Page 25 of Acadia Falls

“Gonna go see about lunch.”

He raised his eyebrows, but again, Tommy was the best. He didn’t say a word.

I drove slowly down to the beach, passing the field and the dock, giving a wide berth to some locals out riding their bikes. It was a beautiful summer day, the kind of day we islanders lived for.

I pulled up outside the Vejas’s house. Maran was sitting on the front porch, her nose stuck in a big textbook.

“Hey,” I called, not knowing what the hell I was getting myself into, “you want to go to lunch?”

Chapter Eight

MARAN

The next morning, Alex eyed me over the brim of her large coffee mug. “I thought you were taking a break from men?” Her voice sounded fake-innocent.

“I am.” Good thing there was a gorgeous view of the mountains and the ocean, so I could avoid looking at her face.

“Maran Riley—do not lie to your best friend!” Alex wailed. “First of all, you totally had sex with Jack yesterday down at the boathouse. Tommy and I were waiting for you guys forever! And then there’s last night at Tori’s. We heard you. From the deck. You’re so loud!”

My cheeks heated. I didn’t say anything—what could I say?

Alex peered at me. “So. what’s he like?”

“He’s…” My voice trailed off. Again, I was speechless. What on earth could I say about Jack? “He’s nice,” I said lamely.

Alex snorted. “I’ve known Jack since we were kids. He’s a lot of things, but nice isn’t one of them.”

I cleared my throat. “Then you tell me what he’s like. I just met him!”

“I don’t know him very well. I know he’s gorgeous. And aloof.” She frowned, her brow furrowing. “I don’t know if he’s ever had a steady girlfriend. There isn’t one that I know of.”

“Huh.” I filed that information away for later. I couldn’t think about Jack anymore—I needed to prepare for the bar examination. “I have to go study. What’re you up to today?”

“Tori and Tiffany are taking me off-island to go antiquing.”

I shouldn’t be surprised that Alex had befriended the famous, intimidating Hollywood actress in a matter of days. Alex made friends with everyone.

“That sounds like fun.” It’d be nice to have the house to myself for a few hours. Despite my best intentions, I had a lot on my mind…

“Yeah, it should be good. We’re going to grab lunch. I’d try to convince you to play hooky, but I know better.” Alex smiled at me. “Enjoy all your books! I’m looking forward to hearing more details about Jack. I’m getting a couple of cases of wine shipped over today, so be ready for sauvignon blanc and Twenty Questions later!”

I groaned as she hopped up and went to get ready. Then I entered the kitchen, poured more coffee, and dragged myself into the office. I usually looked forward to diving into my work, but I was running on about day three of a hangover, my limbs were loose, and other parts of me were sore from so many encounters with you-know-who, and I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

Holy hell! I hadn’t even been on the island for a week, and despite swearing off men, I’d already started something. And I had no idea what it was or if it was anything. For all I knew, Jack might never look in my direction again. That seemed possible. He could be pretty cold.

When he hadn’t said hello to me at Tori’s, I’d been pissed. Then I’d decided that I was better off. When he’d followed me into the kitchen, I hadn’t meant to let him into the pantry… and certainly not into my pants again…

I fanned myself, images from the night before playing across my mind. Holy hell, Jack Brennan was hot. If I was being honest with myself—which I was not—I would admit that he was the hottest guy I’d ever been with. No one else even came close. His rugged good looks, his beard, those freaking enormous muscles… who had that many muscles? Not to mention his big dick. God bless his big dick!

I shivered just from thinking about him. I’d never come that hard in my life, and I hardly knew the guy. Maybe that was the trick, I mused. Perhaps I should pick up hot strangers more often, let them have their way with me, and call it a day.

I’d learned something else about Jack last night: he was playing a game. He hadn’t said hi to me to keep me off-kilter, to gain the upper hand. And it worked. I was mad by the time he’d followed me into the pantry. Mad but turned on. There was something about being ignored that rankled me, getting under my skin.

So, after we had amazing sex, I decided that two could play that game.

I hadn’t said a word to him after leaving the pantry, and I could tell it bothered him. Like I said, being ignored rankled me. He’d left the party in a huff, not even saying goodbye to anyone. A tiny spark of satisfaction lit my chest. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, Jack!

But I was bored as soon as he left. I’d been more than ready to go when Alex suggested we head home a little over an hour later.