Page 114

KELSEY

“Well, that was fun.” We skated by. I could see the sadness seep into Mrs. Hart’s eyes.

That’s when I told her my stomach wasn’t feeling good and I’d really love to be able to make it to brunch tomorrow, where it was more of a one-on-one setting.

The Hart family is big, but the friends they invited along to the reception, well, it made it even bigger and harder to spend time together.

Everyone was being pulled in one direction or the other.

At one time, Deke was being asked a business question after we stepped off the dance floor, prolonging us from leaving.

It worked in the long run because Mrs. Hart smiled and pulled me in for a hug, which also made me feel like the biggest jerk in all of Florida with this ruse of a relationship.

“The sarcasm dripping from your voice tells me otherwise.” When we made it back to Deke’s condo, he brought my bag into his bedroom.

Yep, you guessed it. His place is a studio-style condo with a complete open floor plan minus the bathroom.

The vibe is masculine with a sparseness that I’m not sure is what Deke is going for or if he can’t be bothered.

Or maybe he just bought the place for the view, considering it’s right on the beach.

“Have you met me? If not, let me introduce to you all of me, sarcasm, sass, and smart ass all rolled into one.” Deke gave me the bathroom when we got back.

My feet were screaming to ditch the heels, and I needed to change into clothes that don’t require me to worry about my nipples being on full display.

Though if Deke keeps his air conditioning at the level it is now, he may find me sleeping out here on his balcony.

“Pizza is ordered. Beer is for you.” I walk through the open sliding glass door.

Deke is sitting in a chair, an empty one beside him with a small table between holding his opened bottle of beer and my unopened one.

That’s also when I notice he’s lost his shirt, shoes, and socks, leaving him in only dress pants.

Holy Mother of Mary. I was not expecting this, though I’m now wearing an oversized shirt, still no bra because those contraptions are not for me if it can be helped, and cotton drawstring shorts.

“Thanks.” I take my seat, cross my legs, and grab the beer, hoping to cool myself off in this heat that was simmering at one point, you know, after the dance floor scene when I felt just how long, hard, and even girthy Deke is, to now seeing so much of his work-hardened body in the flesh.

This is dangerous freaking ground for a fake relationship.

“No problem. I guess we need to hash things out before the day gets much later and you’re ready to pass out.” I roll my eyes. He’s referring to the fact that when the sun sets and the clock flashes nine o’clock at night, I’m dead-ass asleep.

“The clock is ticking.” I tap my left wrist, mimicking a watch.

“I probably won’t be asleep that early, not with the dashing conversation that’s about to commence, plus the fact that my stomach is in need of food.

And if I even attempt to fall asleep without feeding it, well, it might eat itself.

” I tip my head back and close my eyes, breathing in the salt air, while listening to the waves crash, knowing that my heart will always be anywhere the ocean is.

“There’s that sarcasm you were talking about. I’d like to say tomorrow should be smooth sailing, but we’ll probably get questioned to death.” Deke takes a sip of his beer. I follow his lead since I’ve yet to have one.

“Yeah, and while you telling a white lie to your family may not bother you, I’d prefer if we can keep it as close to the truth as possible, like how we met, for instance.” My eyes move to Deke’s. He’s nodding his head.

“I’m good with that.” Clearly, I’m going to be the one firing off the questions in hopes for an answer.

“Okay, before this relationship, I only had one other that was serious, and you got a glimpse of that. Thankfully, it lasted less than a year. What about you?” I ask.

“High school was the last long-term relationship I was in. My family is aware of that. They don’t know all the details, and I’ll be keeping it that way.” Message received, loud and freaking clear.

“Alright. Favorite color? Mine is olive green or blush.” Maybe asking the dumb questions will help get things moving along.

“Blue. Pink looks good on you.” Deke is not a man of many words. He’s all about actions, and every time he utters something like this, or when he did that swivel of his hips on the dance floor, it only ignites my body all over again.

“Thanks.” The buzzing of the doorbell interrupts my version of twenty-one questions, which just means I’m somehow going to have to pester the heck out of Deke while we eat, not drink too many more beers with him, and try not to fall asleep the second my belly is full.

Of course, that doesn’t stop me from ogling his body as he walks by me.

Muscular build, a good head and shoulders taller than me, a dusting of hair along his chest leading down towards the V of his lower abdomen.

That’s when I notice the bulge he’s sporting.

Heaven help me, this is going to be a long night, and I’m going to somehow sleep in the same bed with him, plus keep my hands to myself when I know for a fact I’m one hell of a cuddler.

Yep, tonight is going to be a test of strength and willpower, and honestly, I’m not cheering for myself to win, not when it comes to Deke Hart.