“That’s one opinion.”
I kick open the lid. “Be my guest and take your pick.”
Gavin peeks inside, digging under the top layer. “What’s this fruity shit—”
“Not for you.” I knock the can from his hand. “Choose something else.”
“Someone seriously needs to get laid,” he mutters.
“I didn’t realize I packed a mirror in there,” I retort.
He grunts, but a wide smile soon replaces his frown. “How about that? Audria brought me a treat as well.”
I don’t see the woman walking next to Audria until he mentions her. They’re close enough to one another that their arms brush. Both girls send us a wave as they approach.
I swing my gaze to Gavin. “You and Bea?”
He coughs and dips his chin. “Nothing serious. She’s fun to rile up, though.”
“Sure,” I drawl.
“Focus on your own troubles, man. Were you looking for a challenge? Because this doozy will keep you reeling for months.”
The reason for that hovers just within reach. If only I had the right to grab what’s in front of me. “Don’t I know it.”
“Hey, boys.” Bea announces herself with a grin.
“Ladies.” I tip the brim of my hat. “You made it.”
Before lifting my eyes, I feel Audria’s perusal like an iron brand. Her gaze wanders across my bare chest, drifting down my torso, ending at the cut of my lower abs, which disappear into the waistband of my shorts. A punch of feral desire slams into me. My muscles flex seemingly on their own under her scrutiny. She must pick up on the strain winding tighter inside me and casts her attention elsewhere.
“Sorry if we’re a little late.” Audria cringes.
“It’s my fault,” Bea admits. “I couldn’t decide what to wear.”
“You chose well,” Gavin croons. He lays on the charm with his smooth timbre.
Audria might’ve been onto something when she mentioned their flirting at the Salt Lick.
I widen my eyes at Audria as the cheesy scene unfolds mere feet from us. She bounces her shoulders and mouths that she told me so. She certainly did.
I chuckle and nod at the cooler. “Can I get you a drink?”
“That depends on what you’re offering.”
“Take a look,” I prod.
Her gasp is fucking adorable and gets my blood pumping faster than it should. “You got shandy for me?”
Gavin chooses that moment to pay attention to us. “Oh, I get it now. Very smooth, man.”
I flip him off with a scowl.
He ignores me, wisely choosing to address Audria. “And how’s my best gal pal?”
She cuddles the Leinenkugel’s like a national treasure. “About to be even better.”
“Yeah, baby. Take the edge off. Reeve could use some guidance in that department.”
I smack his nape. “Isn’t there somewhere else you need to be?”
“Ah, sure.” He drapes an arm around Bea. “Wanna get wet?”
Audria giggles into the mouth of her beer. “Real smooth.”
Based on how she’s batting her lashes, Bea is totally into his lewd innuendo. “I’d really like that.”
Gavin wags his brows at her and motions toward the lake. “After you.”
They stroll across the sand, casually knocking hips with each other in their choppy strides.
“Well then.” Audria laughs again. “Guess those two are getting along.”
I squint at their retreating forms. “Yeah, I haven’t quite figured out his motivations.”
She follows my gaze. “He isn’t just messing with her, right?”
“Nah, Gavin isn’t the type. He’s known her for too long.”
“I’m curious about that. If they grew up together, why hasn’t anything sparked until now?”
I shrug. “Bam politics? They’ve both been in serious, and disastrous, relationships. Getting a fresh perspective can happen in a single moment. Sometimes it only takes a new experience to provide a necessary shove.”
“Yeah, I can understand that.” The brown of her gaze swirls with the type of intrigue I’m afraid to delve beyond. Melting chocolate with specks of toffee come to mind as I surrender to the pull. Audria tilts the beer to her lips without breaking my stare.
Silence balloons between us as I leer worse than a stalker. She finishes her sip and smiles at me.
I scrub the back of my neck. “This isn’t weird, right? We can be friends.”
She scoffs. “Yeah, totally. I’m digging this agreement.”
“Okay, good.” I bob my head to a fast beat. “That’s great.”
“You sure?”
“Of course. Are you?”
She laughs. “I’m not the one who sounds doubtful.”
I tug my hat lower. “Ah, right. I’m acting like an insecure idiot.”
Audria has the grace to give me a light nudge. “I’ll take your bumbling as a compliment.”
“Is it stupid to admit I’m out of my element?”
“Don’t you have many platonic relationships with girls?”
“I do,” I hedge. “But it’s different with you.”
She cocks her head to the side. “And why might that be?”
“You’re not from Bam,” I state as if the explanation is so simple.
“Which is why we’re taking time to hang out,” she supplies.
“Yes, exactly.” Regardless of my aloof attitude, I’m confident this is the best choice. Even if I want to strip her completely buck and do wicked things together, those desires are in the vault.
“Super,” she chirps. “I look forward to our friendship blossoming.”
“Same here,” I agree.
Audria tips her face toward the ground to hide a grin. I can practically hear the alarm bells rattling my skull. This conversation is not doing me any favors. If anything, it’s proving how warped my thoughts are where this chick is involved.
I search for a distraction and spot the perfect excuse discarded by my chair. “Sunscreen?” I hold up the bottle.
“Yes, please.” She ditches her dress with a swift whip of fabric. The sight of her tan skin and ample curves on open display has my internal thermostat rising to dangerous levels. From the tightening in my groin, I’m about to pitch a tent in her honor. This reaction is extreme, even for someone stranded in a sexual drought.
Audria wiggles her fingers. “Are you going to give it to me or what?”
My eyes nearly cross as I toss the sunscreen to her. “Uh, sure. That would make sense.”
With practiced grace, she smooths the creamy lotion over every visible inch. Coconut rum and tropical wet dreams scent the air. I can
