Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 94072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“It’s been long enough,” I say. “Last time we saw you, didn’t you have braces?”
“Oh God,” Makayla moans. “I wish I could erase every photo ever taken from that period of my life.”
“Is that a yes?” I tease.
“Yes,” she says with a sigh.
“It was all for the best,” Kellan quips. “Your smile rivals that sparkling horizon over there.”
“It still can’t beat Alex’s trunks,” she fires back, and it throws us both for a loop.
The more we talk, the more relaxed I feel—and, at the same time, the more eager I am to know her, to get closer to her, body and soul. Makayla’s presence is deliciously intense, and I intend to savor every damn sip.
“What happened at your job, Kay?” Kellan insists.
I’m not sure now is the right time to push that button.
I hold my breath while she looks at him, then at me. I half expect her to pull the plug and slip back inside. Instead, Makayla refills her glass and takes a long sip before she answers.
“I had to choose between losing my job and sleeping with my boss.” The words leave her on a single, shuddering breath. “And yes, I filed an HR complaint—they say they’re investigating, but I’m not sure. Either way, I couldn’t stay there.”
“Wait, what?” I blurt out.
She nods slowly. “There’s a lot more to it. It didn’t happen all at once—it started with accidental touches, suggestive comments, the old ‘let’s grab drinks after work,’ and it kept escalating until my annual review.”
“What’s the name of the company?” Kellan asks.
“It’s… It doesn’t matter anymore.”
He lurches out of the water, fury tightening his features, apparently oblivious to the fact he’s still buck naked. “It matters to me! To us!”
Water sloshes down his midsection, and I can see Makayla staring at him.
The silence that follows seems to last forever until he sits back down. It’s too late, though. The damage is done. “Sorry,” he mutters.
“It’s okay…” She stares off into the tub, as if reliving the moment in her mind. “I did say I liked the view.” Another beat, and I’m stunned again by how quickly that smart mouth of hers seizes control of a situation. “As I was saying, it’s done and dusted. I filed my complaint. I quit my job. I’m ready for a fresh start.”
“You just quit? It feels like he should pay for treating you that way. Are you sure you don’t want to sue?” I ask.
“I guess I could,” she says with a sigh. “But I don’t want to see him again—and if I sue, I’ll have to relive everything in court.”
“I get it, but if you change your mind at any point, we’re willing to help you out however we can,” I tell her. “We’ve got a great legal team, Makayla, and your brother would back you without hesitation.”
She gives me a grateful nod.
I lean back, resting my elbows on the edge of the tub. I catch her looking again, this time at me, her gaze dipping beneath the surface. Perhaps she wonders if we’re equally endowed. I recognize that mischievous glimmer in her eyes.
Kellan follows my lead, stretching his arms out.
“Am I dreaming?” she whispers.
“Not yet,” Kellan replies.
“I’m sorry—I just have to ask. If you’re identical…” She glances down at my crotch. “You know what? Never mind. Stupid question.”
“We’re the same size,” Kellan says, flashing a devilish grin. We might as well entertain this sweet madness since it is clearly testing her resolve.
Makayla swallows hard. I can see the wheels turning in her mind, and I hope they’re turning our way. It’s one thing to hint at the possibility, but another thing entirely to commit to the act. The last thing either of us wants is to pressure her, so I just relax and let my gaze wander up to the beautiful mountain view.
“It really is gorgeous here,” Makayla says.
“It really is,” Kellan agrees, never taking his eyes off her.
A flush creeps up her neck and she licks her lips almost involuntarily.
“What’s on your mind, Kay?” I ask, catching the hint of a smile playing over her perfect Cupid’s bow.
“Since you asked—and because I’m prone to foot-in-mouth moments,” Makayla says with a soft giggle, “I was just thinking this feels like the beginning of a porno.”
Kellan and I trade another look, hope and excitement unfurling in tandem. It’s written all over his face—and, I’m sure, mine. What was just a naughty idea is beginning to shape into a palpable possibility.
“With your consent, we could turn it into reality,” I murmur.
She shoots me a startled look, but Kellan rolls with it.
“It makes sense,” he says. “Two open-minded guys, one gorgeous, brilliant woman, a hot tub, champagne, and this breathtaking view. It would be a shame to waste all that.”
“Especially when the chemistry is undeniable,” I add, leaning in to inhale the warm, floral scent at her ear.