You Kissed Me First

20. Day Ten

CHAPTER 20

Day Ten

GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS

KATIE

“You want to go chill on a beach with flamingos?” Dominic asks, sounding caught off guard.

After the incident yesterday and not fully remembering everything from last night, I needed something not too crazy. I swear I feel like if it can go wrong, it has on this trip.

I keep getting clips of things that happened last night in my head, but it’s hard to separate reality from dream. Like obviously Dominic telling me he loved me while he was on a pink elephant was a dream, but was it a dream when he admitted I meant more to him than I realized?

I’m too much of a coward to ask.

“Is that okay?” I frown.

“I mean, yeah. I just didn’t expect that to be a thing,” he says as we step off the cruise ship. “How far is it?”

“It looks like it’s about five minutes down the beach.”

“That’s not bad. Do you want to walk or catch a ride?”

“We can walk,” I say as I slip my hand into his.

We follow the directions on my phone, and soon enough, we arrive at our destination. I knew we were coming to a beach with flamingos, but I didn’t expect so many.

“Holy shit,” Dominic mumbles as we stare at the dozen or so birds.

“They are so pretty. Did you know they get their color from the food they eat?” I whisper.

“Actually, I didn’t know that. Where do you want to sit?” Dominic asks as he looks around. “It looks like that guy is renting out chairs,” he says, pointing farther down the beach at a shack.

“Yeah, I don’t really feel like sitting on the sand. I know animals, hell even people go to the bathroom on every beach, but it’s completely different when you see it happen.” I wince.

“Chairs it is,” he says, pulling us down the beach.

The man behind the counter smiles as we approach. “Welcome. How can I help you?”

“Do you rent chairs?” Dominic asks.

“And maybe an umbrella?” I smile at the man.

“I do.” The man moves out of view and comes out a side door, holding two beach chairs and an umbrella.

After Dominic pays the sweet man, we set up the chairs right where the water rushes onto the sand, facing the ocean, away from everyone else.

“I love the feeling of the sun on my skin. The way it warms me and makes me feel like I’m in a cozy little haven. It’s like heaven.”

“I’ll make sure not to block your sun,” he teases as I get comfortable.

I blush, shaking my head. “I don’t know where that came from.”

“Hey, keep talking. I love the sound of your voice.”

“You don’t mind? Barrett used to tell me all the time I should talk less and listen more.”

“We both know he’s a fucking idiot. Whatever he told you to do, make sure you do the exact opposite, okay?”

“Okay.”

We fall silent and just enjoy the sound of the waves and the slow pace of the beach. There are people around, but it’s not absolutely packed like some of them we’ve visited.

“This is nice,” Dominic says quietly.

“I was just thinking that.”

“I’m going to go for a swim. Will you be okay here, or do you want to come with me?” He stands, peeling off his shirt.

“I’ll be okay. I might join you in a little bit if that’s okay.”

“I’ll stay close.” He stands and walks toward me. Leaning down, he brushes his lips against mine. “Don’t get in too much trouble.”

“I won’t. I’m just going to read,” I say, holding up the book I started at the beginning of the trip but never finished.

“Don’t read the dirty scenes without me.” He winks as he steps back.

“I won’t.”

I watch Dominic wade farther and farther into the water before returning my attention to my book. Every few pages, I look up, searching for Dom. I watch him playing in the waves. The way his back shines from the water and the sun. After looking up for the fifth time, I give up and close my book, setting it aside. Standing, I startle, finding a flamingo just steps away from our chairs, staring at me.

“Well hello,” I mumble.

Slowly I back away from the bird, wading into the water. Once I’m satisfied I’m far enough away, I turn, making my way toward Dom.

“Bird scare you?” He smirks.

“That obvious?”

He shrugs, pulling me into him. “Only to me. How was your book?”

“I was too distracted.”

“I’m sorry.” He smirks again.

I roll my eyes. “Sure you are.”

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asks as I pull away.

As soon as I’m just out of reach, I reach down, scooping water in my hand and fling it at him. Dominic squeezes his eyes shut, mouth in a straight line as the water runs down his face.

“You want to play games, Katie?” he asks as he runs his hand down his face.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say innocently, holding back a laugh.

