Page 24 of Sand in My Boots

“What did you do before Whispering Tide?”

“Nothing worth mentioning.”

Oops. I don’t mean to sound so bitter, but working at a warehouse operating forklifts wasn’t exactly memorable. I spent years working various jobs trying to find my niche, something that would not only keep me entertained and wanting to show up every day, but also something that paid the bills. Owning and working at Whispering Tide checks all the boxes. And unless the resort goes under, I’m here to stay.

“That good, huh?” She pushes her shoulder into me with a giggle.

“I was not meant to push papers around desks or make random deliveries. I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk in an office somewhere. I want the freedom to be out and about, talk with people, be outside.”

Juli interrupts, “Even in the sand?”

I peer down at her. She wears a gleeful expression. “Even then. There’s always a shower in the vicinity. And I take a lot of showers.

It’s the truth. I do, but the faintest pink colors the apples of her cheeks, and I ascertain what she must be thinking. I’m about to capitalize on the moment, make her more uncomfortable, but we’re distracted by her friend Erica.

“Hey. So glad you’re coming with us.” She pulls Juli into her with a tug, but there’s a hint of contempt on her face. Once she’s done with Juli, Erica smiles my way. “I didn’t realize Juli’s guest was you, Cameron. How did you make time to hang out with us?”

“I have my ways.”

Erica thinks it’s the funniest thing in the world, her head thrown back with laughter. Though she’s Juli’s friend, first and foremost, she’s a guest. I must remember to consider that and be on my best “Cameron Fairbanks, Owner” behavior.

“Babe, our ride’s pulling in.” Jonah consults his phone. “Black Audi SUV.” As he says it, a black SUV pulls up to the porte cochere. “This is ours.”

The four of us pile into the car, Jonah in the front seat. Somehow, Erica ends up sitting in the middle between me and Juli. I remind myself it’s okay. I’ve got the whole day with her.

And tomorrow too.

It’s a quick jaunt to Charleston, and once we exit the car, there’s an expectation on Erica’s part we’ll all stick together. For about an hour, she drags us to all the different shops, stopping in each one. She kinda reminds me of a girl I dated years ago, before I moved to South Carolina, whose sole mission in life was to see how uncomfortable she could make me. Erica’s a close second. To her credit, it’s not totally her fault. Some of the discomfort stems from being so close to Juli and not having a chance to point out and make fun of how ugly some wares are. I want to know the exact thing going through her mind when she turns her nose up at them.

About ninety minutes into our “spree,” Juli tells Erica she’s hungry.

“I thought we’d shop a little longer, then head out to a restaurant I heard about.”

“You and Jonah do that. Cameron and I will grab a quick bite here. I’ve got another date with the pool and a cocktail later today. Say around five?”

Juli’s directness makes my cock jump. Such a mundane decision, but damn if she doesn’t sound so authoritative, leaving no room for Erica to argue.

Much.

“We have dinner reservations at eight, so that’s great.” I swear she agreed to agree, even with no genuine desire to do so. “Same one as yesterday?”

Juli turns to me. “Best pool?”

“Tower one’s pool has the best bar. Tower three has the best pool. Depends on what you’re in the mood for.”

“Bar,” Juli and Erica say at the same time. With their decision made, we say goodbye and part ways, Juli pushing me in the opposite direction.

Once we’re out of earshot, she heaves a sigh, and her shoulders drop. “Oh my god. That was a bit unbearable. I’m sorry I dragged you on an actual shopping excursion. I didn’t realize she’d want to stop at every. Single. Store.”

Despite my brain screaming at me not to, I pull her flush against my side. It’s been years, but some feelings for her have easily resurfaced, the most important one being the level of comfort she brings out in me.

“Before we leave, we have to go into the potter’s store. Because there was this plate you looked at, and I need commentary. A play-by-play of what your brain was screaming to hurt your eyes.”

Juli moves away from my side, standing in front of me. Her arms in the air, I can’t tell if she’s pissed or unamused or mystified by my comment. Until she speaks.

“You think I want to see that hideous monstrosity again?” she whisper-shouts incredulously, a hint of humor lacing her tone. “Such horrible things can’t be unseen, and yet, you want me to willingly go back and see them again?” She shakes her head. “What kind of monster are you?”

“You know you want to. To tell me all about how hideous it is.” I goad her, pushing her until she can’t say no. “The colors. The pattern. The texture.”