Page 88 of Gravity

“So tell her. If she means that much to you, then tell her.”

“I can’t. Look at her.” I look down at the water. The beam on her face is brighter than the sun. As Wade pushes Pete toward her in a game of cat and mouse, her laughter bursts free as she tries to get away, right before turning to flick water back at them both. I can’t take these precious moments from her. I can’t have her knowing that she is in this on her own until Asher comes back because he’s decided to take the cowards way out and leave her to deal with Pete’s illness on her own. I can’t take that happiness from her.

“She was so scared of Pete coming home, and she hides her anxieties by putting on this brave face, filling her days with fun activities for her and Pete while she’s home for the summer. How can I tell her Asher couldn’t cope with watching his father, so he ran for the hills? It’s killing me lying to her, Mark, but each time I want to tell her the truth, I hear her laugh or see her smile.” I pause. “Although, regardless of what I do or don’t tell her about him, Asher’s still going to kill me when he finds out I’m sleeping with his sister.”

“So, in that case, go with your gut.” He grips my shoulder in a tight squeeze. “It’s not going to be easy when he finds out, but whatever happens, I’m right beside you. You may feel like you have no family now, Gray. But you’ll always have a brother in me.”

His words unexpectedly hit home, causing a lump to form in the back of my throat. Not wanting to lose control of my emotions, I sniff and say, “Have I ever told you that marriage has turned you into a pussy?”

He laughs. “And have I ever told you that you’re a cocky fucker.”

* * *

“Are you two coming back with us for dinner?” Fiona asks as she packs away the beach towels when I return from my truck having put mine and Nora’s things in there. We’ve been at the beach longer than we’d all anticipated, and now Pete looks exhausted. As much as I would like to go back and spend time with them all, I’m wanting to have some time with Nora alone.

“I was planning on taking Nora to get some food.”

“You were?” She turns to me, confusion on her face as she brushes the sand from the backs of her thighs, her skin now more golden than this morning after a day in the summer sun.

“I was, but we don’t have to if you want to go home.”

She glances over at Pete, and I can see in her eyes that she’s torn. It’s the last thing I want.

“Charlie and I can help out if you guys want to head off some place?” Mark says, casting a glance at me.

“Thanks, Mark, but there’s really no need,” Fiona says. “Nora you go, honey. Wade is here to help.”

I look back at her, but I want to do what makes Nora happy. “It’s your call, Shortcake. I’m happy if you want to be at home.”

“No. No it’s fine. Like Mom says, she has Wade to help her out with Pop anyway. Where are we going to eat?”

I step closer, lowering my voice as desire runs through me. “We’re not. I want to take you over to Lynnhaven pier.”

“Why?”

“You’ve teased me enough all day in this bikini. Now I’m taking you there so I can push you against the pier and fuck you in the water.”

“Oh.” Her eyes turn liquid as a flush colors her cheeks.

Fuck I can’t wait to kiss her.

“Any objections, little lady?”

“Hell no. Dinner sounds perfect,” she grins, moving past me to head over to her dad, but not before brushing herself against me and causing my dick to twitch.

Once packed up, we say our goodbyes and I make my way over to Pete. Gripping his hand as he reaches out to me, I bend my knees to give him eye contact. “Catch you later, old man. Hope you’ve had a good day.”

“B-best. D...” He can’t even finish his sentence because he’s so tired, and it causes me to smile.

“It’s not often I see you speechless.”

“Ass.”

I laugh, kissing him on the head. “Go home and rest. I’ll take care of Nora.”

He responds with just a nod before his eyes finally drift close and Wade covers him with a blanket.

“He’s out of it.”