Chapter 28 #2
I wade into the water for a while, splashing around with the others before we all settle onto the vibrant floats that lazily drift with each gentle wave.
Harper launches into some elaborate tale about her latest kitchen catastrophe, but I'm only half-listening.
My attention keeps wandering to the shore where Dom stands with his newly arrived friends.
Their silhouettes cut sharp lines against the blazing sunset as they gather around the crackling bonfire.
The dancing flames bathe Dom's bare chest in molten gold, highlighting every sculpted plane and perfect angle of his torso like he's some ancient god carved from living bronze.
I can't stop my mind from replaying his earlier words about my swimsuit. “I don't like everyone else seeing this much of you.’ The possessiveness in his tone sends a confusing thrill racing through my veins. Was he serious? The thought makes my stomach flutter in ways I've never experienced before.
Suddenly, anxiety twists my insides into a complicated knot.
He has no idea how I make money. What would someone like him think about the cam work?
I try desperately to calm myself with logic—this is just supposed to be a one-time thing between us.
Nothing serious. Nothing that requires explanations or uncomfortable truths.
But deep down, I recognize that lie for what it is. This already feels like something more. Something significant. Something that terrifies me in the most exhilarating way possible.
"I'm going to get a water," I announce abruptly, interrupting whatever conversation is flowing around me. "Does anyone need anything?"
"Water please," Wren and Harper respond in perfect unison.
Reed shields his eyes from the setting sun, squinting toward me. "Is there any beer up there?"
"I think so," I reply.
"Okay, a beer please, and if not, water works too," he says with a casual shrug.
"Be right back." I slip off my float, passing it to Harper to hold, and make my way through the gentle surf toward the shore, feeling the sand shift beneath my feet as the water grows shallower.
I pause at the large ice chest, grab a water bottle and immediately chug half its contents, savoring the icy relief against my sun-heated skin. The trio of men stand nearby, engaged in what appears to be a serious conversation. "You guys going to come in anytime soon?" I call out to them.
"Skye!" Logan breaks away from the group with that charming, trouble-making grin of his. "My favorite person in the whole wide world."
"Uh-huh," I respond skeptically, arching an eyebrow. "I bet you say that to all the ladies you meet."
"Just the hot ones," he quips with a wink. Before I can react, Dom materializes behind him, smacking the back of his head with casual, practiced precision.
"Chill, I'm just fucking around," Logan protests dramatically, rubbing his head like he's been mortally wounded. "Skye knows that, don't you, sweetheart?"
"Yeah, I know," I assure him, secretly amused by their brotherly dynamic. "So are you guys coming in the water or what?"
"Oh, we're definitely coming in," Ethan interjects with an uncharacteristically suggestive tone that seems completely at odds with his usually reserved demeanor. Dom turns to glare at him with such fierce intensity I'm surprised Ethan doesn't spontaneously combust on the spot.
Ethan holds up his hands in mock surrender and casually walks around me. I watch as he pulls his shirt over his head in one seamless motion, revealing an impressively toned physique before striding into the water with controlled confidence.
Logan clears his throat theatrically. "Well, I guess I'm going in too," he announces, stepping away from Dom's dangerous proximity. "You can watch me like you just watched Ethan," he adds with another exaggerated wink.
I laugh, turning back to Dom, who looks absolutely murderous, his jaw clenched so tight I can see a muscle twitching.
"What's wrong?" I ask innocently, blinking up at him.
"Nothing," he mutters darkly. "They're just a permanent pain in my ass."
I step closer, dropping my voice to ensure we're not overheard. "Do they know about... this?" I gesture vaguely between our bodies, the invisible current of electricity that seems to connect us.
He gives a single, tight nod, his expression unreadable.
"Ahh, that makes perfect sense now," I say with sudden understanding.
"What does?" He sounds genuinely confused, his brows drawing together.
"They're deliberately trying to piss you off with all the flirting." I smile up at him, oddly charmed by this revelation. "I knew it wasn't genuine. I just couldn't figure out why they were laying it on so thick, but now I get it. I like them though, they're fun."
"Don't like them too much," Dom warns, his voice dropping to that deep, possessive register that makes my insides melt like warm honey.
I place my hand briefly against his chest, feeling the powerful hammer of his heart beneath my palm. "Don't worry," I whisper, "you're definitely my favorite." I quickly withdraw my hand before anyone notices our intimate moment.
"I better be," he growls, the simple words vibrating with intensity.
"I should get back. I'm supposed to be bringing back drinks." I bend down to retrieve two more water bottles and Reed's requested beer. "You want one?"
"I want you," he says simply, his dark eyes burning into mine as he reaches down to grab a beer for himself.
"You can have me," I promise softly, the words slipping out before I can censor them. He responds with a low groan that sends shivers racing down my spine.
"Get the fuck in that water so I can cool off," he orders gruffly, and I laugh, walking back toward the waves with deliberate slowness, acutely aware of his hungry gaze tracking my every movement like a predator watching its prey.