I jolt with surprise. “How can you tell? I’m wearing clothes.”
“Those aren’t clothes. Those are a dick tease.” He leans down, speaking an inch from my ear. “Those shorts are so far up your ass crack, it should be illegal.” He tosses the silver spoon down, picks up the next one. “As far as being able to tell that you’re wearing a different bathing suit…I had the shape of your tits memorized the second I saw you strutting down the beach. That suit pushes them up even higher. Makes them look rounder and brattier. Ready to send men to an early grave before they’ve had a goddamn cup of coffee.”
Despite the fact that he’s reprimanding me, a giggle rises in my throat. “You’re so grumpy. Is this how you spoke to the troops, General?”
One corner of his mouth tugs reluctantly. “The way I spoke to the troops isn’t fit for your innocent ears, little girl.”
“My ears aren’t innocent anymore. Not after last night.”
His hand pauses in the act of reaching for the bacon tongs. “No. I suppose they’re not.” His throat muscles tighten on a swallow. “But at least your body is still innocent. I managed to get that part right.” He lowers his voice. “My son has to suspect what’s been going on, Coco. And if he suspects some inappropriate shit has taken place, Wanda won’t be far behind. I don’t want to ruin your friendship with my granddaughter. I don’t want to be a cradle robber in the eyes of my family. Fuck, angel baby. I want you so bad, but I’m trying to do the right thing and you’re making it a lot harder in those tight little shorts.” Very briefly, his gaze turns adoring. “You’re making it a lot harder with that beautiful face and that giggle and everything that comes out of your mouth. Please have mercy on an old man.”
“You’re not old.” I can’t help but gravitate toward him, cataloguing his morning whiskers, the strength of his jawline. “There isn’t a single man of any age who can give me what you do.” A pang in my throat catches me off guard. “But if you want to walk away from something that feels this…inevitable, there’s nothing I can do to stop you.”
I pick up my plate, turn and leave him staring after me, a crack forming in my heart.