Page 57 of The Plus One

“I tolerate it.”

He caught me around the waist when I tried to swim away. I wrapped my legs around him to stay above water, and his smile slowly disappeared. “What?”

“You wrapped around me in that swimsuit and expect me not to stare?” I felt him hardening between us and smiled.

“You’re supposed to be taking me on a wholesome date.”

“We had breakfast. That was the wholesome part.”

I laughed and pushed away before we forgot we had an entire day ahead of us. We spent the afternoon swimming, lying in the sun, and walking along the beach. Without everyone else around, I learned things about Ace that had nothing to do with his money, bar, or friendship with Markel.

He liked old R&B music more than rap. I found it interesting that he hated tomatoes but loved ketchup. That was just weird to me. His grandfather taught him how to invest at sixteen, and Ace bought his first rental property before he could legally drink. “Why didn’t I know any of this?” I asked as we sat near the water.

“You never asked.”

“But you never tried to get to know me either.”

“You were Kel’s woman.”

“Was.”

“I know.”

Our eyes met. “Did you really want me back then?”

“Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“What was I supposed to say? Leave my best friend and come fuck with a real nigga?”

“Maybe.”

Ace laughed. “You wouldn’t have.”

“No, I wouldn’t have.”

“That’s why I kept that shit to myself.”

I drew a line through the sand. “Does being with me feel wrong?”

“No.”

“You didn’t even think about it.”

“Because it doesn’t.” He shifted closer. “The only thing that felt wrong was watching you settle for less than you deserved and pretending I didn’t care.”

My throat tightened. “Ace…”

“I’m not asking you for anything right now. I know this shit happened fast.”

“Very fast.”

“But I meant what I said last night. I’m having a hard time pretending.”

I looked at him. “Me too.”

His fingers brushed sand from my leg. “What happens when we go home?” I asked.