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EMILY

Four days, that’s how long I was able to stay.

It would have been longer, but there’s no way Kels and Nat could get everything done and reopened in a timely manner.

Plus I’d feel guilty. It sucked because these past days of it being nothing but venturing out while Tate is working, him coming back, us either eating in, being tourists, or eating out was a lot of fun.

The worst part is that I know when I go back home, neither of us knows when Tate will be back, and while we agreed to no labels, just that the two of us were exclusive, that doesn’t help my traitorous heart, a topic that I’m not going to touch with my sister.

She’d get excited, I’d have to calm her down, she’d lose her shit, I’d get annoyed, and then a fight would commence.

I don’t want that to happen, so I’m keeping it all bottled in, like how now, when Tate is dropping me off, neither of us can quit touching or kissing, practically being obscene in public.

I already know it’s going to suck; FaceTime and phone sex are not the same as the real deal, not to mention getting used to sleeping next to someone who has no problem holding you throughout the night even if it’s a leg crossed over mine, a hand palming my ass cheek, or feeling his chest pressed against my back.

So, yep, I’m completely sunk for a man, and as hard as it is to admit, I’m falling hard and fast for Tate.

The one problem I’m seeing with this is that what if he doesn’t reciprocate the feelings?

What if this is all one-sided? There’s no way I could handle that, not after I’m the one who drew the line in the sand in our parameters.

“Em, babe, you don’t leave now, I’m not going to let you leave,” Tate murmurs against my lips.

He once again walked me towards the terminal, security not letting him go any further since he didn’t have a ticket.

Did I mention this sucks? Because it totally does.

Instead of letting him go, though, I graze his lips one last time, plant my head, not even my forehead, in the center of his chest, my eyes to the ground, and breathe deeply.

Tate’s scent surrounds me, his hands rubbing up and down the back of my arms.

“I should just call Kelsey and tell her I need a few more days. I’m not ready to get back on the grind, or leave.

” Tate instilling the no work talk while we were together was the best thing ever.

Do I want to talk about franchising Beach Babe into other areas of the country?

That’s a no-brainer. It would be smart to diversify and be a better investment in terms of growth.

“You’re not going to hear me complaining about you staying longer.

Not sure you can handle it, though. You’d be pacing the floors, biting your lip, upset that you weren’t there getting your hands dirty.

” He’s not wrong, on all of the above. It’s exactly what I would do.

That soul-consuming guilt I’m plagued with would come full circle, for sure.

“Ugh, it’s not fair. I guess this is goodbye, then.” I look at the time on my watch glaring at me that my flight leaves in less than thirty minutes, and if I don’t move my ass, I’ll probably miss it, causing even more trouble in the long run.

“Nah, just see you later. I’m giving this dirtbag another few days, then I’ll be back home.

Worse comes to worst, anytime you want to fly out and get away, wherever I am, you’re always welcome.

” My head moves up on his statement, and I look deep into his pretty, green eyes.

The light to his darker features makes them pop even more.

“I may take you up on that. One more kiss before I leave?” I’m totally fishing, wanting to keep Tate’s taste, the feel of his lips, the way he dominates me with them as well as his body when we’re in bed or anywhere that has us ripping off our clothing.

He may let me take the top sometimes, but even then, he’s guiding me with how I ride him.

Not that I mind because we both get ours, and it’s always freaking phenomenal.

“Pretty sure that’s something you don’t ever have to ask me when it comes to you, okay?

” Tate’s lips touch mine, nipping at my lower lip until I open.

His tongue slides in, tangling with mine.

My hands go to his waist, grasping him, needing to be as close to him as humanly possible while maintaining decency, which seems impossible when it comes to this man currently plundering my mouth.

“I’ll see you soon, within a week, promise.” I take a deep breath, attempting to catalogue every facet of him. I’m not sure why. It’s not like he’s going off to war and I’m not going to ever see him again. Ridiculous. I am being freaking ridiculous.

“See you then.” I grab the handle of my suitcase, leaving Tate standing where he is.

It doesn’t take me long till I’m peeking over my shoulder to see if he’s still there.

He is, and of course that has a flurry of butterflies floating around inside of me.

I’m adding that to the list of never have I ever, until Tate.

It seems I’m going through a shit ton of firsts with him.

I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or something I’ll just have to get used to because one thing is for sure: there’s no way I’m ready to give this up.