I roll my eyes as I watch her at work. It’s no wonder she gets herself into so much trouble. Always playing a game with people’s emotions and then wondering why they react and hate her for it.
“You really don’t want to fall out with us, do you?” Her finger runs in circles over his chest. “I thought we all could go to the beach tomorrow and hang out. Like we used to.” She turns to me. “Brooke will come too, and we can all just relax and have fun. What’d you say?”
They both look at me, and without knowing how to answer properly because I don’t trust Carrie for one minute, I nod in agreement.
Carrie smiles in the way that puts me on edge and twirls in front of Sinclair. “That’s sorted then. We have a date at the beach tomorrow.”
I use their current distraction as an excuse to slip away and quickly run up to my room.
Locking the door, I sag against it and breathe a huge sigh of relief, wondering if I’ll have chance to get out of the beach trip. I probably won’t and I’m half curious as to what my sister is up to.
Shaking my head to get her out of it, I fling my clothes off and head into the shower. I have a few hours before I’m going out with Michael to have dinner with his sister and family.
My dress this evening is peach with thin straps holding the bodice up. The flared skirt stops just above my knee and, when I walk, the silky folds wrap about my legs. My gold ballerinas complete my outfit, and as I look down into the foyer of the house, I see that Michael has spotted me.
His eyes refuse to move from me, even when my father talks to him. Dad stops, frowns, and then follows Michael’s gaze before he looks between the two of us.
Dropping to the last step, Michael moves forward and enfolds my hand with his. “Absolutely beautiful,” he whispers as his lips brush against my cheek.
“I happen to agree,” Dad says from behind Michael.
Stepping to my side, Michael smiles as my dad looks the two of us over. “Michael has the right words. You’re gorgeous, which makes me think I should have put your dating age at thirty.”
>
Laughing, I hug him. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
He looks at Michael. “You treat her well.”
“Always.” Michael takes my hand again. “We need to leave, otherwise we’ll be late.”
“Is it okay to ask where you’re off to?” Dad asks.
Michael squeezes my hand, and answers, “We’re having dinner with my sister and her husband at their hotel.”
“Of course, I’d forgotten that they arrived earlier today. That’s why I loaned you the car.” He smiles. “Tell them we’ll do that dinner in the next day or two. I’ll ask Adelaide to arrange it.”
“Will do,” Michael says, urging me toward the door.
“See you tomorrow, Dad.” Ignoring the frown on his face, I let Michael lead me out.
“Your dad seems okay with you being with me, right?” Michael asks, glancing back at the house.
“He likes you Michael. You wouldn’t be here if he didn’t. But with me, yes, I think he’s okay with me being with you. I’m not sure he liked what ‘see you tomorrow’ entailed, but I’m over twenty-one so we’re good.”
I untangle my fingers from his, throw my arms around his neck, and, climbing up him, wrap my legs around his waist. His hand immediately goes to my bottom as he holds me against him.
His eyes darken with arousal but they’re still full of affection for me. This is what I love about Michael. I know how badly he wants me, but he’s forcing himself to wait until we can be by ourselves for more than a few hours. I love that he wants to do that. That he isn’t in such a big rush to get naked and inside of me.
“If you keep looking at me like that, I’m not going to be able to control what happens next,” he murmurs.
“Mmm,” I moan, wiggling against him. “Are we really together Michael?” I ask becoming serious. My hands cup his jaw while my eyes search his.
“You’re my girl, Brooke. I’ve never called anyone that before because there hasn't been anyone who interested me enough. But you, you’re so beautiful on the inside and out. You light from within when you’re passionate about something, or someone.” He grins and I kiss his waiting lips.
“You’re a sweet talker Michael McKenzie,” I whisper in a teasing tone.
“One of these days I’m going to be sweet talking you out of your panties.”