Finding Our Course (Finding our Way 3)

We are opposites in every way. My light blond hair contrasts with her dark. My green eyes don’t seem a match for her shining hazels. We’re built similarly, but her hips and waist seem a lot sexier in the tight black leggings.

Suddenly, I feel frumpy in my jeans and black sweater. Without words, she sends me a challenge.

Fiancée or not, I’m interested in Bryce.

“Dev.” Nate walks up, ending my silent confrontation.

“Hey.” I give him a smile.

“That’s pathetic.” He takes a tug of his beer and then focuses back on me. “You really need to perfect your fake smile.”

“What?”

“Seriously?”

“Fine. I think Liza just threw down regarding Bryce.”

“Probably.” He surprises me by agreeing.

“You knew?”

“Had a feeling. She’s got that look on her face when he’s around.”

“Should I be worried?”

He turns to me with a horrified expression. “Worried? The guy is so fucking gone, he’d die before he hurt you. Do I need to remind you of his proposal? She can throw herself at him all she wants, but he’ll never catch her. He’s oblivious to her advances.”

“How is she involved with this crew?”

“She’s a newly appointed officer on the ship.”

“That’s why she was at the graduation.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m pretty sure I don’t like her.”

“Who?” Bryce slides his arms around my waist from behind.

“Liza’s interested in you.”

He tenses and turns me into him. “She’s just a co-worker. Nothing else.”

“Someone needs to tell her that. She had her hands on you.”

His lips curl up in a playful grin, and he bends, lifting me at the knees. My arms and legs wrap around him to hang on. One arm holds me up, and the other hand threads through my hair. He runs his lips lightly across mine, licking until I open slightly to allow his tongue to touch mine.

Nate curses beside us as Bryce kisses me hard, putting on a show. Catcalls ring out behind us, but he doesn’t stop, tilting my neck and going deeper. I grow dizzy from lack of oxygen and finally break away, resting my forehead against his.

“What was that for?”

“A little reminder that you have nothing to worry about. Ever.”

“Let’s hope man-eater gets the hint.”

He throws his head into my neck, laughing loudly. “Everyone in this zip code knows how madly in love I am.”

I lean down and give him a quick kiss. “Maybe once you have a wedding ring on your finger, the women will finally get the hint.”