Page 14 of Sand in My Boots

“I’ll take it,” I say, holding out my hand, but Cameron doesn’t allow it. He rips it from the perplexed waiter, who takes the hint and scurries away once Cameron has it in his hand. “You don’t have to pay. Charge it to my room. It’s . . .” At the moment, the room number escapes me.

He winks at me. “Perks of being an owner, Jude.”

As he scribbles something on the receipt, my heart squeezes at the use of his nickname for me. The first time he did it, I swear it was to tease me. To show I wasn’t anything more than Preston’s little sister. But when he used it on our night, I knew it was more. Even if I haven’t heard it in so many years, and every time it brings me back to that night. The same night he earned his nickname.

“It’s still early. Want to hit up The Drift for a bit before calling it a night?”

My attention drawn to Cameron, he’s eager for me to say yes. With a glance at the time, I nod. “No plans tomorrow and the ability to walk home, I might splurge for two.” I’m thoroughly enjoying this vacation and break from reality. Who knows when I’ll have an opportunity like this again?

I stand from the booth, waiting for Cameron to do the same. His brows furrowed, his expression unreadable, his eyes scan the table, looking for I don’t know what. “You had enough to eat? Bushwackers are not for lightweights.” He spits out the last word, almost as if not to call me one but implying I am one.

Using all of my five feet and two inches, I stand tall. Well, I stand straight. “Who you calling a lightweight, mister?”

Indecision skates through his eyes, yet he’s the one who initially suggested this drink. Now, he seems like he wants to take it back.

“I don’t want to be the one you blame for a severe hangover in the morning.”

“I’m a big girl and can make bad decisions for myself.” Cameron chuckles, and I realize what I’ve said, a piece of me I’ve given away by accident.

Instead of calling me out on it, he wraps an arm around my shoulder. An electric current zaps my body, an unfamiliar feeling as of late.

“We’ll start with one and see how it settles.”

“I don’t remember you so bossy.” Again, my mouth gets ahead of me, leaking secrets without my permission. Though as long as the big one remains inside, these pesky little tidbits I’m sharing won’t break me. And besides, after this weekend, it’s not like Cameron’s going to be a part of my life on the regular.

If at all.

Chapter 6

Cameron

The walk to The Drift Bar & Grill isn’t long. The moon’s sitting over the ocean, reflective vibes bouncing off, making for a pretty night. The temperature’s still warm, and there’s a buzz in the air between Juli and me. I’m not sure what that’s about, but for now, I’m going with it.

Inside the restaurant, soft lantern glow mingles with the shimmer of candles on reclaimed wood tables, while woven accents, hand-painted murals, and billowing fabrics create an atmosphere both intimate and timeless. The scent of sea air and the rhythm of live acoustic music flow in from the back. On the beach, couples curl into the hammocks on the sand or gather by driftwood firepits with glasses of champagne.

I lead Juli to the bar—crafted from reclaimed wood and patterned tile—my hand on the small of her back. I’m not sure why I feel propelled to touch her, nor why she doesn’t question it beyond a quick look down at where my hand rests. If she wanted it removed, she’d say something, right? Or move out of my reach.

Sure, let’s go with that. It’s easy to convince myself this is the case.

There are like four empty stools, but only two together, so we snag those. If I’m not mistaken, I swear she delays a little longer with my hand on her back, pushing slightly against it, before climbing on the stool.

Natasha joins us almost immediately after we’re settled. She’s a local to Charleston, and we were lucky to snag her from her previous position slinging beers and pouring cocktails at a dive bar. She’s curated a great drinks menu for The Drift, offering soulful and serene options.

And of course, Bushwackers.

“Hey, Hobbies Boss. How was the badminton tourney?” She slides a coaster in front of each of us.

I blow out a sigh. “Not as bad as I anticipated, but still bad.”

“At least it’s over.”

“This is true. And if I have my way, it’ll be the first and last one.”

Beside me, Juli chuckles along with Natasha. “Hi, Juli Langley.” She reaches her hand out for Natasha to shake, and she accepts with a puzzled look.

“Langley as in Money Boss Langley?”

I nod. “Indeed. His kid sister.”