Chapter 17 #2
I was hers? I’d never been claimed before. Hearing her say that, it was doing something to me. I loved the idea of someone wanting to protect me. Someone in my corner at all times. Someone who cared about me so much they had to show it.
But to have that person be Vera. I still wasn’t so sure that’s what I wanted. Clearly, I wanted something because I had agreed to this insane plan to fake date to my best friend’s wedding. And my body had a way of reacting to almost everything she did.
“I appreciate your concern, but I promise it’s forgotten. We’ve all moved past it and grown since then. Please don’t treat her any type of way.”
“Fine. I’ll let it go. But if I see anything out of place, there’s going to be a problem.”
I nodded, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. “Understood. Let’s get back to the party.”
She smiled, following me back outside. When we found a seat by the pool, everyone was spread out. Daisy and Kaia were in the pool, as were Fallon and Mackenzie, being very close and adorable.
We had found two empty seats next to Drea and Blair, who were sharing a seat, of course.
My friends could never keep their hands to themselves when their partners were around, but I loved to see it.
I was a big supporter of love and I enjoyed seeing everyone find theirs.
If only I could find my own happy ending.
Refusing to let those thoughts take over, I removed my cover and started applying sunscreen to myself. I jumped when I heard a silky smooth voice behind me.
“Need a little help, princesa?”
I swore it was like she was trying to get a reaction out of me.
Like she knew how attracted to her I was trying not to be.
I let my eyes flutter closed for a brief second, only because with the way I was facing, no one could see me.
That smooth voice with that accent was causing my brain to short-circuit.
I turned around and smiled. “Please.”
I handed her the bottle of sunscreen and turned back around. The second her hands touched my skin, I took in a sharp breath. It wasn’t even cold, but I pretended to be. I couldn’t let her know how she was getting to me. Although, I was pretty sure she could tell.
“Cold?” she asked. I nodded in answer, glad she couldn’t see my blush. I could hear the smile in her tone. Damnit!
Her hands worked the lotion down my neck, causing goosebumps.
Over my shoulders, causing a soft moan to slip out with how good it felt.
Down my back, which caused me to gasp the lower she got.
I knew we were putting on a show, but I was struggling to keep it together.
Every touch was sending me closer to wanting to drag her inside.
“All done, princesa. You’re all lotioned up.” I bit my lip at her sultry voice in my ear.
“Thanks,” I rasped out, barely able to catch my breath. Fuck Drea for this pool party!
I turned around and put on a smile, which fell when I caught Drea and Blair staring at me. Blair with a smile on her face, and Drea with a raised eyebrow.
Clearing my throat I laid back in my chair. “You guys picked the perfect day for this party. It’s gorgeous out.”
“I know, right? I’m so happy you guys could make it.” Blair beamed as she settled into Drea’s side.
I froze when I felt a soft hand on my thigh. It was a normal touch for the show we were putting on, but it still felt way too intimate.
“That’s because you’re out here, babe. Wherever you are, it’s always gorgeous.” Vera’s smile was nothing short of genuine, and I truly believed her.
“Awww! That was too fucking cute!” Blair cooed.
“So, Drea. How’s Kaia’s office holding up? Any issues?” Vera turned her attention to Drea.
Drea shook her head. “Nope. No issues. She hasn’t had any complaints.
I can’t thank you enough for that. I know Kaia said she was okay sharing an office, but she deserves her own space.
And I know Daisy is grateful for it, too.
They spend a lot of time in there.” Her smile was so bright and I matched it with my own.
Kaia and Drea had come a long way in the years I’d known them. Going from boss and employee, to Kaia walking out, to now being partners in the bookstore. A lot had happened in the past few years, with all of us. It was crazy to see where life had taken us.
“Thank you, Drea. It means a lot that you trusted me with something like that. I’m glad I could help. She’s a sweet girl.”
I placed my hand on top of Vera’s resting on my leg and gave it a light squeeze of encouragement. I didn’t know a lot about her, but I could already tell how she took pride in her work. She was good at what she did and deserved to be praised.
She looked down at the contact, then at me with a smile. That damn smile. I removed my hand when she stood up. “I’m going to go for a swim. Does anyone want to join me?”
“Babe?” Blair asked Drea.
Drea nodded. “Yeah, we'll join you. Cara?”
