I knew I shouldn’t read too much into the kiss with Brock, but hot damn, it had been incredible.
Dinner was fun. The guys joined me at Gina and Doug’s table, and the evening was filled with laughter and easy conversation. The happy couple shared stories from early in their relationship, and they kept us all in stiches. Brock, Jessie, and Kincade were good company, but a little subdued. I wished I knew what they were thinking. I couldn’t help but wonder what things would be like in the hot tub. It felt like things had changed between us today. Maybe it was stupid to think that. I hadn’t even been alone with Jessie and Kincade since the ill-fated surfing lessons.
Still… it felt like tonight was going to be different. Even though I didn’t know them well enough to judge their tight friendship, it had felt like Brock had been a bit standoffish the last few days. I had a feeling that wouldn’t be the case tonight. And I didn’t know what Jessie and Kincade felt about Brock spiriting me away earlier.
Guess I’d find out.
Later on, back at the cabin, I took my time before joining the men in the hot tub. As I freshened up in the bathroom, I could hear them talking and joking out back. Likely drinking, too. On the surface, nothing seemed different than the night before, but something still told me that it would be.
It took a while to get my curly hair to behave. While I fussed with it, the memory of Brock’s strong hands rubbing shampoo in it returned. That felt amazing… almost as good as his kiss.
The kiss still won out, though.
After a while, I knew I was stalling, working with my hair because it was easier than being anxious about what the rest of me looked like.
And that was just stupid. Three amazing guys were waiting for me. It was more than time to go join them. I threw on my robe, tied it at the waist, and made my way to the deck.
“Hi.” My voice was quiet, but three heads turned instantly. Had they been keeping an eye out for me?
All three were in the tub, but Jessie sprang out as I neared. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Thanks. I guess I’ll have a beer.” It wasn’t my favorite drink, but it was simple, and the guys had a cooler full of bottles.
Then Brock’s deep voice rang out. “Get her some wine.”
Jessie clearly put more weight in Brock’s response than my own. Ignoring the cooler, he went back inside to look for a bottle.
I met Brock’s eyes as I crossed the deck. There was something really sexy about the way he sometimes barked orders.
“Good evening,” Kincade said. He was sitting on the far side of the hot tub like last time. His tan skin looked even more tan, and for the first time, I noticed a few lighter streaks were developing in his dark blond hair. Clearly, spending so much time in the sun suited him.
I climbed up to the little ledge next to the tub and then put my feet in the water, not bothering to remove my robe. Jessie returned with a bottle and glasses. He poured me a glass of merlot and squeezed my shoulder once before getting back in the pool next to Kincade.
I took a sip and sighed. It was really good. Likely one of them had brought it from their private collection.
“Do you like it?” Jessie asked.
“Yes.”
“We’re sorry,” he said.
I raised an eyebrow. “That I like the wine?”
“About the surfing.” Kincade took over. “We were having fun and weren’t thinking about it from your point of view.”
It seemed clear that Brock had talked with them, likely telling them how exhausted I’d been afterwards. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not,” Jessie said firmly.
I shook my head. “You were having fun and you didn’t know I wasn’t. It happens. We’ve only known each other for two days. I don’t expect us to know each other the same way you three do.”
Kincade cocked his head to the side. “Fair point. But I’m still sorry. I want to get to know you that well.”
“Me too,” Jessie said. “And I want you to feel you can trust us.”
“I do,” I insisted. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable sleeping next to you if I didn’t.”
“Even after today?” Jessie asked.
“Even after today,” I repeated firmly, and then took a deep breath. “Here’s how much I trust you.”
Slowly, I untied the belt of my robe and then folded it up, stashing it out of the splash zone. Then I hesitated, a little afraid of the next step, but I’d already decided I wanted to do this.
Without looking at any of them, I eased my robe open. I could practically feel the wave of surprise hit me as they saw the only thing I was wearing was the turquoise bikini.