“Nothing.” I stay leaning into his touch, unable to help myself.
“Tink.” He tilts his head to the side. “What’s wrong?” he asks again. His eyes bore into mine as if, he looks deep enough, he can actually read my mind.
“Just tired, I guess.” I shrug.
“You slept peacefully wrapped in my arms all night, Lys.”
“Yeah,” I reply, because what can I say? I can’t tell him that his sisters-in-law and cousin planted ideas in my head that I had long since stuffed in a “do not open” box in the back of my mind and even further in my heart. I can’t tell him that the huskiness of his voice has my panties ruined, and me wishing I was his someone. Not just his best friend.
Needing him to believe me, I try to act like I always have with him. Openly, platonically affectionate. I mimic his move and reach up, placing my hand on his cheek. He, too, leans into my touch. The soft stubble of his thin beard feels familiar beneath my palm.
“I’m fine, Tank,” I assure him. “I was just using the restroom. Now shoo. I need to get my suit on. We have a day in the sun that’s waiting for us.”
He studies me a little longer. It’s mere seconds but feels like hours before he drops his hand and pulls me into a hug. Something you should know about the Kincaid brothers; they give the best hugs. All nine of them. They’re an affectionate family, and I’ve been on the receiving end of my fair share from all of them. However, none of them are as good at it as Sterling.
He puts all of him into every single embrace, just like now. Both of his muscled arms are wrapped around me, and his head is buried in my neck. He breathes in deeply, something he’s always done, before pulling back, pressing his lips to my forehead, and releasing me. It’s been the same since we were kids, and the act is another form of comfort for me. One that only Sterling can provide.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he tells me as I step around him and dig around in the dresser to find my bikini.
I stop and turn to look at him. “Thanks for inviting me. Hanging with you and your brothers is always a good time.”
He nods. “Do you know what Palmer’s plans are?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
I force myself not to look at his powerful limbs or think about the way he often lifts me with ease. I don’t think about him lifting me and tossing me on the cloudlike bed and having his way with me. Nope, I don’t do that. Instead, I keep my eyes trained on him and ignore how damn sexy he is. I’ve been doing it for years. I should be able to do it now.
“I don’t know. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to be good. You know Palmer,” I tell him. “If she knows anything, it’s relaxing and having a good time.”
“You’re right about that. I hope my niece is just like her.”
“Brooks is going to have his hands full.”
“Yeah, but he’s all in. He’ll love every minute of it.”
“I think he will too.” I hold up my bikini. “I’m going to change.” I move to walk past him, where he still stands in the doorway of the bathroom. He reaches out and snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me into him.
“You sure you’re good?” he asks, tucking my hair behind my ear with his free hand.
“I’m positive.” I pat his chest and smile up at him. I hope it’s reassuring and he can’t see through the desire I’m trying to hide.
“You’d tell me, right? If there was something on your mind?”
“Don’t I always?”
He nods.
“Are you going to let me pass, or do you plan on helping me change?” The question is out of my mouth before I even realize what I’m saying. My subconscious has taken over.
His eyes fill with heat, and I watch as he slowly licks his lips. “You need me to help you, Tink?” he asks, his voice gravelly.
“N-No.” I shake my head. “I’m all set.”
It’s a good thing he’s holding onto me because when he leans in, moving his lips next to my ear, and whispers, “You sure about that?” my knees go weak, and I’m pretty damn sure I’m going to have to toss these panties in the trash.
“I can manage.”
He gives my hip a gentle squeeze before releasing me. He steps back but keeps his eyes on mine while I go back into the bathroom and close the door.
If I take forever, he’s going to know something is wrong, so I make quick work of cleaning up because, yeah, these panties are…. I’m embarrassed that my body is reacting to my best friend this way. I ball them up so I can shove them deep into the mesh laundry bag. Thankfully, I always pack extra. Quickly, I slip into my bikini and slide the black coverup over the top of it before pulling my hair up into a messy knot at the top of my head. Satisfied, I pull open the door to find Sterling sitting on the edge of the bed.