Page 36 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

It might be early to think of things like that, but really, why consider investing if that wasn’t in the cards? Carly knew what she wanted. Even more, she knew what she would never accept again.

“Carly, did you hear me?”

Carly pulled out of her daze to see Gage standing on the beach, board in hand. “Let’s go. Everyone’s clearing the beach.”

She lifted her chin, caught a dozen drops of rain on her face, and looked over the horizon. Clouds. Lots of them. At once she snatched her board and climbed to her feet. “Where do you want to go?” she hollered. The combined ruckus of building waves and pouring rain added to the chaos.

Gage shielded his face with a lifted hand. “My place?”

Carly did the same. “Okay.” They dashed over to the board shack first, handing their boards over to Logan before hurrying to the boardwalk. As they came to the smooth cement leading to the modern beach homes, she recalled what she’d teased himabout—using the flower he’d bought her as an excuse to get her back to his place.Please say he’s not only interested in a good time.

Gage pushed open the door and motioned for her to step inside. Carly used the greeting mat to wipe the remaining grains of sand off her feet. A plush, white runner rested on the wide-slat beach wood floors as she stepped inside at last, Gage just behind her.

The door closed, trading the blanket sound of white noise for the tinny beats of rain on the roof.

Pitter pat pat.Pitter pitter pat.

It reflected the chaos in her head. No doubt Gage could tell she was off this morning. Would he assume that his declaration last night had scared her away? A shiver rocked over her body, and Carly rubbed her hands over her arms in response.

It was warm in there, and soon to be even warmer, she realized, as Gage flipped on the fireplace. She lifted her chin to take in the high ceiling and metal beams.

“I’ll get us some towels,” Gage mumbled a moment before disappearing into the hallway.

Finishing touches in the furniture kept the spacious beach house from feeling sterile and cold. A blend of shaggy rugs, textured throw pillows, and soft, leather couches, all in shades ranging from white and cream to pale gray.

Carly neared the fireplace while holding her hands toward the flames. The heat felt amazing. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth soak into her palms, and tried to find her mental footing.

The pendant on her neck grew heavy. Perhaps the storm had been a good thing; it would give them a chance to talk. There wasn’t much else to do while it poured outside. A recollection of his mouth on hers seemed to challenge that thought, making her face grow warm in a blink. Yes, there wasthattoo. But Carlyhad some things to get off her chest first. Maybe then she could be sure that Gage was in it for more than some meaningless hookup.

“Here you go,” Gage said as he hurried back into the room. “I’ve, um, got a dry shirt if you’d like to put it on.” He lifted an ashy gray tee shirt with one arm, then tucked it into his hand to show the rest of his spoils. “Got a couple of towels. A blanket…” He rested them on the rug before the fireplace.

Carly held his gaze for a moment. He’d replaced his wetsuit with a pair of khaki shorts, but he hadn’t put on a shirt. His skin was still damp, the muscled contours of his chest reflecting the golden light from the fire. His hair was still drenched, causing the dark strands to drip along his temples, down to the base of his chiseled jaw. Carly reached for one of the towels, dabbed her face with it, then tipped her head to the side and slid the band from her ponytailed hair. She ran her fingers through it and lowered herself onto the rug.

Gage did the same, quietly, studying her as she combed through her hair. She felt shy suddenly, found herself biting her lip as she glanced up at him through her lashes.

The cool, outdoor glow was a contrast to the warm, colorful flames. Gage emanated a warmth all his own, and it was magnetic.

“Hi,” he rasped.

Carly grinned, feeling like a swooning actress from some timeless romance, shyly crushing on the hunk every woman wanted for herself. “Hi.”

“You are so beautiful.”

A deep blush rose to her cheeks. Her heart skipped at least three beats. “So are you. In amasculineway,” Carly added with a laugh.

He chuckled under his breath and set those baby browns on her. “Thanks.”

She had to admit, the flirtation was boosting her confidence.

Gage offered the tee shirt to her. “Did you want this?’

“Sure. Thank you.” Carly hadn’t worn a wetsuit or swim top over her two-piece suit today, but she might have if she’d have known a storm was on its way. Quickly, she shrugged into the cotton tee. It was warm, soft, and, smelled like Gage’s spicy cologne. She hid a grin, wondering if he’d sprayed it before bringing it out to her.

“So,” he said in that low, husky voice. “Should we get back to our studies?”

Her mind went blank. “Studies?”

“Each other,” he reminded. “We’re studying one another so we can outsmart Christian. Remember?”