Page 85 of Taming a Menace

“You want me to do you?”

“Hmph.” He simpered before answering the question. “I don’t need sunscreen. I’m black.”

“You literally had this in your bag,” I reminded him.

“Yeah, for people like you.”

“Whatever. Be still. I’m not about to let your black ass get sunburned out there.”

It only took a second for me to realize what a colossal mistake I’d made when I volunteered to put my hands on Keywan. My fingers lingered over the grooves and cuts in his back as I took my time rubbing the sunscreen in. His chiseled frame felt heavenly under my fingertips. I could have stood there all day slathering that stuff on him and he would have let me. He never said anything as I made sure to cover every inch of his exposed skin.

“There,” I said, finally standing.

He chuckled under his breath and slapped me on the ass.

“Come on before you get yourself into something you can’t get out of up in here.”

“Something like what?” I asked with a coy grin.

“Unless you don’t want to make it to the beach, I suggest you not try to find out.”

“Maybe you can tell me when we make it back then,” I said before leading the way out of the room.

I decided not to mention Keywan taking the second bedroom because maybe it was for the best. I didn’t wait for him to catch up as I stepped out of the back door and walked the path that led down to the beach. Only a few feet away from the house and my toes were in the sand. My toes sank with every step I took. Key was right on my heels as I moved closer to the water.

“I should have got buckets for the sand.”

I could hear his low chuckle before he spoke up. “You really about to play in the dirt out here, Iyla?”

“Yes, what do you mean? How else do you think I’m going to build a sandcastle?”

He laughed. “I thought you were just playing about that, lady.”

“Well I’m not, and you’re going to help me.”

“I’m not getting down in that dirt like I’m a little boy, Iyla.”

“Yes, you are. It’ll probably be good for you,” I said, turning and grabbing both of his hands.

“What are you doing?” he fussed.

“Taking you with me.”

“I don’t play, Iyla.”

“You just don’t think it’s cool. I don’t want to hear that. You have to at least try. I’m trying for you. Aren’t I? I’m all the way out here even though I’m nervous, and it’s scary. I’m trying for you. The least you can do is play.”

He shook his head. “Damn, you didn’t have to go there.”

“Yes, I did. I don’t fight fair.”

“I see that.”

“See you don’t even know what you’re getting yourself into,” I teased.

“Yes I do, and I like it.”

“Well come on,” I said, turning and taking off running.