With This Fling (Summersweet Island 5)

And now she’s giving some of my sweetness to a baby-faced little shit on the other side of the room who wouldn’t know how to satisfy a woman without googling it first. My hand grips my bottle of beer so tightly I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter. I have the sudden urge to charge over there and throw her over my shoulder like a goddamn caveman, carrying her out of here so everyone knows she’s fucking mine.

“Holy shit.”

“What the fuck?”

“Are we in the Twilight Zone?”

“I don’t know, but I’m super scared right now, you guys.”

My eyes dart away from Laura to glance around the table at the morons all yammering once again, everyone with equal wide-eyed, shocked looks on their faces, including Murphy.

“Fuck,” I mutter, smacking my bottle of beer down on the table and running a hand through my hair. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?”

“Duuude.” Bodhi whistles. “‘She’s fucking mine’? That was hot. I need to say that to Tess.”

“Don’t say a word.” I point my finger at Palmer right when he opens his mouth. “I know this is completely out of character for me. I know she only goes for younger guys. I know I’m not her type and that dick-fuck up at the bar is. I know she’s all sunshine and light, and I’m all darkness and doom. I know I’m supposed to be leaving this island in a few days. I know all of this, and I don’t give a shit, okay? I don’t give a shit! I like her. So everyone can just fuck right off with all the reasons why this is a bad idea.”

No one says a word at my outburst, and I look over at the bar again to see Laura scribble something on a napkin and slide it over to Tanner.

Oh, hell no.

A few seconds later, I watch her throw her head back and laugh at something he says. That beautiful, full-belly fucking laugh that makes me feel like someone threw a brick at my chest, and now she’s giving it to him.

“I actually wasn’t going to say any of that,” Palmer finally speaks, while I rub my hand against my chest, wondering why this bullshit achy feeling won’t go away. “I was just going to say that you being Summersweetened has clearly happened much earlier than anticipated. Just embrace it. Get your ass out of that chair, and go get her already. For fuck’s sake, what are you waiting for?”

“Seriously, man, it’s kind of embarrassing.” Bodhi nods.

“Even I’m embarrassed, and I spent all afternoon making glitter shirts,” Shepherd complains.

“Oooh, did you make me the one I want to wear to the wedding?”

“For the last time, Bodhi, I’m not making you a shirt that says Bridin’ Dirty. You’re not the bride. It doesn’t make sense. Focus! We’re supposed to be disappointed in Uncle Dean right now.” Shepherd sighs.

“It’s starting to smell like little bitch in here.” Palmer nods, making me narrow my eyes at him.

“You’re a dumbass” is all Murphy adds.

With that, I push my chair back from the table and stand up.

“Fuck off. All of you,” I mutter before turning and making my way inside, ignoring the chorus of whistles and cheers from the table I just vacated.

Laura is mine, she just doesn’t know it yet.

But it’s about damn time she does.

Chapter 13

Laura

“I happen to like Wheel of Fortune.”

“I still don’t understand why you haven’t fucked him yet.”

“She hasn’t slept with him yet? Good God, it’s been six days since he got here. That’s like ten years in Laura Bennett time.”

“I think she’s scared because she likes him too much.”

“She’s not scared. When has she ever given a shit about some dude? Let’s burn his motorcycle boots.”