Next thing I know, I’m getting a face full of water. I squeal as Dominic wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me down into the water with him. We play in the water, splashing and dunking each other until I finally just wrap my legs around his hips and hold on.

“You tired, baby?” he asks as I bury my face into his neck.

“Yeah.”

“Want to head back to the boat?”

“If you don’t mind.”

Dominic starts walking back toward the chairs with me still wrapped around him.

“It’s no problem, sweetheart.”

I close my eyes and just enjoy being in his arms.

“Katie,” Dominic whispers urgently.

“What?”

“I need to set you down.”

“Why?”

“That damn bird is way too close.”

I look up and down the beach and see all the flamingos are actively avoiding the people.

“What’s up with this fucking bird?” I mumble as I stand.

“Maybe he likes you?”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

The bird steps closer and closer, staring me dead in the eye.

“Go grab your bag.”

I take a step forward, and the damn bird follows me.

“Do I smell good to flamingos or something?” I whisper under my breath.

“Katie, do you think…”

“Do I think what?”

Dominic looks up and down the beach, making sure no one is close by, and lowers his voice. “Do you think the flamingo knows?”

“Knows what, Dom?”

“Knows that we were fooling around in the water. Like he can smell that you’re turned on,” he says, wide eyed.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” I snap, stomping toward my bag and our chairs.

Every move I make, the bird follows. I fake lunge at the bird, hoping it will back off. Only it seems to do the opposite. The bird lunges toward me, making me scream. Dominic jumps between the bird and me, trying to save me.

“Dom!” I scream as the bird hits Dominic, and I watch him go down, clutching his man parts. “Don’t break his cock, you fucker!” I screech as I chase the bird.

The bird turns and runs away down the beach. Once I know it won’t come back, I turn around and find Dom curled up on the beach, still holding his cock and balls.

“Are you okay?” I ask softly.

Dominic glares, gritting his teeth. “Do I look okay, Katie?”

“No, not really.” I cringe. “I’ll get you ice once we get back to the boat.”

“I want to kill that flamingo, kill its family. Then eat them all. Fuck flamingos,” he spews.

“How about we don’t say that very loud. I’m ninety percent sure offing them is illegal, and you’re too pretty for jail.”

“Never again, Katie,” he huffs, moving to stand.

“No more flamingos. I promise.” I cross an X over my chest.

DOMINIC

“Ha-ha, so funny.” I glare at Grant as he holds up a shirt he bought for me.

A shirt that happens to have flamingos on it. I knew I shouldn’t have told him about our little beach trip.

I guess Nessa drank a little too much last night because she wasn’t feeling well this morning, so Grant and Nessa decided to stay on the ship and sleep in. Katie, being the caring woman she is, of course, went straight to their room to check on Nessa, which left Grant and me to do our own thing elsewhere.

That was hours ago though.

“How in the hell did you even find a shirt like this so quickly?” I ask.

He shrugs. “I texted Brock and Alan and asked them to look. They had Wi-Fi over at that all-inclusive resort. They found it in one of the gift shops.”

I sigh. “Really, man? Did you have to do this to me?”

“I expect you to wear it to dinner. The guys got us each one. Nessa told Abby and Samantha to pick up some matching shit for the girls too. It’s a group thing.”

I rub my forehead. “When do I get my girl back?”

He chuckles. “Get used to this, man. This is how it always is. They all get together and take hours to get ready, and then we have to tell them how effortless their beauty looks. It’s the circle of life.”

I groan. “Katie can get ready in five minutes. I’ve watched her. All this primping is your girl.”

He shrugs. “If it makes her happy, then it makes me happy.”

“I get that.”

Looking down at my phone, I message Katie.

Dominic: Please come save me. You’re beautiful when you just wake up. You don’t need to primp.

Katie: It can’t be that bad.

Dominic: Has Nessa shown you the matching shirts yet?

Katie: Matching what?

Katie: Oh my god. I am not wearing this. There is no way in hell. What did you do, Dom? You’re a dead man.

Dominic: Why am I getting threats? I didn’t pick the outfits.

