Take Me (Take a Chance 4)

Thomas leaned forward. “You’re not moving to Hawaii. I’d never see you again.”

“You could come visit, Tommy,” Jeremy said, stressing the nickname Thomas hated. “We’ll always have room for you.”

Mike grinned at them and closed his eyes. He was so fucking happy it hurt. It was official. He’d gone soft. He couldn’t help it. Morgan kissed Mike’s shoulder and he considered the idea of a little bit of PDA. He gripped her thigh and squeezed tight when she nibbled on his skin. “Watch yourself, woman.”

“Make me.” She bit harder. “If you can.”

He caressed her hip, peeking out of his closed lids to make sure no one was watching, and traced the line of her bikini. At her indrawn breath, he dipped his fingers even lower.

The kids all came over, plopping at their parents’ feet or chairs or towels. The only ones without anyone surrounding them were Mike and Morgan. He stole a quick glance at her, wondering if she noticed the same absence he did. She nibbled on her lip and looked back at him. Her blue eyes sparkled up at him.

He kissed her nose. “Whatcha thinking?”

“I’m thirsty.”

Okay. Not what he’d hoped for, but whatever. “I’ll get you a margarita.”

“Uh…” He started to lift his hand for the waitress to come over but Morgan shook her head. “No thanks. I’ll have a lemonade.”

Mike’s niece, Katelyn, stood up, stumbling in her haste, and held her iPhone in front of her. “I need a picture of us all.”

“Not so fast, princess.” Thomas stood. “You need to be in it, too. Let’s get someone to take the picture.” As he headed toward a waitress, who walked around in a skimpy bikini, Brianna smiled and watched. Thomas gestured toward their group, and then came back. He eyed Zach and Chris. “Boys, get over here.”

Nineteen-year-old Zach said something to the blond girl next to him, then strode over. Chris followed more slowly but did the same. They all settled into their places and smiled.

The waitress held the phone up. “Okay. On three. One…Two…”

Everyone perked up. Thomas gave Brianna bunny ears, Jeremy hugged Erica closer, Kiersten stuck her tongue out at Garrett, and Morgan leaned closer to Mike. Mike hugged her tight, never wanting to let go.

“Three.” The flash went off.

Kiersten stood up and rubbed her belly. “I think I need a nap.” She gestured for her kids to come over, then turned to Garrett. “You coming?”

“Do you really need to ask?” Garrett leapt to his feet. “If you’re going, I’m following.”

Mike swung his phone. He’d downloaded a whipping app that made the noise when he shook his iPhone. Wah-peeshe.

“Seriously?” Garrett asked, shaking his towel and sending sand flying every which way. “I can’t believe you downloaded an app just so you could make fun of me.”

“And it was worth every penny.” Mike swung his phone again. Wah-peeshe.

“And you’re not whipped?” Garrett asked, laughing.

“Never said that,” Mike said.

“You’re not whipped.” Morgan said, patting his shoulder. “You’re just…obedient.”

Mike cocked a brow. “Yeah. We’ll see about that.”

After a few more minutes, and plans to meet up later for dinner, one by one, the couples all drifted apart, heading in various directions. Once he and Morgan were alone, Mike grabbed Morgan’s hand and led her toward the bar. She covered a yawn with her hand and leaned against him. He hesitated. He hadn’t actually been planning on napping but she looked exhausted. “Do you want to actually take a nap?”

“Actually, I’d love a nap. But I need a drink first.”

“Still want a virgin lemonade?”

“Yeah. I’m tired.” Morgan looked at him from the corner of her eye. “I don’t want to throw booze in the mix, too.”

“Lightweight,” he teased. As he ordered two lemonades, he leaned against the bar and looked out at the water. “I could get used to this place. Got any good theaters out here for you to work at? I could find a job here, I bet.”