Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 92899 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 372(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92899 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 372(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Matthew looked taken aback, probably as surprised as I was by Tommy’s passionate defense.
“That doesn’t mean we’re not serious about our relationship, though.” Tommy’s thumb traced circles on the back of my hand. “When you find The One, you hold on to him and find a way to make it work.”
Matthew narrowed his eyes, pointing and waggling a finger between us. “And Foster is… The One?”
“Oh yeah. I knew right away that this was real. Like daisies in sunshine. Like poetry. Right, babe?” Tommy’s hazel eyes twinkled at me as he quoted my former seatmate, reminding me that even the worst situation was better when you had someone to share it with. “Foster’s the real deal. And I find authenticity incredibly sexy.”
The way he said “sexy” with his eyes locked on mine made my blood thrum. I’d known this was pretend, but something in Tommy’s gaze seemed genuine, making me wonder if he was still acting.
Maybe if I could ditch my ex, the two of us could figure it out, preferably back in my room.
“But,” Matthew began.
I felt a flicker of anger. My history with him was years in the past, and I had no interest in giving oxygen to the fire he was desperately trying to light.
“There were a lot of reasons you and I didn’t work out, Matthew,” I reminded him, surprised by how little I gave a shit anymore. “It’s hard to be serious with someone who fucks your best deputy.”
Matthew flushed.
Tommy’s eyes lost their twinkle. “He slept with your deputy?” His face darkened.
I could tell he was gearing up for a response, likely something equally protective and passionate, and maybe that’s why I did what I did.
Or maybe it was simple greed. Basic hunger. A desperate desire to get closer to the man who’d intrigued me for the past few hours.
I’d meant the kiss to be brief. A performance. A middle finger… with tongue. But the moment our lips met, something surged—hot and wrong and absolutely right.
Tommy stilled. Then surged forward like he’d been starved.
My world narrowed to the weight of his hand on my neck, the burn of his mouth.
This wasn’t pretend. This was a detour to a future I didn’t dare believe in.
Everything around us seemed to fade away—the bar, the music, Matthew’s shocked expression. All I could focus on was the softness of Tommy’s lips, the warmth of his touch, and the surprising rightness of it all.
Under the table, I guided his hand to my thigh, needing more contact, more of this unexpected connection. His fingers tensed against my leg, then gripped firmly as our kiss deepened. I felt his breath hitch, matching the sudden leap of my pulse.
When we finally pulled apart, both slightly breathless, Tommy blinked at me in shock as if the man had never been kissed before. “Oh,” he breathed.
Oh was right. His palm still rested on my thigh, burning through my pants like a brand. If I had my way, there was going to be a whole lot more of that as soon as I got Tommy back to my room.
“Fine, whatever.” Matthew sniffed. “You’ve made your point.”
“Take care,” I murmured without taking my eyes off Tommy, surprised to find I almost meant it. After all, Matthew’s presence had led to this.
He flounced off just as the bartender appeared with our bill.
Tommy blinked rapidly for a beat before clearing his throat. “You can, um… charge it to mine. To me. To my room. Mommy Tarian.” He squinted. “Tommy Marian. Room… something. It has a number. I think it starts with a two?”
I tilted my head at him before glancing at the bartender hiding a grin. “Room 428. Foster Blake. Thanks.”
I was surprised to find that my voice sounded normal and unaffected when I felt anything but. Kissing Tommy Marian had realigned every molecule of my body. Not one single normal part of me remained.
As soon as the bartender walked away, the breath escaped Tommy’s open mouth on a strange sigh as his eyes and mouth opened in my direction. “Fuck. Sorry. I just…”
Somehow, Tommy’s hand had ended up in mine, and I clasped it firmly. “It’s okay. It’s kind of nice thinking I have that effect on someone.”
I glanced out at the water and away from the people in the cabana bar. As much as I wanted to get him upstairs, I didn’t want to rush this. Tonight, with him, I wanted to take my time. “Want to walk down to the beach? Maybe get some air?”
Tommy nodded, his eyes still a little wild. “Yeah,” he managed. “Yeah, okay.”
We left the bar area and followed the sandy path between swaying palms. The music faded behind us, replaced by the rhythmic crash of waves. Away from the bar area, the night felt cooler.
Neither of us spoke as we walked to the water’s edge. The moonlight laid a silvery path across the dark ocean, and I felt more of my stress fade with every step along it. Tommy’s quiet company was easy and welcome.