Page 15 of Sand in My Boots

Natasha’s eyes give Juli a once-over, down and back up. “She doesn’t look like she’s in college.”

“That’s Elisa. I’m the middle one.” Juli doesn’t seem offended by the comment. As much as she doesn’t look her age, she also doesn’t give off a young, college vibe.

“Right, sorry. Money Boss mostly keeps to himself. I barely know him, and I’ve worked here a year or so.” She shakes her head, her braids bouncing. “What can I get you?”

“A weedwacker.”

I stifle my laughter at Natasha’s eyebrow raise. “Bushwacker. Heavy on the cream, light on the liquor. I’ll have the same. In the reverse order.” Not sure I need the extra alcohol, but the five liquors—coconut rum, Kahlua, Bailey’s, amaretto, and vodka—combine to give it its unique flavor. See why it packs a punch?

Juli spins on her stool. “Hey.” She points to herself. “Big girl. My decision.” Without waiting for a response from me, she turns back to Natasha and coos sweetly, “Regular Bushwacker. I can handle it.”

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Natasha’s gaze swings between the two of us. Until Juli huffs.

“I know he’s only looking out for me. It’s his thing. Make sure the ‘little’ sister is taken care of. But I’m a big girl and can handle my liquor.”

One, there’s nothing big about Juliana Langley except for her heart and the way she cares about the important people in her life.

Two, she thinks I treat her as if she’s my little sister? I try to reconcile that with the past. Did I give off those vibes to her? Certainly not that night. No way. No how. Definitely didn’t feel like that at all.

I don’t actually have a younger sister—two younger brothers—but there’s no way on this green Earth I’d do those things with a sister. Or someone I thought of as a sibling.

Ew.

I’m about to set the record straight, tell her that, but am interrupted by Natasha.

“Two regular Bushwackers coming right up.” She consults me. “Glass?”

“As if a plastic cup would ever suffice.” I refrain from rolling my eyes at the keen bartender.

“You got it, boss.” She disappears down the bar, setting to work on our drinks.

As for me, I’ve got a fallacy to rectify.

“Juli, I . . .” I start, but she cuts me off.

“I want to go for a boat ride. How do I make that happen?”

The recreation director part of me takes over, pushing her “sister” comment and how to fix it to the back burner for the time being.

“What kind of boat are you looking to take for a ride?” The comment sounds a little crass, but Juli doesn’t seem affected by it.

“Preferably one that goes fast. You got those here?”

I shake my head. “We don’t have many water vessels here at the resort, but we have connections with several places around the islands. Tell me what you want, and I’ll get it booked for you. Just for yourself?”

She nibbles on her bottom lip, the same one she uses to pout when she wants something badly enough. Or at least she used to. It’s yet to make an appearance today.

“You have any free time the next few days?”

“You want me to come with you?” I ask incredulously. Why I’m super shocked remains a mystery. Oh right. Maybe her comment from earlier about not wanting to run into me at all. “What’s changed?”

Her lips purse together, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly. Another nibble of her lips. “I’m not sure I want to go by myself. It would be more fun with someone else. Someone I know. Who’s fun.”

“And you want that someone to be me?” My tone pitches on the last word, surprise lacing each letter.

Our gazes lock for a moment. Her brown eyes swim with an emotion akin to uncertainty. It’s not a look I like on her.

“Forget it. It’s stupid. Just because I’m on vacation doesn’t mean you can take off gallivanting on the ocean. Forget I asked.” The expectant tone contradicts her words. It’s not what she wants. Not at all. But it will be fun to play with her for a bit.