Ask Me Why(58)

I swing the door open to find Sadie standing on my porch. She has a hand raised, preparing to offer another knock. The disappointment clouding over me must show on my face.

Sadie purses her lips. “Nice to see you too, Brae.”

“Good morning.” The belated greeting doesn’t appease her.

“It’s almost ten o’clock. What have you been doing?”

I peek at my empty wrist, clearly missing the presence of a watch. “Uh, sleeping? It’s Sunday.”

“So? Get out and enjoy the sunshine.”

“Okay, thanks for the advice. What’s up?” I lean against the frame, crossing my arms.

Sadie is smiling now. “I’m the reinforcements.”

I blink at her. Without coffee, my circuits aren’t quite connecting. “Wait. Brance sent you?”

“Don’t forget Ollie and Jordan.”

“O-okay. Why?”

She quirks a brow. “Aren’t you gonna invite me inside?”

I sweep toward the hallway. “As if you need to be asked.”

“Here.” She hands me a plastic bag while passing by. “I took the liberty of buying you a new suit.”

I peek inside, finding a crisscross of strings and some scraps of fabric. “Uh, what?”

Sadie parks a palm on her hip. “We’re going to Lake Vask.”

“Swimming?”

She waves off my question. “Sunbathing. Day-drinking. Whatever.”

I take another careful look in the bag. “And you expect me to wear this?”

She’s nodding too fast. “Trust me. This is the latest trend.”

“Showing up to the beach naked?” My voice is a pitchy squeak.

Sadie claps. “Yeah, you’re finally understanding. Brance will love it.”

Thirty minutes later, I’m showered and shaved. My lady bits are tucked and stuffed into this microscopic bikini. I toss my hair up in a messy bun and throw on a coverup. My friend frowns at me, shooting a glare at the sheer dress.

“That defeats the purpose.” She wrinkles her nose, the slinky material apparently offending her.

I roll my eyes. “The summer heat is getting to you. There’s no way I’m leaving this house wearing next to nothing.”

Sadie huffs. “It’s not that bad.”

“Let’s see yours.” I lift a brow in challenge.

She averts her gaze. “I have nothing to prove.”

“Uh-huh, that’s what I thought.”

She grabs her purse and heads toward the door. “Let’s go. The guys are waiting. You can drive.”

“Because there’s another option,” I grumble.

I open the garage and unlock my car. Sadie drops into the passenger seat. She flips the visor down and checks out her reflection, flawless as always. I slip behind the wheel with a sigh.

“Whenever you’re ready to hand over the keys, I’ll be here.”

I smile at her. “Thanks. The thought isn’t as traumatizing lately.”

Sadie’s face lights up. “Really? Wow, that man has magical powers.”

I reverse out of the driveway with a laugh. “All he needs is another ego boost.”

“I bet. You’re stroking that bad boy several times a week.”

A puff of air escapes my lips. “You’re so bad.”

“Likewise,” she replies.

I curl my fingers around the leather grip. “I’ve been feeling better lately, Dee.”

She rubs my shoulder. “It shows, girlfriend. Why do you think I bought that suit? Strut your hot ass.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“That’s why you have me around. I sure will, for your benefit.”

“Such a great friend.” I wink at her.

“In all seriousness, I’m happy for you. No matter the cause or reason, seeing you smile is damn refreshing.”

“It really is.”

I turn onto the main road that leads down to the beach. The lots look full, so I park along the curb. A little walking will do us good. Sadie climbs out and steps toward the meter.

“It’s the weekend. Don’t waste your quarters.”

She points at me. “Good call. I’ll save my change for the vending machine.”

“We could’ve stopped for snacks.”

“And delay this adventure even longer? Brance wouldn’t appreciate that.”

I groan, peeking down at my outfit. “I cannot believe you talked me into this.”

She makes a disbelieving noise in her throat. “Brae, you look smokin’ hot. Brance will find some tiki hut for you two. It’s gonna be a wild ride. You better spill all the deets. You owe me, sistah.”

I gape at her. But there’s no denying the rush of heat spreading through my veins. “There will be none of that. We’re in a public place.”

“Oh, come on—you’re creative. Don’t pretend.”

I bow my head, hiding the fire traveling up my cheeks. “Whatever.”

“Take off that shapeless sack and show him what you’ve got.”

“He already knows,” I whisper.

Sadie tips her head back, cackling way too loud. “That’s my best friend. You’re gonna get laid.”