“Now comes the hard part.”
“What do you mean?” She chewed her nail.
“I’m deciding whether I should take off your bra first or your shorts.”
“And what’s your decision?”
“Your bra.” I reached around and unhooked her bra, happily tossing it onto the pile.
She went to cover her chest with her arms, but I carefully lowered her arms to the side. “You’re not supposed to be nervous when I’m doing it, remember?”
“I’m still nervous.”
“Maybe this will help.” I lowered my mouth to one of her breasts while I cupped her other breast with my hand.
She moaned lightly while I used my free hand to unbutton her shorts.
She reached over and unbuttoned mine. I refused to release her breast, so I stepped out of my shorts while I still had my mouth on her.
She moaned against me as I pushed her shorts down, and slipped my fingers inside her panties. I released her breast. “Feeling less nervous?”
“Mmm hmm,” she mumbled while she took me in her hand.
“Do you think we need a shower first, or can we get in bed?”
“As long as I get you again I’m good.”
“Then let’s do both.” I grabbed a condom from my bag before leading her into the bathroom. Showers were never going to be the same again.
Chapter Twelve
Jade
I was still on a high from the hike and the sex when Kyle announced we had to get ready for the boat ride.
“Are you sure we have to go?” I rolled onto my side, keeping the sheet close to me.
“Yes. Trust me. I’d rather stay here too.”
“I want to go, but all this sex is only going to make it harder to face your family.”
“Why?” He rolled toward me. “They already think we’re doing this.”
“It’s still different.”
“It makes it easier.” He left tiny kisses on my arm.
“All right, if we’re going I need to get up.”
“Ok, do it.”
I tried to get up, but he didn’t loosen his hold.
“Kyle.”
“You did it again.”
“Did what?”
“Said my name in that way. I’d have thought you’d have had your fill already.”
“I have.” I slipped out of bed. “At least I should have. No more sex right now. We have to get moving.”
“I love that you said right now. That means they’ll be more later.” He arched an eyebrow.
“If you’re good.” I picked out a dress and headed into the bathroom before he could complain about me changing in private again. A girl needed time to get ready.
***
I walked as slowly as humanly possible as we neared the dock. I rationalized that every minute might give me more courage. The rain had stopped sometime while we were in the room, making it a pleasant evening for a boat ride if I could only handle his family.
“Hey, nice of you two to show your faces.” Dana grinned as we walked over.
I waved. “Hey, we were out for a hike all day.”
“All day, huh?” She arched an eyebrow. “I hope you didn’t get caught in the rain.”
“Most of the day,” Kyle wrapped his arm around my waist. His touch brought back images I didn't need to be seeing with his family around. “We enjoyed ourselves despite the rain.”
“Hello!” Kyle's grandma walked over dragging her husband with her. “Isn’t it nice how the weather cooperated with us tonight?”
“Absolutely.” Kyle replied with far too much enthusiasm. He might as well have been wearing an ‘I got laid’ sign around his neck.
“Glad to hear it.” His grandmother touched my arm gently. “How about we go ahead and board. Dana, why don't you come too? The men can wait for the others.”
“Sounds great, Grandma.” Dana smiled.
Kyle kissed me on the cheek, and I followed the other women on board the large boat.
“It's nice to have another woman here.” His grandma walked around to the front of the boat.
“It's great to be here.” I forced away all thoughts of my alone time with Kyle. It was only an hour and a half boat ride. I could handle it.
His grandma watched me with a smile on her face. “Kyle seems happier than I've ever seen him.”
If she only knew the truth—it was all probably post sex glow. I nodded and smiled politely.
She leaned in. “Have you discussed the ring yet?”
“The ring?” I coughed. How serious did his family think we were?
“I'm sure she's going to finish school first.” Dana gave me a reassuring smile. “How many years do you have left?
“Three.” I wasn’t planning on rushing my college years away. I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, but that was the point of college, wasn’t it? Like everything else, I’d figure it out eventually.
His grandmother shook her head. “Well, they can't wait that long.”
My head spun. Clearly Kyle and I weren't getting engaged, but it still stressed me out. Plus how was Kyle going to let his family down with the truth? At least I wouldn’t be there for it. I craned my neck to look for Kyle on the dock bellow. So much for not getting separated.
“Would you like some wine?” Dana asked, once again saving me from an uncomfortable situation.
“That would be great.” I smiled. “Is the bar inside?”
“Yes.” Dana nodded. “Grandma, why don’t you take a seat? We’ll bring some back for you.”
“Sounds perfect.” His grandmother sat down, and I followed Dana inside.
“Thanks.” I glanced over my shoulder to make sure we were really alone.
“No problem. I know how annoying that wedding talk can be.”
“Do you mind if I ask you something?” I didn’t know Dana well, but she didn’t seem like the type to mind a few semi-personal questions. She had asked about my sex life within a few hours of meeting me after all.
“I guess that depends on what you’re asking.” She held open the door.