I shook my head. “I’m going to warm up a little more before I take a dip. But have fun, babe.”
She leaned down and placed a kiss on my cheek, caging me in a box with both hands on each side of me. “If you get too hot, I’d love to help cool you off,” she whispered.
She was so close and smelled so damn good. She had to have heard my intake of breath that time. I had no doubt she’d find a way to cool me off. But did I want to find out exactly how?
Once they all got into the pool and eyes were no longer on me, I gave in to myself and watched Vera. I was screwed, to put it delicately.
Watching her normally was one thing. I could appreciate her with clothes on, covering her body.
But like this? With almost all of her skin exposed?
Water gliding down the curves and dips of her muscles?
I was getting a little turned on, I couldn’t lie.
She just looked so mouth-watering, I couldn’t help it.
I was starting to wonder if I even truly had a type to begin with.
I’d never given anyone like her a second look.
To me, a butch or masc woman was too close to the opposite gender, and that wasn’t for me.
But the longer I stared at Vera, more accurately the water surrounding her chest and arms, I realized that perhaps I was a little too quick to judge.
I still didn’t think there would be a future for us, but appreciating from a distance couldn’t hurt.
“I’m glad you guys could make it. She looks like she’s having a great time, doesn’t she?”
I jumped when I heard Kaia’s voice next to me. “Shit, you scared me! How long have you been standing there.”
She laughed and sat in Vera’s vacant chair. “Long enough to see the drool pooling on the floor. It’s okay, Cara. You’re allowed to appreciate your girlfriend. She’s got a lot going on for her.”
Didn’t I know it? “Sorry. I—I wasn’t drooling. I was just watching.”
“Right. Anyways, You two look great together. We’re so happy for you.”
Why did everyone keep saying that? I was starting to feel guilty for lying about us. I had the best group of friends. They never judged me for anything and they were always there for me, for the good times and the bad.
They probably would’ve understood if I was honest with them, but I was scared. I didn’t want them to feel sorry for me and keep trying to set me up. I just wanted to get through this wedding and then I’d deal with the sympathy I’d get when I told them we broke up.
“Thanks. Speaking of looking great together, how are things with Daisy? From where I’m sitting, it looks pretty serious.”
Her smile was unmistakeable. “Things are serious and scary and incredibly perfect. I still can’t believe I actually got her.”
I was hoping she would’ve mentioned the engagement by now. She had to know we all knew about it. Maybe she was waiting for the right moment? I wasn’t going to bring it up first. She’d tell us when she was ready.
I laughed. “Of course you did, Kai. You two were meant for each other. You’re absolutely perfect together.”
“Thanks. Actually, it’s funny. When Vera was doing my office, Daisy thought we were together. Can you believe that? Can you picture me with someone like Vera? I mean, yeah, she’s attractive, and has a heart of gold, but she’s not my type. I prefer my women more…”
She trailed off and I followed her gaze to her exact type. Daisy caught her eyes and they blew each other kisses and signed “I love you.” I smiled. They were so fucking adorable.
“More five foot four and the name of a flower?” I asked, clearly knowing the answer.
She returned her attention back to me and shrugged. “What can I say? She’s all I’ve ever wanted. Well, it looks like I better get back to my girl. This seat’s been claimed, anyway.”
I frowned in confusion. A moment later, Drea, Blair, and Vera came back, all dripping wet. They all sat down, drying themselves off with smiles on their faces.
“Let me know about that office-build, Dre. Hey, babe. I saw you talking to Kaia.” She leaned over and placed a kiss on my cheek, lingering longer than necessary.
Her hands were next to my leg, barely touching me, but it was enough to send my pulse into overdrive.
I couldn’t wait until the party was over and we could put clothes back on.
“Hey,” I replied, accepting the kiss. “Yeah, we were just catching up. How was the swim? And office-build?”
She nodded. “The swim was amazing, just what I needed to cool down. It’s just too hot out here with you in that swimsuit.
” She winked and I tried to hide my blush.
She was turning up the notch on flirting today, and I couldn’t say I was mad about it.
Not that I could’ve if I wanted to. I had a role to play, but it was an easy role today.
“Yeah. Drea and I are talking about building a dual office in the new house.” Blair beamed at her fiancée.