Page 26 of Sand in My Boots

“Juliana Langley! Does your mother—hell, your brother—know you’re so crude?”

“It’s better they don’t know. Since you can keep a secret, it’s safe to assume you won’t tell them?”

“Well, duh. I can keep a secret.” I state the obvious, not giving away the rest. Until she’s squirming in her seat. “Yes, I won’t tell them.”

She whistles, the sound staccato yet bouncy. “Whew.” Her bright smile lights up the room and parts of me. “Any chance you want to join me in the shower?”

And now I’m dead.

Her expression gives nothing away, and I can’t tell if she’s serious. Not even the slightest hint of whether she’s joking.

So of course, the only thing I can do is tease her back. It’s only fair.

“Count me in. I’ll even allow for a thorough dick inspection.”

Her mouth drops wide open. She was probably kidding, but I won’t attempt to backpedal. Regardless if I should.

In no way, shape, or form should I entertain the idea of joining Juli in her shower, yet it doesn’t stop my mind from conjuring up images of what she looks like naked. And the shower in her suite is sweet. Definitely big enough for two and useful for more than getting clean.

“What if I was kidding?”

“I’d tell you so was I.”

She ponders my abrupt retort. “What if I told you I wasn’t kidding?”

I waste no time with my comeback. “I’d tell you I wasn’t either.”

“We shouldn’t.”

“I’m not saying we should.”

“But you’d be willing?”

“Always.”

Like the last twenty-four hours, this conversation is hella confusing. I’m not sure what I’m committing to or not committing to. All I know is if the offer stands, I’d take it. No questions asked.

Because it would be guaranteed to be a good time. Besides, she’s only here for a few days. Then we’ll go our separate ways again. Like last time.

Juli stands abruptly. “We should go.” By her alarmed expression, I’m going out on a limb to say she didn’t mean to suggest that. Even if she meant to leave the restaurant. “We should leave,” she corrects. “Is it hot in here?” She gulps the rest of her water, then grabs my glass as well. Without waiting for a response from me, she turns on her heel, marching out of the restaurant.

Needing a minute to control myself and steady my pounding heart, I don’t follow right away. I keep an eye on her actions as she paces the sidewalk in front of the glass windows. Her mouth mutters continuously, most likely chastising what just happened.

Honestly, I’m not exactly sure what went down, where we stand on anything except she’s right about leaving. With the ominous weather headed our way, it’s probably best we head back to the resort. Put some distance between us. Though not sure she’ll be able to enjoy the pool if the forecast is correct.

Unhurriedly, I exit the restaurant, my eyes fixed on her the entire time, watching her like a hawk. When she faces me, she doesn’t see me, her sight fixated on something in the distance. I call her name to get her attention.

“What?” she snaps. The tension in her expression lessens. “Ugh, sorry. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me. I’m not usually this . . . awkward. And crass, as you put it earlier. It’s like I spend a little time with you, and I revert to teenage Juliana who can’t get enough time with the guy she has a major crush on.”

I can’t help the smile spreading. Because in a way, I feel the same. “Right. I get that.”

She rolls her eyes. “Please. No way you know what that’s like. Liking someone from afar, and them not knowing you exist beyond being your best friend’s little sister.”

My brain rouses something about a similar comment she made last night. Before I can send a message not to say anything, a question barrels out of my mouth. “You think that’s all you were to me?”

A noncommittal shrug. “Most days.”

I stalk closer, which leads her to retreat a few steps. My head shakes. “Never. You were never Preston’s little sister.”