“Okay, so we’ve ordered furniture, our mattress will be delivered later today—”
“And we will test it out immediately,” Trick interrupts.
I tug his hand toward a small shop that looks like it carries linens. “Yes, all this shopping has tuckered me. We’ll need a nap for sure.”
Trick jerks me back into his arms. My sundress rides up my legs as he palms my ass. “We’d better stop for some caffeine, then, because we won’t be sleeping on that mattress anytime soon.” He rubs his nose against mine then nips at my bottom lip with a low growl.
“Down, boy. Tourists are watching.”
“Well then let’s give them a show.”
I shove my hands in the back pockets of his ripped, frayed jeans and kiss the line of his jaw. “So should we do it against the side of the building or on the trunk of our new car?”
With one hand he holds me as a shield to him while he adjusts himself with his other hand. “Fuck, stop! You’re giving me a hard-on.”
I continue to kiss along his jaw and down his neck. “Last I knew that’s a requirement for public fornication.”
“Get in the store and stop teasing me.” He grabs my arms, turns me around, and nudges me forward.
“You started it.”
After we get towels and sheets, we decide to head back home. Another jolt to my brain, home. We’re going to live here together for … well, as long as we want. Insane.
Chapter Thirty-One
Within a week we have a fully furnished home, a stocked kitchen, and our marriage license. Trick breaks the news to a very grumpy Grady about our move and plans to stay here indefinitely. Since he’s in LA I wouldn’t put it past him driving down here and personally strangling Trick. Rogue Seduction is closed until Trick’s replacement can be “discovered” as Grady puts it.
As for my place, Nana agrees to take care of the necessities. I tell her to sell it; I really don’t care, but she insists on keeping it in case I decide to come “home.” My work on the other hand, not so pleased. I told them I was taking personal time, not quitting. But it only took two days here to make the call that I wasn’t coming back. I think the marriage license pushed any doubt out of my head.
This feels like a honeymoon, although we’re not technically married yet. It’s easy to walk out from our veranda and gasp at the incredible beach that is our backyard to paradise. I keep thinking I should start packing my bag because vacation is almost over. But it’s not, so I’m going to keep my ass planted in the sand until life pulls me out.
“You really should start coming with me. There were twelve of us today.” Trick stands in front of me blocking the sun. I can’t complain. He’s in his shorts, no shirt, and gripping a towel draped around his neck. He missed a few beads of sweat trickling down the bumpy terrain of his chest.
“I’m not that great at yoga. I’m more of a cycle girl.”
“Tomorrow you’ll come with me.” Trick’s words have a finality to them.
“Hey, neighbors.”
Trick turns and I lean to the side to see past him. A young guy with a surfboard makes casual strides through the sinking sand over to us. A stark white smile graces his face that gives way to a lean bronzed body that’s been perfected by hours of sun and surf. He runs a lazy hand through his wind tossed mess of copper-blond hair then offers his hand to Trick.
“Hey, I’m Declan. You must be the new neighbors Martin said we have.”
Martin Cruz, our landlord, owns four homes along this stretch of beach.
“Trick and Darby Roth,” Trick squeezes his hand and my jaw comes unhinged.
“Nice to meet you.”
I stand, brushing the sticky sand from my legs. “Darby Carmichael.” I offer my hand without missing the twitch of frustration in Trick’s stone face. “We’re not actually married yet.”
Declan takes my hand. “Oh, well when’s the big day?”
“Today,” Trick announces as my eyes bug out at him.
Lip twitch. Arrogant fucker!
Trick snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me into his side and forcing me to release Declan’s hand.
“Congratulations! That’s awesome! You doing a beach wedding? Lots of family or just a few friends?”
My tongue remains thick and numb as I wait with anticipation for these answers right along with Declan.
“It’s just us. We’re getting married not having a wedding.”
His words steep in my mind. Do I get a say in any of this?
“Ah man, you guys should have it on the beach. It’s going to be killer weather today and Martin can do the ceremony. He did three just last month.”
Trick looks around and shrugs. “Sunset?”
Declan grins and nods. “Now we’re talking. I’ll handle everything. See you back here in about six hours.” He jogs off and turns with a final wave. “Nice to meet you, neighbors!”