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His scowl deepens and I find myself biting back a smile.There we go.
“Just leave me al—”
Sighing, I turn and step back, putting us shoulder to shoulder. Reaching over, I grab his chin, directing his attention to our surroundings. “Look.”
A long beat passes.
Then, “Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.” I roll my eyes. “We’re on the resort side. The completeoppositeof where we should be.”
He swallows with an audible click, and I cut him a sideways look just in time to clash with his fleeting glance.
His brow furrows and he quickly turns to stare straight ahead. Blood rushes to his cheeks, seeping warmth into my fingers, reminding me I’m still holding his face.
Clearing my throat, I quickly release him and look away.
Jesus. What the hell is wrong with me today?
I’m not a touchy-feely guy. In fact it’s something Mel used to give me shit about back when we first started dating. Unless it was a precursor to sex, it just didn’t cross my mind to initiate anything. Hugs, cuddles, holding her hand…you name it.
I can be assertive in the bedroom, but outside…well, it’s just not my thing. I’m not repulsed by physical affection; I just don’t need it, so I don’t always remember others might.
Up until now, my daughter was the only exception.
My fingers tingle so I shove both hands in my pockets.
No, nope, it’s nothing. He just brings out my protective instincts, just like Abby. That’s all this is.
I wince at the thought, because, yeah, no, definitely not lumping them in the same category. Ever. Not after what happened against the tree.
Don’t think about that.
Skyler clears his throat, pulling me from my thoughts. He steps back and pushes his hair back. It’s slicked with sweat, making it appear darker—nearly black.
I cut my gaze over Skyler’s head, aiming a fierce glare at one of the guys playing a game of volleyball when it looks like he wants to approach us. I shake my head, silently telling him to back off, and he holds his hands up, retreating backward before turning to rejoin the others.
“Here,” I say gruffly, reaching back for the half-full water bottle hooked to my bag. I can tell by Skyler’s expression, he wants to object so I shove it at his chest. He grabs it on instinct when I let go. “Couple sips now, so we have some for the hike back.”
Not waiting for a response, I unhook my backpack, swinging around so I can dig out my cell phone.
I tap the lock button, bringing the screen to life. It’s blank. No messages or missed calls. But it’s not like I was expecting any—I barely have any service anyway. The deeper into the island you go, the worse it is, which is why the staff are so insistent on the buddy system and keeping to trails when we do these wilderness activities.
“Fuck,” I mutter, when I spot the time.
Squinting off in the distance, I take in the sun glaring brightly over the treetops. It’s still high in the sky, but it won’t be for long.Gotta love island time.
Dimming the screen, I shove the phone in my pocket and get my bag re-situated. Tightening the straps, I turn to find Skyler staring off into the distance. His fingers are clutched around the black thermos like it’s a lifeline, his gaze aimed far-off into the distance. A droplet of sweat trickles from his hairline, skating down his cheek before clinging to the sharp jut of his jaw.
My gaze lowers, curiosity and something less definable stirring in my belly when I take in other little details I was blind to before, but now see in startling clarity.
Like the gentle curve of his bicep, and his flat, broad chest. His linen shirt is practically see-through, clinging with sweat to his lean torso. The top couple buttons are undone, exposing his smooth, pale skin. His sharpened collarbone.
Lower, above the waistline of his shorts, where his shirt’s bunched up near his hipbone, the band of his boxers peeks out.
I’m not sure why my gaze lingers there, or why I feel this irrational need all of a sudden to not fix it, but ruck it up higher and see if the skin there is as smooth as the skin on his arms… his face…
He’s young, yes, there’s no denying that, but…
