Page 62 of Deadly Waves

Nineteen

“Come here.”

James’ voice was soft when he caught Mandy hovering in the doorway between the bathroom and their bedroom shortly before dinner. She was dressed in a simple blue dress – the exact color of her eyes – but the back plunged low and showed off her tan.

“What?” Mandy asked, lifting her chin when she got closer. “Do you want to do it again? I’ll definitely be unable to walk if that’s the case.”

“No,” James replied, grinning. He cupped her breasts, taking her by surprise. “I think we can hold off until later. I was just checking to see if you were wearing a bra.”

“You could’ve asked.”

“That’s not nearly as much fun.”

“I’m not wearing a bra,” Mandy confirmed. “The bra is built into the dress. How did you know?”

“Because I know your body better than my own,” James said. “I kind of figured with how low-cut it was in the back, but you carry yourself differently when you’re not wearing a bra.”

Mandy was legitimately confused. “How so?”

“I don’t know,” James answered. “Your shoulders seem squarer or something. Perhaps it’s because you’re proud.” He gave her breasts a squeeze. “You should definitely be proud.”

“You’ve got a one track mind today.” Mandy rolled up to the balls of her feet and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of James’ mouth.

He sank into it, loving the way her body smelled of piña coladas thanks to her body spray. Her hair was pulled back into a simple loose bun and all he wanted to do was yank it free and tangle his hands in the mass of blond waves so he could show her how much he loved her again. Thankfully Grady picked that moment to push the door open and save them all.

“Oh, good grief,” Grady complained, making a face when he realized where James’ hands rested. “You guys have been going at it for hours. Can’t you take a break for five minutes?”

James reluctantly released his hold on his wife and scorched Grady with a dour look. “What did I tell you about knocking?”

“Probably the same thing I told you about grabbing your wife’s knockers in public,” Grady shot back, causing Sophie to giggle as she moved to his side. “Whatever it was, though, I forget.”

“You didn’t forget,” James said. “You just wanted to see if you could catch us.”

“I am not a pervert,” Grady said.

Sophie snorted as she rolled her eyes. “Really?”

“Fine, I am not a pervert where they’re concerned,” Grady corrected. “I am a total pervert where you’re concerned. That does not change the fact that these two are animals.”

“Sharks,” Mandy said, wiggling her butt. She was wearing her new “Jawesome” panties and she planned to give James a show later when no one was looking. “We’re sharks.”

“You may look sweet and innocent, but you’re a total sex addict,” Grady said, wagging a finger in her face. Up close, he couldn’t help but study her features. The tan did her good after being holed up inside the house with James for so long. That wasn’t the only difference, though. She looked lighter. Heck, James did, too. “What else did you guys do today?”

“We worked,” James answered.

“No, that’s not it.” Grady shook his head and instinctively reached out to touch Mandy’s cheek.

James slapped his hand away. “What are you doing?”

“You’re happy,” Grady said, speaking before he had time to gather his thoughts. “You guys are both happy … and glowing. It’s not just the nonstop sex.”

James blew out a frustrated sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s none of your business, but we had a talk this afternoon,” he said. “I’m only telling you because I’m sick of all the worried looks you keep sharing with Finn and Ally when you think we’re not looking.

“We’ve decided to let it go,” he continued. “Mandy is going to let Heidi’s death go and I’m going to let go of my guilt over not being there when she was taken. We can’t guarantee that simply saying the words will work, but we’re giving it our best shot.”

Grady’s expression softened. “I think that’s a good idea.”

“And I think you’re a douche,” James said, flicking his brother’s ear. “Stop worrying about us so much. We’re fine.”