I shook my head. “I’m going to warm up a little more before I take a dip. But have fun, babe.”
She leaned down and placed a kiss on my cheek, caging me in a box with both hands on each side of me. “If you get too hot, I’d love to help cool you off,” she whispered.
She was so close and smelled so damn good. She had to have heard my intake of breath that time. I had no doubt she’d find a way to cool me off. But did I want to find out exactly how?
Once they all got into the pool and eyes were no longer on me, I gave in to myself and watched Vera. I was screwed, to put it delicately.
Watching her normally was one thing. I could appreciate her with clothes on, covering her body. But like this? With almost all of her skin exposed? Water gliding down the curves and dips of her muscles? I was getting a little turned on, I couldn’t lie. She just looked so mouth-watering, I couldn’t help it.
I was starting to wonder if I even truly had a type to begin with. I’d never given anyone like her a second look. To me, a butch or masc woman was too close to the opposite gender, and that wasn’t for me. But the longer I stared at Vera, more accurately the water surrounding her chest and arms, I realized that perhaps I was a little too quick to judge. I still didn’t think there would be a future for us, but appreciating from a distance couldn’t hurt.
“I’m glad you guys could make it. She looks like she’s having a great time, doesn’t she?”
I jumped when I heard Kaia’s voice next to me. “Shit, you scared me! How long have you been standing there.”
She laughed and sat in Vera’s vacant chair. “Long enough to see the drool pooling on the floor. It’s okay, Cara. You’re allowed to appreciate your girlfriend. She’s got a lot going on for her.”
Didn’t I know it? “Sorry. I—I wasn’t drooling. I was just watching.”
“Right. Anyways, You two look great together. We’re so happy for you.”
Why did everyone keep saying that? I was starting to feel guilty for lying about us. I had the best group of friends. They never judged me for anything and they were always there for me, for the good times and the bad.
They probably would’ve understood if I was honest with them, but I was scared. I didn’t want them to feel sorry for meand keep trying to set me up. I just wanted to get through this wedding and then I’d deal with the sympathy I’d get when I told them we broke up.
“Thanks. Speaking of looking great together, how are things with Daisy? From where I’m sitting, it looks pretty serious.”
Her smile was unmistakeable. “Things are serious and scary and incredibly perfect. I still can’t believe I actually got her.”
I was hoping she would’ve mentioned the engagement by now. She had to know we all knew about it. Maybe she was waiting for the right moment? I wasn’t going to bring it up first. She’d tell us when she was ready.
I laughed. “Of course you did, Kai. You two were meant for each other. You’re absolutely perfect together.”
“Thanks. Actually, it’s funny. When Vera was doing my office, Daisy thought we were together. Can you believe that? Can you picture me with someone like Vera? I mean, yeah, she’s attractive, and has a heart of gold, but she’s not my type. I prefer my women more…”
She trailed off and I followed her gaze to her exact type. Daisy caught her eyes and they blew each other kisses and signed “I love you.” I smiled. They were so fucking adorable.
“More five foot four and the name of a flower?” I asked, clearly knowing the answer.
She returned her attention back to me and shrugged. “What can I say? She’s all I’ve ever wanted. Well, it looks like I better get back to my girl. This seat’s been claimed, anyway.”
I frowned in confusion. A moment later, Drea, Blair, and Vera came back, all dripping wet. They all sat down, drying themselves off with smiles on their faces.
“Let me know about that office-build, Dre. Hey, babe. I saw you talking to Kaia.” She leaned over and placed a kiss on my cheek, lingering longer than necessary. Her hands were next to my leg, barely touching me, but it was enough to send my pulseinto overdrive. I couldn’t wait until the party was over and we could put clothes back on.
“Hey,” I replied, accepting the kiss. “Yeah, we were just catching up. How was the swim? And office-build?”
She nodded. “The swim was amazing, just what I needed to cool down. It’s just too hot out here with you in that swimsuit.” She winked and I tried to hide my blush. She was turning up the notch on flirting today, and I couldn’t say I was mad about it. Not that I could’ve if I wanted to. I had a role to play, but it was an easy role today.
“Yeah. Drea and I are talking about building a dual office in the new house.” Blair beamed at her fiancée.
They had just bought some land a few months ago and were getting started on the building process. Drea’s house had more than enough room for the two of them, but she’d said she wanted something they’d have together to start their new lives. I only cried for a few minutes when they told me about the house.
I loved my best friend and was over the moon at her happiness. I wouldn’t have thought it before they got together, but Drea was absolutely obsessed with Blair and treated her like she deserved to be treated. She treated her like she wass the most important person in the world.
They continued talking shop while I sat there smiling and listening, Blair doing the same. Our women were really animated about their work and it was fun to sit there and watch them bonding over it.
Our women? I was getting way too into the act we were putting on. She wasn’t my woman. She wasn’t my anything.
