Carson walks away, but I don’t miss the scowl on his face as he watches me relax into Ashton.
“Don’t mind him. He’s not used to fun. For Carson, the world is oppressive and gloomy. It took me a long time to get him even to socialize. He’s a bit of a loner.”
“Why is that?” Carson doesn’t appear to be the type to not party and live it up. I know a lot of guys like him back in L.A.
“Not my story to tell, sweetheart.” Ashton turns his attention back to the flames, and I sink into his comfort.
CARSON
SHE’S TOO beautiful for her own good. With her Gucci slides and Cartier watch glinting in the firelight, I can see the princess oozing off her. If I didn’t know that Ashton never does serious, I’d warn him away. The Meyers are as stuck-up and nasty as my parents.
Her type is so typical. The rich party girl wanting to mix with the locals for a good time. Ashton doesn’t know how dangerous they can be. As soon as she gets bored, she’ll throw him away for something better.
The chill of the beer bottle soaks into my skin as my feet sink into the sand. I welcome the way it weighs me down and makes my steps slow.
“Thanks,” she says as I hold out the beer to her. I give her a tight smile and return to my seat next to her.
I peek out of the corner of my eye to see what she’s doing. Still clinging to Ashton like he’s her lifeline. Ready to take advantage of him.
My scowl doesn’t go unnoticed. “You okay, bro?” Ashton asks, eyebrows furrowed as he shifts, disrupting her lounging.
“Yeah, fine. Just tense from today. I lost someone.”
“Oh my god, that’s horrible. What happened?” Her gasp stuns me. Why would this princess be interested? Doesn’t she have a clothing sale to worry about?
“Dude, I’m sorry. That sucks.” He reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder as I stare down at my beer.
Pulling the paper from the wrapper, I think about the woman I couldn’t save.
“Tide was rough at my post this morning. She didn’t listen to the flag. It was fucking devastating. Her family was there. Not something anyone should see.”
“Wow, some people just can’t follow the rules. If she would have just listened, her life could have been saved. I’m sure you did all you could, though.”
I don’t know what bothers me more—the flippant way she accuses the victim of her death or the way she condescendingly tells me I’m not good enough.
Standing up, I brush the sand from my shorts. “I’m out, man. See you later.”
I don’t wait around to answer Ashton’s calls. I can’t stand to be around the rich princess any longer. People like her always blame others for their actions. They never feel an ounce of empathy.
CHAPTER FOUR
BLISS
MY BLADDER WAKES me up from my passed-out state. Blinking blearily, I notice two things. It’s way too bright in here, and I’m not in my hotel room.
Soft snores come from beside me as I roll over and look at the gorgeous man in bed with me. Sandy hair covers his strong jaw. I peek under the sheets and see I’m in a t-shirt that’s clearly not mine, but my panties are still on. Good sign.
I slide from the bed, placing my bare feet on the floor, then slip out of the room in search of the bathroom. The door creaks as I open it, but Ashton doesn’t stir from his slumber.
I don’t remember how I got here or who changed my clothing. My last memory is of sitting by the fire, listening to Nelson’s hypnotic melodies. The beers kept coming, but I’m not sure if I got drunk and passed out or if I fell asleep after something happened.
The hallway is quiet as I check the first door I come to—a closet. Closing it, I try the second door only to smack into a wall of muscle. Hard ripples stare back at me. Tanned skin, ridges and valleys waiting to be caressed and licked.
I slowly take it in, my gaze traveling up to look into the face of the owner. I smile when I see his eyes alight with morning sleepiness. God, Carson’s even hotter when he first wakes up.
“What the fuck are you doing?” His growl pulls me from my very inappropriate daydream.
“Sorry, looking for the bathroom,” I say, watching his eyes roam over me and pause at my naked legs.
“Someone had fun last night.” His voice doesn’t sound teasing. In fact, it sounds disapproving and judge-y.
I pop my hip, resting my hand on the crest as I narrow my eyes. “Jealous?”
He scoffs and pushes me aside before heading down the hall. “The bathroom is through there. Hurry up. I have to leave for work in twenty minutes.”
Staring at that fantastic ass, I shake my head in annoyance. If he wasn’t such a jackass, I’d be asking him back into that room. As gorgeous as Ashton is, Carson causes my skin to burn. I haven’t felt that in a long time.
When I’ve finished my necessities, I follow the scent of coffee into the kitchen. I’m not a morning person and thrive on coffee to make it through. Carson’s delectable ass grabs my attention as I slip into the kitchen unnoticed. He’s at the stove, towel slung over one shoulder, cooking what smells like bacon—my second favorite thing about mornings.
“Did you need something?” His back is still to me as he asks the question. I wonder if he knows what he’s doing to my body.
“Coffee cup?” I reply, sliding farther into the room and letting the island sperate us. He’s much too distracting.
“Cabinet beside the fridge,” he says, pointing with the spatula.
I pad over and pull out a chipped white mug with a picture of a baby shark on it. Instantly, the song pops