“Why is your family so obsessed with everyone getting married?” I certainly couldn’t figure it out. I’d heard about people pressuring girls to get married young, but Kyle? He was a twenty-year-old guy. He hadn’t even hit his prime.
She laughed. “Blunt.”
“It’s starting to feel like a running theme.”
“I wish I had an answer for you.” She clasped her hands together. “I suppose it’s their way of trying to look out for us.”
“Is it just your grandparents?”
She shook her head. “My parents aren’t easy on the subject either.”
“Where are they?” I’d been wondering about them since I met Dana the night before. Had it really been one day? It felt like forever ago.
“They’re in Europe right now. Business stuff.” She was completely unanimated discussing them, as though she were talking about acquaintances, not parents missing the family reunion trip.
“Oh ok.” I didn’t ask more. I didn’t know if it was the same business as Kyle’s dad or not, but it didn’t really matter. None of it really did, and I should have probably stopped asking questions. I was too curious by nature for my own good.
Dana nodded toward the bar. “Is Chardonnay okay? It’s my grandmother’s favorite so she always expects me to drink it.”
“Your grandmother dictates what you drink?”
“Don’t ask. It has to do with avoiding red wine since it stains your teeth.” She rolled her eyes.
I dropped it. Had Dana been my friend and not Kyle’s cousin maybe I would have pushed it. “Chardonnay sounds fine,” I said belatedly. I knew drinking around his family wasn’t the best idea, but I needed to do something about my nerves.
“Great, you’re easy.” She walked over to the bar.
“Found you,” Kyle whispered in my ear from behind me.
“I didn’t know you were looking for me.�
� I couldn’t deny the butterflies fluttering in my stomach every time he came near.
“I was going to see if you wanted something to drink.”
“Dana’s got that covered.” I pointed to where she waited at the bar.
“I see she saved you from my grandma.”
“She’s been very helpful.” I slipped out of Kyle’s embrace as I saw Dana head toward us. I retrieved my glass, careful to avoid making eye contact with the bartender for fear of getting the ID question. I had another two years before I’d be able to buy my own drinks. “Thanks.”
Kyle groaned. “Jade doesn’t have to drink that if she doesn’t want to.”
“I have no problem with Chardonnay.” I sipped the chilled white wine.
“Ok, just letting you know.”
“Are you getting anything?” I asked Kyle.
“I’m okay for now.” He took my hand. “Ready to go back out?”
“As long as you promise to keep me away from your grandmother and all her engagement ring talk.”
“She didn’t.” He looked me in the eyes.
“She did.” I sipped my wine.
“Maybe I should get a drink after all.”
“Why? I’m the one she was questioning.”
“But I bet I’m next.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Go get something then.” I assumed he had a fake or something.
“Already taken care of.” Dana handed off a glass to Kyle. “No complaints about what’s in it.”
He laughed. “You saved me some time so no complaints.” He took a sip of his wine.
“Shall we?” Dana nodded at the door. She was still holding two glasses.
“Absolutely.” I pushed open the door, and we walked back onto the deck.
***
I’d never spent so much time on a boat before, but it was beautiful. I spent nearly the entire ride gazing out at the clear sky and the sun reflecting off the calm water.
“Sometimes I think living on the water is the way to go.” Kyle stood next to me against the rail.
“As in living on a house boat?”
“Or any boat. You’d never have to stay in the same place long. You could be someplace new every day.”
“If you decide to spend a semester at sea make sure to invite me.” I’d finished off two entire glasses of wine. That was the problem with white wine. I drank it too fast.
“Is that a promise?” He watched me far more seriously than he usually did.
“I’m not sure.” I turned back to look out at the water. I didn’t want to read into things, but was there something serious beneath the joke?
“When you decide let me know.”
“I’ll let you know if you actually decide to go.” I gripped the rail with my hand. There was a chill in the air that made me wish I’d brought a sweater with me.
He covered my hand with his own. “Are you holding up okay? My family isn’t freaking you out too much?”
“Aside from the ring conversation, we’re good.”
“I’m ready to go back to the room.”
“Thinking more sordid thoughts already?” I tore my eyes from the water. Kyle was even easier on the eyes.
He smiled. “Would you mind if I was?”
“No. Not at all.”
“Good.” He brushed his lips against mine.
“Ahem.” The sound of throat clearing stopped us both in our tracks.
Chapter Thirteen
Kyle
Dylan had the worst timing possible. I wouldn’t have minded if I’d believed for a second it was random.
“Sorry to interrupt.” He wasn’t sorry. He wasn’t sorry at all.
“Is there something you need?” So much for him staying away.
“It’s not what I need. It’s what Grandma needs. She wants a family picture.”
“And she sent you to get us?” My grandmother wasn’t one to outsource.
“I thought I’d save her the effort.”
“I bet.” I shook my head. “Where is everyone?”
“Around the front.”
“Great.” I took Jade’s hand and walked around toward the front deck where the rest of my crazy family waited.
“There you are!” My mom grinned. “We thought you two had gone overboard.”
