Be honest, River. Is my sister an evil tease?”
“No,” I say. “I am.”
Lexi and Deanna share a look, then Lexi greets me with a handshake. “Do you want to have some tea before lunch with Willa?”
Deanna nods. “I booked a spa session for after, so we have an out. But first, I want to talk to Jake for a minute.” Deanna nods unconvincingly. “To plan a surprise for your birthday.”
Lexi’s brows rise. She doesn’t totally buy it, but she still nods and leads us to the table.
Jake is a tall guy with an aura of Orange County wealth. Maybe he didn’t grow up with money, but he has it now, and he’s not afraid to show off his designer watch and his expensive shoes.
He stands and shakes my hand. “Nice to meet a friend of Deanna’s.”
“You, too.” I return his firm grip, sit, go through a short introduction. After a few rounds of getting to know you questions (he’s an employment lawyer, he grew up in Irvine, he loves to surf, he adores Lexi), Deanna and Jake say goodbye and head toward the pool.
Here I am, with a mission to help Lexi follow her heart. Only I’m not needed. Not really. Lexi is smitten. It’s written all over her face.
And there’s something else in her blue eyes, something I usually see on Deanna. What do you think you’re doing with my sister?
“Are you taking care of her?” Lexi turns and hails the waiter.
“Trying,” I say.
“She makes it hard.” She smiles at the waiter as he approaches. “Another coffee and a—” She motions for me to finish.
“English Breakfast,” I say.
She waves goodbye to the server, waits for him to leave, and turns to me with concern in her eyes. Immediately, her voice drops to a tone I’ve never heard on her. Something firm and serious. “She likes you.”
“I like her.”
“She’s funny, don’t you think?” She watches Deanna and Jake sit at the edge of the pool, remove their shoes, dip their feet.
Deanna looks right there, in her short teal dress, her eyes on the crystal-blue water.
She looks gorgeous, actually.
“Hilarious,” I say.
“Is that what you like about her?”
“One of the things,” I say.
“What else?”
I shoot her a curious look. “Is this a quiz?”
“A test.”
“How do I pass?”
“You went to art school, right?”
“I have an MFA.” I nod.
“It’s like that. There’s a rubric. A mix of technical elements and style.”