I laughed and shoved the rest of my sandwich into my mouth before popping the top on my beer and drinking deeply. They were definitely more than a fling. Hell, everyone on the boat seemed to be settling into a relationship. Even me.
Me? Fuck. Weird.
"You look like you just saw a ghost. What's up?" Cora's voice pulled me from my thoughts and I turned and shrugged.
"Just thinking about that fucking alligator we saw the other night. That thing could have bitten off my dick, and then what?"
Everyone started laughing, and I couldn't help but smile.
Clay shook his head. "Then the men of Lake Havasu could rest easier. The hottest guy on the whole damn property would be out of commission."
I gave him a smile. "Are you calling me good looking?"
"I am." Cora moved closer and ran her hand over my back in slow circles. "And, I'm the one that should count. At least for the next little bit."
"Next little bit? You're already thinking about leaving me, aren't you?" I offered up a sad face, only to get popped in the chest.
"She's decided to go back home in two weeks. Mom and Dad won, but they always do, right?" Emily huffed and glanced over at Cora. "Makes life easier."
"Yeah, I guess." She pulled her hand from me and tossed her sandwich over the edge of the boat. "Two weeks is still a long time, though. I'm glad for whatever I get out here with you guys."
I laid back, trying to ignore the fact that two weeks didn't sound like nearly long enough with the stunning girl next to me. Everything inside of me wanted to beg her to stay, but it was silly.
Besides, the chances of me wanting something long-term with her after the chase was over was slim-to-none. It felt like she might be different, like this time would prove to be the time but then again, nothing worked out in my life as planned. This wouldn't, either.
Better enjoy it while I can.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Cora
"Oh, man. Look at that!" Dedra pointed up toward the sky as if we weren't all staring intently at the fireworks show.
"Beautiful," I murmured and wrapped my arms around myself tightly. The breeze had gotten a lot colder after the sun left the sky, and I'd dressed like it was going to be blazing hot. Showing off a little bit of skin had seemed like a proper way to tease Brody, anyway. The afternoon before had been intense, delicious, addictive.
While I knew hooking up with him was a bad idea on far too many levels, I figured it was going to happen, no matter what. There was too much chemistry between us, and my dreams the night before of his hands all over me left my desire far too heightened to ignore it.
"You cold?" He moved close to me on the boat and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. His skin was warm, surprisingly enough.
"Yeah, a little." I smiled over at him as another firework lit up the sky.
He brushed his lips by my shoulder and smiled. "How in the world are you cold? It's hot as hell out here."
I laughed and turned my attention back to the sky. "Maybe I need to go back to the house and get a coat before we all head to the beach front."
"I have one in the-”
"I want mine." I turned my face toward his, locking eyes with him. "In my bedroom. It's on the floor, just beside a pile of clothes I discarded this afternoon in a hurry."
"What? Oh. Oh...yeah. We should get your coat." He licked at his lips as his hand tightened around my side, tugging me closer.
I leaned in and brushed my lips by his, grateful that he got my hint. I wanted time alone with him. We'd been with our friends nonstop over the last week and a half. After yesterday afternoon's teaser, I was ready to dive in and explore his abilities in the bedroom.
Brody reached up and gripped the side of my face, pulling me in for a longer, more probing kiss. My heart was racing in my chest by the time he moved back. His eyes moved across my face slowly as a smile lifted his lips.
"Well, I guess that was it." Clay dropped down on the other side of Brody. "What now, guys? Are we wanting to go over to the beach where the party is tonight?"
"Yeah, that sounds great, but take us back to the dock. Cora and I will walk over there later to meet up with you guys. She wants to grab her coat." Brody released my face, but kept his strong arm locked around my body.