“I thought you weren’t interested in getting me naked,” she volleys.
“Baby, I’m interested. I just want to make sure you know it’s not the only thing I’m interested in.”
She peers up at me timidly, then sweeps her eyes around the room realizing we’re the center of attention.
“Everyone is staring.”
“So, what? They’re all jealous.”
“Of what?”
“Me.”
“You? Why?”
“Because I’m holding the sexiest girl on this island in my arms.”
“I didn’t realize I was such a hot commodity.”
“That’s your problem. You don’t realize how amazing you are.”
“I think the only time you can useamazingin the same sentence withmeis when you’re talking about my academics.”
I sigh, shaking my head at her. “You really have no idea, do you?”
“None,” she asserts, achingly sincere. Then she slips out of my arms. “I really need a shower.”
“Okay.” I reluctantly let her go. “I’ll come up and check on you in a few minutes.”
She nods, tucking some soaked blonde hair behind her ear. Then she walks out of the kitchen with one arm covering her breasts.
“Dis, bro.” Some guy I don’t know slaps me on the shoulder. I turn and glare at him. If I was drunk, I’d punch him. Instead, I wander to the fridge to grab a beer. How do I ever expect Alana to love me if she can’t love herself? She’s smart, strong, funny, beautiful. Everything any man would want. EverythingIwant, but her damn emotions are buried under three feet of ice, and I don’t think it’s ever going to thaw.
“How was your date?” Mac pries with Candy on his arm.
“Near disastrous.” I pop open the beer bottle before heading for the stairs.
“Hey, hold up.” Mac follows, climbing after me.
“What happened?” he genuinely interested as we walk down the hallway and make our way out onto the deck. Both of us plop down on the lounge chairs right outside my room. I can hear the shower running through the wall and smell the faint scent of salt and bubble bath mingling in the air.
“I’m a fucking idiot. That’s what happened.” I take a big swig of beer.
“Sounds rough. Want to elaborate? ‘Fucking idiot’ can have multiple meanings.”
I glance at Mac. His eyes are red, and he’s half in the bag. I wonder if he’ll even remember this conversation in the morning. My bet, probably not.
“I just think I want more than she’s ready to give.” I admit, and it fucking hurts. Right in the middle of my chest. It’s like an elephant is sitting on me.
“You think?” Mac questions.
“I know.” I sigh.
“You pushed her?”
“It’s not what you think. I told her in a roundabout way that I’m not going to sleep with her.”
“What?” Mac nearly falls over in his chair.“Youtoldherno? Why the fuck would you do a thing like that? Have you seen her? You should be doing back flips she even looks at your sorry ass.”