Page 36 of Sand in My Boots

Most weeks, the schedule remains the same. We have certain activities spread throughout the week that happen on a particular day. For example, Saturday is Movie Night on the beach. A different movie is shown each week, but the time and location are set. Other activities include s’mores over firepits, make-your-own ice cream sundaes, and pool parties, to name a few. I’m always on the lookout for different activities we can provide for the guests who choose to take advantage of them. Especially for the few repeat guests who return year after year.

Part of my job also includes overseeing the spa, which I’ll stop into after doing some admin work in the office.

Setting an alarm for an hour from now, I get to work, starting with pulling up the weekly budget.

I’m knee-deep in numbers when there’s a knock on my door. Craning my head, I smile at the visitor.

“I know, it’s not time for breakfast, but I got bored and ventured out. And I ended up here. I stopped by to chat with Preston, too, but he gave me the cold shoulder, though I added dinner to his calendar tomorrow so he couldn’t refuse my invitation.” As soon as she realizes what she’s said, her cheerful expression sours. “Oh, crap.”

I encourage her into the office with my finger, inviting her to take a seat in the extra plastic chair I keep for rare occasions when someone stops by. And by rare, I mean she’s the first to use the chair in almost three years.

She’s wearing white shorts and a pale pink shirt that falls off her left shoulder, revealing the thin strap of her bra. She’s wrangled her hair into a side braid falling over the opposite shoulder. Fancy sunglasses sit atop her head.

“It’s fine. You and Preston need to have dinner. I’ll make my own plans. Pretty sure by tomorrow night, we’re going to be sick of each other. A break will be nice.” I intend it as a joke, and maybe it’s not the right thing to say, but Juli doesn’t let me down.

“It’s only dinner. I’m all yours for dessert and a nightcap.” Her eyes light up. “Speaking of, can we go back and have a Bushwacker tonight or tomorrow? Perhaps both?” Expectancy soars in her words and expression, but I wouldn’t ever deny her such a request.

“Sure thing.”

“Super.” She looks around. “Quaint.” She’s out of her seat when she spots the photos, and I know which one captures her attention as soon as the laughing starts. “Man, you were so young in this one. Like what, middle school?”

“Thereabouts. Maybe the summer after freshman year.”

“Hmm. Teenage Juliana is squealing inside to be standing here in your office.”

“Pretty sure Teenage Cameron is hanging ten to have you here in my office.” The alarm goes off. “Oh, shoot. Gotta run by the spa, make sure everything’s good there. Want to tag along?”

“Yes. There’s a yoga class I want to take on Friday morning. I’ll sign up now. And maybe schedule an appointment for a massage for Monday morning before I have to head to the airport.” Without thinking, I interlace our hands as we walk out of the office, loving the feel of her soft palm tucked into mine. She gazes up at me, the brown a warm sparkle. “Care to make it a couples one?”

My foot trips over an imaginary bump in the hallway carpet. I stay upright, steadying myself so I don’t take us both down. My heart rate kicks up a notch.

A couples massage? Are we a couple?

“Co-couples?” I stammer.

“Are you seriously getting embarrassed by being naked in the same room as me? Were you not there all last night?”

“More of the emphasis on the definition of ‘couple’ versus the act.” My explanation is shit. We’re headed for another roundabout conversation, no doubt.

“Oh. But that’s what it’s called. My girlfriends and I do it all the time, and in no way are we together as a couple.”

“That’s . . . ” Interesting? Weird? Provocative? I don’t know how to finish my thought. Though my cock has a few ideas of its own at the thought of her and her friends getting naked in the same room.

“Never mind what it is, sign me up. I could use a massage, and it will definitely be more fun with you. Though you have to promise not to make any sexy sounds. I don’t need a boner in front of Rosa.”

“I make no such promises. Besides, I enjoy making you squirm.”

We’ve made it down the stairs into the lobby. And as much as I’d like to refute her claim—give her a taste of her own medicine—there are other guests around. I swapped out yesterday’s T-shirt for a new one in my office, but the shorts are still from yesterday.

“Hey, Fairbanks.” Keoni catches my attention, the hot pink floral pattern of his shirt threatening to blind me. He steps out from behind his desk to wait for me.

“What’s up?”

“Heard a rumor I had to meet Little Langley. Is this her?”

He means well, but his delivery isn’t always the best. I blame cultural differences.

Thankfully, Juli isn’t offended. She reaches out her free hand. “Juliana Langley, though my friends call me Juli. Are you a friend or foe?”