Katie: Picture

The picture comes through, and I try to withhold my laugh. It’s not a flattering dress. I thought that Grant meant they would wear a shirt. No. Instead, they have this teal-colored dress with flamingos doing their little one-leg stand all over it. If the bright pink and teal didn’t clash enough, the dress hugs her neck while it has these little puffy sleeves. Then the material just kind of falls down her body, looking more like a potato sack.

Dominic: I want to fuck you so bad right now.

Katie: Don’t patronize me, Dominic Nathaniel Price.

Dominic: That’s not my middle name.

Katie: Well, I don’t know your middle name, so it is now.

I laugh. This girl is a hoot. I swear even texting her makes me want to smile.

“Better watch out, bro. Keep smiling like that and some might think you’ve fallen in love,” Brock jokes as he walks up to join us.

Barrett and Alan are right behind him.

“Shut up, man,” I say the words, but I know the smile on my face ruins them.

I can’t be mad because she brings me joy. I don’t care who knows it.

Dominic: Vincenzo. That’s my middle name.

Katie: No way. Are you in the mob?

Dominic: If I tell you, I’d have to kill you.

Dominic: Hurry up and get that sexy ass ready. I won’t last another minute without you.

“Everything going good with your girl, Dom?” Alan asks.

“Yeah. She’s getting ready with the girls. What about you and Abby?” I ask.

He sighs. “Honestly? She’s been acting weird lately. I don’t know what’s changed. I haven’t done anything different, but it’s almost like I’m not enough anymore. I don’t know what to do.”

“Communication, my man. Have a conversation with her. Avoid ‘you’ statements and express how you feel without it coming off like an attack.” Grant takes a sip of his drink, looking as if he didn’t just say something truly wise.

“What the fuck, man? Where did that come from?” Brock jokes.

He shrugs. “Nessa and I took a couple’s therapy program. We wanted to make sure we were entering this marriage on the best foot. Some of it was ridiculous, but some of it made real sense. For example. Alan should sit down with Abby and tell her that lately he has been feeling like he is not enough for her and that he would like to know if there is anything he can do to strengthen their relationship. This is showing that he is not blaming her for the way he feels, but expressing it while also asking for her to collaborate on a solution.”

“That actually sounds like a great idea. I can’t believe it’s coming from the same man who streaked across the football field mid freshman year with a full stadium that said it, but it is smart,” Alan admits.

“You remember that time he decided he was going to try cow tipping and ended up face down in a pile of horse shit? He never even found the cows,” Barrett chimes in.

“Or what about the time that he got so high he thought he could jump off a second-story balcony? How the hell did you not break anything?” Brock asks.

“Hey now. This isn’t dog on Grant time. It’s in the past for a reason.” Grant acts upset, but he’s smiling.

“Come on, Grant. We are just busting your balls,” I jest. “What about that time I coaxed you into jumping over that fire naked by telling you that you wouldn’t do it because you drove a Ford?”

“I swear I still have a scar on my balls from that. I singed a bunch of my pubes right off. Dumbest thing I think I ever did.” Grant laughs.

“Wow. Is this what men talk about when women aren’t around?” Nessa asks, going right to her man.

I turn, not caring about a single one of the other women. All I care about is Katie.

She looks gorgeous. Even with that ugly-looking dress, she shines. Holding out my hand to her, I smile when she takes it.

I pull her closer until I can grip her hips, guiding her onto my lap.

“You’re not dressed,” she whispers to me.

I lean in, kissing her lips. After a moment, I pull back.

“I can put it on right now if you want.”

I trail my hand up her knee under the dress. She blushes, but she doesn’t stop me.

“I would rather you be embarrassed with me,” she admits softly.

I move her to stand, standing behind her. Then I grab the shirt Grant handed me. I tear the tag off, putting it on. The others look at me weird but don’t question it. When I sit back down, pulling Katie with me, everyone laughs.

“I’ve never seen you so possessive over a girl, Dom. What about my sister makes you lose all sense?” Nessa calls out.

I don’t look at her, meeting Katie’s eyes instead. “I don’t know, but I’m addicted.”

Her eyes shine as she takes my compliment. Then she turns back to the conversation the group is having.

I ignore it, happy to be here with my girl in my arms.

Could life get any better?