“Nope. You weren’t that lucky.” I couldn’t resist giving my mom a hard time.
Jade nudged me.
“I need a picture. Who knows if I’ll ever have you all together again?” My grandma gestured for everyone to line up against the rail.
“Would you like me to take the picture?” Jade asked quickly. “I’m pretty good at it.”
“Of course not, sweetie. We’ll have this young man do it.” She pointed at one of the crew members. “You need to be in this picture.”
“Oh, that’s ok. You don’t really want that.” Jade backed away.
“Don’t be silly. You’ll be family soon enough.” My grandmother took her arm. Jade gave me a panicked looked.
There was nothing I could do but agree with my grandmother. No reason to make her mad. “Of course you should be in the picture.”
Jade’s panicked look turned into one of anger. What was she worried about? This wasn’t her family picture.
“If you’re absolutely sure.”
“We are.” My mom smiled at her.
Grandma lined us all up to her specifications, placing Jade and I in the center, and the crew member started taking pictures.
As soon as we were done Jade took my hand and pulled me away. “Your family is going to hate me even more after this.” Her hair was all windblown, but it only enhanced the wild and sexy look that had drawn me to her from the beginning.
I pushed some of her hair behind her ear. Even if the hair enhanced the look, I wanted to see her face. “Not as much as they’re going to hate me.”
“Now you’re admitting it?” she whispered.
“Now that I see how much they love you.”
She shrugged. “Nothing we can do about that now.”
“Nope, you’re just too likeable.” I led her back to our spot around the back of the boat.
She looked out at the water. “Always nice to be called likeable.”
“You’re very likeable.” I ran my hand down her bare arm.
She turned back toward me, leaning her back against the rail. “Are you trying to butter me up or something?”
I stepped closer to her, effectively pinning her against the side. “And why would I be doing that?”
“Because you want a repeat of last night. And this morning. And this afternoon.” A red flush crossed her cheeks.
“And I need to butter you up to get that?”
“You think it’s a given?” She arched an eyebrow.
“No, but I can think of other ways to convince you.” I leaned in.
She glanced over my shoulder. “How can you even talk about this with your family around?”
“They’re not listening.”
“At least our room isn’t near anyone else’s.”
“Convenient isn’t it?”
She smiled in response.
I held Jade’s hand as we watched the setting sun. I had no idea what was going to happen after the week ended, but in that moment I didn’t care. I was holding hands with the coolest girl I’d ever met, and I was pretty sure I’d be doing a lot more than holding hands with her later.
The boat docked, and I didn’t waste any time. I was ready to get Jade back to the room. I’d been ready the whole time.
My mom waited for us on the dock. “Are you two interested in joining us for a late dinner or did you get enough to eat before we left?”
“Actually we were thinking about ordering in some room service.” In fact Jade and I hadn’t discussed the possibility at all, but I assumed she wouldn’t be interested in spending more time with my family.
“Oh, I see.” Mom gave me a knowing look.
“I had a great time on the boat.” Jade smile
d. “Thanks so much for inviting me.”
“Of course, sweetie.” Mom beamed. “You two enjoy yourselves.”
“Thanks.” I smiled at my Mom and started back toward the hotel before someone else could side track us. I had only one thing on my mind, and it wasn’t chatting with my family.
We were nearly back to the hotel when I heard my name again. “Kyle, wait up!”
I turned, still holding onto Jade’s hand. Dana waved and hurried over to us. “Hey, Dana.”
“Hey. I wanted to see how Jade was doing.”
Jade smiled. “Oh. I’m fine.”
“I know my grandmother can be a little intense.” Dana nodded toward me, probably looking for me to agree.
“A little?” Jade eyed us both skeptically.
Dana laughed. “What are you guys up to now?”
“We’re going back to our room.” I immediately cut off any invitation to hang out. Forget how tired of them Jade was, I’d had enough of my family for one night.
“Oh. Going to be inventive?” Dana’s eyes lit up.
I chuckled, and Jade scowled at her.
“And I’ll take my cue.” Dana laughed. “Good night, guys.”
“All right, let’s get out of here.” I turned back toward the hotel, and Jade followed along. If I wasn’t mistaken she was as excited to get back as I was.
We reached the room, and I quickly closed and locked the door behind her. “I’ve been waiting all night for this.”
She ran her teeth over her bottom lip. “You’re not the only one.”
I untied the halter tie on her dress, and it slipped to the floor. “I really like when you don’t wear a bra.” I pulled off my shirt, ready to get rid of any clothes separating us.
“Built-in bras are convenient.”
“You’re going to have to get more of them.”
“Don’t worry, I have plenty.” She unzipped my pants, and I knew the night was only going to get better.
***
“Did that really happen again?” Jade pulled the sheet up around her.
“It did, but are you really surprised?” I pulled her closer. I didn’t want any space between us.
“Not surprised exactly.” She rested her head on my chest.
“I told you this week could end up being fun.”
The Hazards of Sleeping With a Friend Page 8