“Thanks for wearing shorts,” she murmurs. “Did I tell you thick thighs turn me on?”
Everything in me liquifies, but I stay focused. “I’m serious. Don’t make me worry about you.”
Her eyes soften. “Okay.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Luna,” I warn.
She grins and walks off with a rolling finger wave like she didn’t just wreck my pulse.
When I return, Neo’s alone.
“What happened?” I look around. “You strike out?”
“Nah, bro. I had to shut that down.”
“Not interested?”
“I was. She’s gorgeous AF. But…” He shakes his head. “She’s ice cream and sprinkles. I can’t corrupt someone that sweet.”
“You really are an idiot,” I say, starting toward the pier.
“What?” He catches up. “That was a selfless act.”
Maybe it was because Neo isn’t built for innocence. “But how could you judge that in three minutes?”
“Radar, bro.” He taps his temple.
I don’t bother to respond.
“So… what’s up with you and the pretty candidate?” he asks.
“Nothing,” I say quickly.
“Didn’t see you tripping over yourself to bring anyone else water.”
“Kill your enemies with kindness,” I quip.
“You can’t fool me, brother man. I saw the way you looked at each other. The familiar banter. Smiles you think no one noticed. I clocked those vibes.”
“You’re reaching.”
“Nah. A lake house with Luna. Flirting with Rayne. You don’t multi-task women. So that can only mean one thing.”
I lengthen my stride, sand shifting under my shoes.
“Rayne is Luna.”
My steps falter.
And that’s enough to confirm what he already knows. I turn slowly, my expression sharp.
“I would never say anything,” he hastens to assure me. “But goddam, what kind of messed-up coincidence is that? Youmeet her on an app, then she’s here… running against your candidate.”
“I questioned that too.” I drag a hand over my sweat-damp face. “If you believe in fate, there you go. If not… I don’t know. But I’m damn glad it happened.”
