Bitter

After Reed sets the bags in our room, I start showing him around the little cottage. We walk out to the back deck to look at the water. “They’ll be here in about fifteen minutes.”

Reed smirks my way. “Plenty of time.”

I push at his chest before he can get closer and laugh. “How about you use this time to make yourself presentable?” I joke.

He looks down at himself and then back at me. “What’s wrong with how I look?”

I take a moment to scan him up and down slowly, but I honestly can’t find a single thing to criticize. I clear my throat. “Uh...You could tone down the sex appeal a little.”

He gives me a playful smile. “Now why would I do that?”

“Because it’s playing dirty,” I pout.

He places his hand on my waist. “Like you haven’t been playing the same game all these years.” He leans forward and whispers in my ear, “Suffer.”

Then he pulls back and starts walking back in the house. I chase after him to the kitchen where he’s grabbing some water. “What’s that supposed to mean? I never played any games with you.”

“No,” he laughs. “No, you just completely ignored me while looking sexy as fuck.”

I swallow hard. “I didn’t ignore you. You never showed me you thought that.”

He chuckles. “Of course not. You were my brother’s wife. You’re still my brother’s wife. I apparently have just lost my mind now.”

I walk up to him and place my hand on his chest. “Don’t ever call me that again.”

I slide my hand up behind his head and pull his mouth down to mine. He responds immediately, lifting me up onto the counter and pulling me close. Only a moment passes before we hear a car pull up the driveway.

Reed steps back immediately like he’s still afraid someone is going to see us together. I give him a soft smile. “Ellie apparently isn’t good at estimating time.”

I hop off the counter and start walking toward the front door. Before I get there, she opens the front door and runs to me when she sees me. She wraps me in a hug and squeals. “Ahhh! I’ve missed you so much!”

She pulls back and looks me over. “You look good. Healthy. A little thin.” She touches my hair. “I was half expecting you to have chopped off your hair or something for a change.”

I shrug. “Why should I have to change myself? Jake’s the one who fucked up.”

She smiles. “You’re absolutely right.” Then she leans forward and whispers. “So where’s this new hottie?”

I actually giggle like we’re two young girls talking about their crushes. I turn toward the kitchen, but Reed is already heading this way. Both our eyes check him out as he walks this way. “Damn,” Ellie whispers and giggles again as he approaches.

I smile. “Reed, this is my cousin Ellie.”

Ellie goes straight for a hello hug, and Reed smiles as he steps back. I turn to her again. “Ellie, this is Reed,” I say as I slide my hand down to Reed’s and intertwine my fingers with his.

His eyes dart my way, but I give him a reassuring smile, telling him that it’s okay. His body relaxes a little as he looks back at Ellie. “Nice to meet you. Thanks for letting us stay.”

Ellie beams at him. “Don’t worry. We’ll be out of your guys’ hair in no time.” She leans forward and whispers to him. “And don’t worry about the sheets. Housekeeping will be here after you guys leave.”

“Ellie!” I shout at her.

“What?” she asks innocently.

“Oh my God.” I roll my eyes. “Where’s your hubby?” I ask to change the subject, but I like the way she’s treating Reed like he’s just any normal guy that I’m dating. She’s not making it weird at all.

I think Reed likes it too if the way he wrapped his arm around my back is any indication. He glances my way without turning his head, and the stupid grin on his face makes my heart leap. His whole body relaxes in relief. Like he can finally do what he wants without having to worry about what other people think.

Her husband walks in a moment later. “Hey, Tim!” I wave to him.

He nods. “Hey guys. Good to see you, Wren.”

Ellie pipes in again. “Hey, Tim’s got people picking up the boats in a couple hours. You guys want to take it out before?”

I nod and look at Reed. “Sounds good to me. Reed?”

He smiles back. “Sure, whatever is fine.”

Ellie shoos us away. “Go! Go change! Tim will get the boat ready.”

Because Ellie rushed us the whole time, we are all out on the boat ready to go about ten minutes later. Tim opens the cooler he brought out and hands Reed and I a beer. The guys want to wakeboard, but I’m about as coordinated as a potato when it comes to water sports, so I tell them I’ll be the spotter.

I pull off my coverup and start putting sunscreen on. “Help me do my back.” I nod to Reed.

He starts spreading the lotion on my back and leans forward to my ear. “You never wore a bikini like this at our family functions.”

I smirk at the empty seat in front of me. “Well, good thing there’s no family here then.”

He squeezes my side before standing back up to get ready to board. He reaches for the hem of his shirt and pulls it over his head, leaving him in nothing but his board shorts. It feels like my heart is going to pound right through my chest as I check him out. I think my mouth actually salivates for him. I can’t wait for tonight. No more of this clothes bullshit. No. We’re going to fuck completely naked.

He gives me a knowing look as he buckles up his lifejacket. “Careful, Wren. You’re drooling.”