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Then finally, “You’re really good at up against a wall,” Megan whispered.

Allison laughed quietly. “My first time.”

Megan smiled. “Never would have known it. It rivals against the kitchen counter.” She leaned in close to Ally’s ear. “Get in bed with me.”

“Yeah?” Her legs felt a little shaky, and the tickle of Megan’s breath caused her to ache pleasantly between her thighs.

She allowed herself to be tugged toward the double bed with the pink comforter and slipped beneath the cool sheets next to Megan, who didn’t hesitate to lift, shift, or displace her clothing to gain access to her body. Allison turned herself over to Megan, letting her explore, take her time, and quite simply drive her mad. She bit the inside of her cheek rather than allow a single cry to escape her lips when the pleasure washed over her, bold and bright.

Allison threw an arm over her eyes. “We just did that in your childhood bedroom.”

“Nothing childlike about it now.”

She peeked out from behind her arm to find Megan looking rather accomplished. “Another trophy for the shelf?”

Megan lit up at the idea. “It would be my favorite of the bunch.”

* * *

Megan was on an extended high. The trip home was turning out to be better than she’d even dared hope. Things had felt different between her and Allison from the moment they drove out of Dallas, almost as if they’d left every last complication in the rearview mirror and could just…be. Exist. Enjoy each other. They’d stolen looks acrossher parents’ dinner table, laughed happily unencumbered, and Megan found herself focusing on the present, no longer preoccupied with what might lie ahead. To say it was relaxing would be an understatement.

They decided to drive down to the beach the following afternoon, and her mother had insisted on packing them a picnic lunch. It wasn’t exactly warm out, but they’d donned hooded sweatshirts and jeans and headed out.

Megan spread out a blue blanket for them as Allison hugged herself and looked out over the water. “I can’t believe all of this was in your backyard growing up.”

She let her gaze settle on the peaceful horizon. “I took it for granted. Not anymore. It calms me whenever I come back to the water. Tropical vacations are my favorite.”

Allison joined her on the blanket and sat close, looping her arm through Megan’s and snuggling against her. “Do you think we’ll take one together someday?”

“One? If I have my way, we’ll take many. See the world. We’ll go on cruises. Luxury jaunts to Jamaica. Greece. The South of France.”

“We’re so fancy in this fantasy. I’ll need a new wardrobe.”

Megan looked at her, meeting those fathomless blue eyes. “I mean it. Those are the kinds of things I want us to do. Someday.”

The smile on Allison’s face faded, almost as if this had all become very real. “Then we have to do it. Jamaica first.” The smile reappeared. “I’d die if I got to go to Jamaica. I’d sip rum from a coconut. Do they let you do that there, or am I falling for the cliché on TV commercials?”

Megan slid her right leg behind Allison and pulled her in, her chest to Allison’s back. Ally rested against her as she sun shone brightly on them, creating a small patch of warmth. “We’d find a way. Coconut drinks or bust. Plus, you can meet my extended family. They’re incredibly friendly, but bossy about food. My great-uncle won’t let anyone near his outdoor grill. He’ll toil over his meats all day, and let me tell you, they deliver.”

“I like him already. Maybe after, we’d find a nice little club and slow dance.”

“And dinner on a beautiful balcony, overlooking the beach at sunset.”

“Oh, I like that one. A cabana by the pool.”

“Champagne room service. With strawberries.”

“I’m having second thoughts. I don’t want to move from this spot.”

Megan tightened her arms and could identify with the sentiment. It was nice here. With this woman in her arms, and the sea air gracing her lungs, she was more than content to never move again. They had the stretch of beach mostly to themselves. Occasionally, a jogger or dog walker made their way past, but the real action was closer to town. She watched the next series of waves roll in, the white frothy foam encroaching and retreating. In an hour, it would be on top of them if they weren’t careful. “So, what do you think of my parents? Don’t hold back. Let me have it.”

“I think they’re adorable, especially the way they bicker and then pause and laugh about it. That’s how a marriage should be. At least I think so. You have tolikethe other person, not just love them. Wanting to rip their clothes off is the best kind of reward, though.” She sighed dreamily.

“I can’t argue there.” A pause. “Will I get to meet your parents?”

A breeze hit and lifted Ally’s hair. “Yeah, of course.”

It was early. Megan could admit that, and she hated how needy a question it was. “Good. No rush or anything. I was just curious.”