Page 16

It’s my second. Well, my second actual vacation out of the continental U.S. I’ve traveled to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and a few other islands for work. The only other pleasure trip I’ve takenabroad was when Stella and I honeymooned in Australia—a wedding present from her parents and the only time I’ve been away from Bug for more than a week. Thankfully, my sister and most trusted babysitter was able to stay home with her.
“I thought I’d go check out the resort. Maybe grab a bite to eat. Want to come, or should I bring something back for you?”
She shrugs, tucking her phone into her pocket. “I could eat.”
“Great.” I clap my hands together. “I’m hoping to eat some good conch while I’m here.”
Bug giggles.
“What?”
“It sounded like you said cock.”
I sigh and roll my eyes. “My thirteen-year-old, people.” I put a hand on her shoulder. “Would you pleasepleasenever say that word again? I know you could never understand this, but as a father, it’s one of the worst things I could hear my daughter say.”
“Fine. I won’t say cock anymore.” She laughs. “I mean after that one.”
I shake my head on our way out the door.
Winding paths lead in every direction. Thankfully, there are also signs posted at every pedestrian intersection. We stop at one to get our bearings. The beach is to the right. The pool is to the left. The convention center, spa, and fitness center are straight ahead. There are names of a few restaurants along with directional arrows toward them as well.
“What do you think?” I ask.
She points. “This place by the pool maybe? Surfside Eats sounds like a good place forconch.”
The way she sounds out the word so it’s most definitely distinguishable fromcock, is hilarious.
“Sounds good. Let’s go.”
Surfside Eats is right up our alley. Casual outdoor dining with a great view of the massive pool and bar area. We order, andI have to keep myself from texting Allie while I’m awaiting that drink. Because here’s the disappointing part: she knew when my flight was due to arrive. I’m two hours late, yet she hasn’t inquired as to my whereabouts.
“Your drinks,” the waitress says, placing my double whiskey and Bug’s soda on the table.
“Thank you.”
Bug watches her leave. “She’s pretty.”
I narrow my eyes. Bug never comments on women. Especially not to compliment them. “I suppose.”
“Do you think Charlie is still awake?”
“Probably. I texted Aunt Marti when we landed. She and Charlie and Dallas were out to dinner somewhere off resort property, but she said she’d find us after.”
“I can’t believe Aunt Marti is getting married in two days. Do you think she’s going to have another kid?”
“I don’t know, Bug. After what she went through with Alex, and after what Dallas went through with losing his family, I’m just not sure.”
She sips her soda. “I think one kid is perfect. Don’t you?”
“Yup,” I say without hesitation. I smile. “Especially when that one kidisperfect.”
She smiles back at me.
Our food arrives, and Bug dives right in, biting into a conch fritter as if she hasn’t eaten in days. “Uhmygod,” she mumbles around her food. “These are sooooo good.”
I pop one into my mouth and bite down. Then I stop chewing when I see Allie at the bar. And she’s not alone.
Thank goodness Bug is playing on her phone, because I can’t tear my eyes away from Allie. She’s so fucking sexy. Her short sundress shows off toned and tanned legs. Her hair is long and loose, and every so often, it gets caught in a breeze and she has to swipe it off her face. When she tilts her head to brushit away, I have visions of running my tongue along her slender neck.