Page 82 of Sand in My Boots

“Smith,” I state, jotting it down on a piece of scrap paper to remind me to find their reservation. “I’ll email you the information about the cruise for Tuesday.”

“Great.” He stands up, wrapping his wife in his arms. “Hope everything works out.” He motions his head between me and Everly. “Her brother’s a good friend of mine. It makes for fun family holidays.”

Everly spins to face him. “Mostly because your sister is married to my brother. She brings the entertainment.”

“Your brother,” Juli starts.

“Your sister, ” I add, not able to wrap my head around it all.

Jackson makes like he’s going to sit down again, as if we need the story, but Everly grabs him by the arm, doing her damndest to drag him away, muttering things under her breath.

“Well, that was . . . interesting.” I’m so enthralled I can’t take my eyes off them as they hurry out the back doors to the outside sun. “If the Smiths have any complaints, they get whatever demands they make. On me.” I don’t address Preston directly, but hopefully he comprehends the message. My focus on Juli, butterflies gather in my stomach. The fact she’s here—even if not to see me—excites me. “I’m not sure why you’re here, but I want to know, of course. I have a few things I need to finish up. Can I take you to lunch in an hour or so?”

Her teeth nip her bottom lip before she slowly nods. “Is it too early for a Bushwacker? I’ve been craving them since Elisa put me on the plane.” A smile brightens her face. Damn, I’ve missed that smile.

“Whatever you want. Your wish is my command.” I gather up my laptop and papers, but stop when I notice her coming over out of the corner of my eye.

Scooting in front of where I sit, she laces her hands with mine. “I really want another kiss. But I can wait until later when we’re alone.”

I don’t let her finish the sentence before my mouth strikes.

Chapter 22

Juli

Cameron’s lips cover mine for the second time in a short span. I’ve died and gone to heaven. It’s better than before. Which I know seems highly impossible, but it’s true.

The way his mouth dominates mine. I might have wanted to start it, but he’s getting it done.

The faint flavors of coconut and coffee on his tongue.

His tongue politely parting my lips open, seeking permission to enter.

My legs bending to accommodate him still sitting, my arms loop around his neck.

I don’t want this feeling to end. How I melt into him, moans tripping from my mouth as he kisses me deeper.

Only a nearby clearing of a throat does the trick.

Cameron registers it first, pulling his mouth off mine, his lips not yet to the stage of properly kissed. I smile as I think, they’ll get there.

Dropping my arms, I take a step back. Right into my brother.

“A little decorum would be nice.” The faint smile contrasts his imposing tone.

“Sorry. Can’t help myself.” Cameron stands up, laptop in his hands, and leans in. “See you soon, cutie. Meet me at The Drift in an hour. I’ll work fast.”

The proximity to Cameron and promise of food awaken parts of me lying dormant over the past couple of weeks. Actually, dormant isn’t the right word. It’s crestfallen. Better yet, they’ll be more satisfied later.

A chaste kiss to my cheek, a nod to my brother, Cameron skirts away from the table, whistling as he walks through the lobby to his office.

“It’s going to take some getting used to.”

“What is?” I ask my brother.

“You and him. All lovey-dovey. Maybe keep the PDAs to a minimum, especially in the lobby and other public places.”

His permission all but granted, I light up with delight. “Can do, big bro.”