Addicted

"Nope, and I think I might love you for the simple fact that you brought food. I'm fucking starving." I leaned over and made a quick sandwich for myself.

"We all are." Derek moved up with Cindy beside him and muscled me out of the way to make one, too. I didn't mind so much seeing that my new spot a little bit farther back gave me a great view of Cora's long legs and shapely ass.

She turned and lifted her eyebrow at me. "Are you checking me out?"

"Girl, I've stripped you already and was working on making you my dessert." I smirked as her cheeks colored and Cindy giggled.

"You're not right, you know that?" She picked up a bag of chips and walked to the back of the boat, bumping me with her shoulder as she did. "Come with me."

"There's nothing I'd rather do." I spun on my heel and walked to the back, stopping only to grab two beers for us. I sat down next to her and offered her one as I shoved more of my sandwich in my mouth and tried to talk around it. "You like beer?"

"I love it." She reached out and wiped the side of my mouth before popping the top on her beer and taking a long drink.

I couldn't help but stare at her for a few seconds, a little surprised at how comfortable she was around me after we'd made a mess of each other the day before. I leaned over and kissed her cheek before pressing my lips to her ear.

"Let's watch the action and then go create some of our own. You wanna?"

"We'll see." She smirked and nibbled at her sandwich. "What have you guys been up to today? You're all looking pretty burnt."

Maybe was better than no. I'd learned that a long time ago. "We've been out here dicking around with the other million people on the water. Waiting on you guys while you were shopping. How much shopping do you girls do? Doesn't it get old?"

"No." Emily sat down beside Dedra and smiled over at me. "We went over to the other side of the lake where the strip center was. It's pretty over there. We should have a picnic next week or something when the Fourth of July people have finally cleared out."

"Sounds like fun to me. I have this new baked bean recipe I want to try, anyways. Maybe you guys could grill burgers for us that day." Cindy licked at her fingers and glanced over at Derek, who was watching her like a hawk.

I laughed and shoved the rest of my sandwich into my mouth before popping the top on my beer and drinking deeply. They were definitely more than a fling. Hell, everyone on the boat seemed to be settling into a relationship. Even me.

Me? Fuck. Weird.

"You look like you just saw a ghost. What's up?" Cora's voice pulled me from my thoughts and I turned and shrugged.

"Just thinking about that fucking alligator we saw the other night. That thing could have bitten off my dick, and then what?"

Everyone started laughing, and I couldn't help but smile.

Clay shook his head. "Then the men of Lake Havasu could rest easier. The hottest guy on the whole damn property would be out of commission."

I gave him a smile. "Are you calling me good looking?"

"I am." Cora moved closer and ran her hand over my back in slow circles. "And, I'm the one that should count. At least for the next little bit."

"Next little bit? You're already thinking about leaving me, aren't you?" I offered up a sad face, only to get popped in the chest.

"She's decided to go back home in two weeks. Mom and Dad won, but they always do, right?" Emily huffed and glanced over at Cora. "Makes life easier."

"Yeah, I guess." She pulled her hand from me and tossed her sandwich over the edge of the boat. "Two weeks is still a long time, though. I'm glad for whatever I get out here with you guys."

I laid back, trying to ignore the fact that two weeks didn't sound like nearly long enough with the stunning girl next to me. Everything inside of me wanted to beg her to stay, but it was silly.

Besides, the chances of me wanting something long-term with her after the chase was over was slim to none. It felt like she might be different, like this time would prove to be the time, but then again nothing, worked out in my life as planned. This wouldn't, either.

Better enjoy it while I can.

Chapter 25

Cora

"Oh, man. Look at that!" Dedra pointed up toward the sky as if we weren't all staring intently at the fireworks show.