Chapter 37
Nolan
After the beach, we finally get a chance to unwind and unpack for a couple hours before the non-wedding. We’ve been in our room for a total of twenty minutes and I’m officially nervous. I haven’t been this anxious around a woman in ages. I’m second-guessing, checking in the mirror.
As soon as we crossed the threshold into our room, the air shifted. Maybe it’s the afternoon humidity, but there’s always been an energy between us, and now it’s quadrupled. It’s like something has been unleashed. The anticipation of knowing things aren’t off-limits anymore.
As Andi unpacks and organizes her things ritualistically, I can barely take my eyes off her. When she disappears into the bathroom, I head onto the balcony for some air.
It’s private, on the corner of the building, with two cushioned chaises. To my left, the coastline stretches out like a giant, rocky puzzle waiting to be explored. Above me, the sky is a brilliant blue dotted with fluffy clouds.
When I turn on the resort Wi-Fi, my phone pings with a message from Emma.
Em: Huge news. Mom’s house sold!!
Em: Well, kind of.
I knew it was officially going on the market today. But I never would have guessed things would move that quickly.
Nolan: What?
Em: It was on the market for half a day and it got three offers OVER ASKING PRICE. Hallie has given them 24 hours to put in their best offer. It’s a bidding war!! So exciting!
Nolan: Whoa. That’s amazing. Keep me posted.
I’m still reeling from the news when Andi comes onto the balcony.
“What’s up?” she asks from behind me. I spin around to find her glowing, her skin tinted peach from the sun. She’s put on a bikini. A small one, with very little fabric, to be precise—not that I’m complaining.
“There’s a bidding war on my mom’s house,” I tell her, barely able to look away from her. The way the strings of the bikini bottoms hug the small of her waist.
Her eyes widen. “Holy crap. Already?”
I nod, explaining how we got three offers on the first day.
She doesn’t jump for joy, or react. Her soft gaze just roams my face, like she’s trying to read me. “How do you feel about it?”
“I feel…bittersweet, I guess. Em and I have lost hours of sleep worrying about how we’d pay for Mom’s care at such an expensive facility.
But it’s sad in a lot of ways, making this transition.
It feels like admitting defeat, realizing that Emma and I don’t have the ability to take care of Mom.
Knowing her health is declining too rapidly for us to manage. ”
She runs a hand over the underside of my forearm.
“I know it’s hard. But you guys are a hundred percent doing the right thing.
Your mom knows it, too. When you were in Montreal, she was telling me about all the field trips and activities they do at Lakeside.
She’s such a social butterfly, I think she’ll love it there. ”
I squeeze her hand, grateful for the reminder. Grateful to be here with her.
“Can you do my backside?” Andi asks. When she turns to get set up on the chaise, the small width of fabric barely covers her perfectly round ass.
Jesus Christ. If I die right now, at least I’ll die happy.
Before I succumb to death, a couple things happen.
First, I fling my hand back to stabilize myself on the balcony railing.
Then, I mumble something in the affirmative, trying to ignore the slight jiggle of her backside as she flips around on the chaise.
Who am I kidding? This image is now permanently imprinted on my brain. I will never be the same.
Like a complete Neanderthal, I forget my name, where we are, what I’m supposed to be doing, until she gives me a look over her shoulder, her eyes darting to the oil.
I set myself on the side of the chair and pour the oil on her back. I start with small circles at the nape of her neck, slowly skating down her shoulders. The tips of my fingers tingle; I’m desperate to explore every surface of her body.
I make my way down, over the backs of her thighs and up. The only place I haven’t done is her ass, but I don’t want to presume anything. Her breath quickens as my fingers dance dangerously close.
As if she can sense my hesitancy, she says, “Make sure you get everywhere.”