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“Uh… I don’t think I’m that brave.”
“What have you got to lose? If you like him and the two of you get to know each other, he’ll see you naked anyway. Might as well take advantage of this opportunity to ease into having less clothing on.”
“You have a point.”
“Of course I do. Now, go get changed so we can head over there. While you’re occupied with Rogan, maybe I’ll find someone to flirt with.”
I blow out a puff of air. “Maybe?” Scarlett is a consummate flirt. She flirts with everyone, me included. Half the time, she doesn’t even realize she’s doing it. I joke that it’s part of her DNA, like her icy-blue eyes and dark hair are.
I head into my room and toss my phone on the bed. I can’t believe we’re going to Rogan’s. Actually, that’s not true. I knew as soon as I told Scarlett about the invitation, she was going to make me go. But maybe that’s what I need. Going over to his house for dessert is one thing. Going over for a cookout and to hang out on the beach is another.
Rifling through my dresser drawer, I find the green bathing suit and get changed. Moving over to the full-length mirror, I check myself out. The low cut of the front makes my breasts look even bigger than they are. But maybe if he’s looking at my boobs, he won’t notice my inner thigh chub rub. Turning sideways, I study my profile. Standing as tall as I can, I suck in my stomach, but I still see a roundness there. And my ass—oh God. There’s no way to suck that monstrosity in.
“Autumn, hurry up,” Scarlett yells.
I cover my suit with a pair of black board shorts and a tank top, then slide some flip flops on my feet. I redo the messy bun I threw my hair in earlier today, and slick on some lip gloss. This is as good as it’s going to get. I’m not about to put on a bunch of makeup to go to the beach. And if Rogan doesn’t like what he sees, I’ll be able to tell. One way or another, after today, I’ll know how to proceed when it comes to him.
CHAPTER 13
ROGAN
Ever since Autumn texted she was coming over, I’ve felt keyed up. My gaze repeatedly lands on the open gate, hoping to see her coming through. Each time she doesn’t, I grow more impatient by the second.
I’m in the middle of a cornhole game and about to toss one of my bags when one of the guys whistles. Then someone says, “Who’s that?”
I quickly make my throw and spin around before it lands. I meet Autumn and Scarlett as they step into my backyard. “Ladies. Welcome, and thank you for coming.”
“Hi.” Autumn’s gaze flits around, taking in everyone who’s here.
I place my hand on her arm and gently squeeze. “I’m glad you came.”
“What about me? Are you glad I’m here?” Scarlett asks.
“Of course. I have a feeling you were instrumental in getting Autumn to agree.”
Scarlett shrugs. “I can’t remember.”
“Yes, she was,” Autumn states.
“You didn’t want to come?” I ask, trying to keep my tone flat. I don’t want her to know it’s upsetting to think she wouldn’t want to take advantage of an opportunity to spend time with me.
Her green eyes meet mine. “It’s not that I didn’t want to come. Can we leave it at that for now?” She pinches her bottom lip between her teeth. I’ve never seen her look nervous before.
I nod and decide to move on, hoping she’ll feel more comfortable. “What can I get you two to drink? There are coolers with water, soda, and beer. If you’d like a mixed drink, I can make one for you.”
“I’ll grab a beer,” Scarlett says, heading for the patio where the coolers are.
I nudge my arm into Autumn’s. “What would you like?”
“I drove, so I’ll be sticking to water.”
“I think I have some iced tea in the fridge. Would you prefer that?”
Her eyes light up. “Ooh, that would be great.”
“Come on.” I take hold of her hand and lead her inside. We walk through the back porch and continue on to the kitchen. I release my hold on her to open the fridge wide. “See anything you want?”
Stepping forward, she peers inside. She plucks a bottle of iced tea from the shelf and studies the label. “Is this sugar free?”
