“I’m not looking for anyone. I don’t think anyone could outshine the guys. I’m wrapped around them entirely.”
“Puppy love. Once you guys have some fights and see where everyone ends up in terms of sides, you’ll start questioning it. And you’ve always wanted to get married. And to be a mom.”
“Wants change.” But it sounds like a cop-out, even to me.
“And would it be fair only to give one guy the option of being a dad? Only one guy the option of getting married?”
“Dad, we’re talking about you and mom, not me.” I redirect the conversation. “She’s insecure because you were with a woman my age. I’m sure it’s messing with her head, making her wonder if she’s good enough.”
He blinks a few times. “That’s ridiculous. She’s more than enough. She’s the one I’ve always wanted.”
“Then you have to tell her that, Dad. You have to show her. Do stuff that makes her sure she’s the only one for you. Make her forget all about Bella … more than in the bedroom, which she was very … open about.”
He blushes and nods. “I’m supposed to be the one giving you the advice.”
“Well, I’m all mature now.” I tease.
He chuckles and ruffles my hair. “I’m sorry I wasn’t around more when you were a little older growing up.”
“It’s okay. Life happens, Dad. You’re here now. Let’s make it count. And let’s make it count outside the hospital.” I beam at him.
He chuckles and nods.
We walk in silence for a while, collect shells, and show each other what we have. It’s the longest alone time we’ve had in a long time. We catch up on stories he asks about. Prom, which was boring as hell, graduation, which ended up being a party … considering school threw a party to keep us from going out and drinking – it didn’t work. It was the first time I got wasted. But I won a raffle that got me a laptop, so it was a win.
Dad tells me about starting the business, about hanging out with the guys, about everything that he wishes he could have shared with me while he was traveling. By the time we get back to the hotel, the sun hangs lower in the sky.
He hugs me. “I’ll see you at the luau. Behave with the guys.”
I hug him back, happy to have him in my life, happy to have him here and with me.
When I go upstairs, I hear the shower running and get changed into a cute white dress with yellow and pink watercolor flowers. I tie it around my neck and feel a light tug on the bow.
“You’re cute,” Roman says from behind me.
“Yeah? Is it safe to turn around?”
“Not at all. I don’t trust you not to jump me.”
I pretend to gasp. “How dare you. I’m the innocent, sweet one of the group.”
“Not arguing that.” He purrs in my ear, his velvety voice sinking into my skin and raising goosebumps. “But that doesn’t mean you won’t try to tempt me.”
I giggle. “I don’t know what you mean. You’re the one who does all the tempting.”
He chuckles, then finally turns me around so I can help button up his shirt. When I finish, I get a kiss. He brushes my hair from my face. “Should I call any of the guys over to ravage you before we head there?”
“What about all the ways to sneak away?”
“I have a feeling we’ll be caught after the first time.” He murmurs in my ear. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to have my hand between your legs all night.”
“Because I’m just going to let you?”
He rubs my back and lowers his lips to the curve of my neck. He presses a soft kiss, then rubs his lips over my skin until I shiver. “Are you going to stop me?”
“Maybe.” But I don’t even believe me.
“Even though you know how much you like my fingers teasing your clit? How good it feels to have my fingers thrusting into your wet pussy over and over, bringing you closer and closer to the edge? Making you bite your lip hard as you soak my hand?” He paints such a vivid picture.