The Trade(62)

“Surprised you haven’t seen it given the popularity of the towel picture that floats around on the Internet.”

“Yeah, I avoid all pictures of Jason on the Internet at this point. He’s done a few too many shirtless, almost pants-less photo shoots. The boy has no shame.” I glance at Cory and ask, “Does Milly have to avoid the Internet where you’re concerned as well?”

“Are you telling me you haven’t searched me on Google Image yet?”

“I have better things to do with my time,” I say, fluffing my hair.

“Like what? Bust my balls?”

“Of course.”

He lightly chuckles and holds the gate to the beach open for me. I brush past him, taking in his unique scent on the way. It’s clean, fresh, but also has this alpha-male note to it that makes my body shiver with anticipation.

“So what are your plans for your last day on the island?” he asks.

“Hang out, relax, try to avoid Jason and Dottie as much as I can.”

“I can help out with that.” He walks over to the beach hut, retrieves two towels and water bottles, and brings them back to me in a smooth jog. At least I think it was smooth. Not sure if my mind slowed him down or if he was really that flawless, but I will tell you this. The way his pecs bounced up and down will be imprinted in my mind for a very long time.

“Let’s go over there,” he says, pointing to an empty space on the beach.

“Looks great. I’ve been wanting—”

“Natalie.”

Oh shit.

I stop dead in my tracks when I see Nicholas walk up to us in nothing but a pair of blue Speedos. His body is impeccable, not as great as Cory’s of course, but pretty amazing for someone who codes software all day. And uh . . . his Speedos seem to be quite full as well.

I feel Cory stand straighter next to me, and I can only imagine what’s going on in his head. Oh God. Does Cory think I slept with Nicholas? Is that why he was reluctant to let me lean in for a cuddle? Does he think I came from one man’s bed to his? Shit. Shit. How do I fix that?

I give him a curt wave and say, “Uh, hey Nicholas.” I glance around the beach. “Surprised to see you out here. Shouldn’t you be in the conference?”

“Was hoping to catch you.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Playing hooky.”

Oh God, this could not be more awkward.

“Oh, daredevil,” I answer, unsure what to say. Nicholas glances at Cory and then does a double take. “Oh sorry, uh, Nicholas, this is my friend, Cory Potter.”

“Holy shit, Cory Potter.” He chuckles and lends out his hand. “As I live and breathe. Dude, your 2017 stats still make me weep.”

Cory shakes his hand, plasters on a smile, and politely says, “Thanks, man. I appreciate that.”

“Rebels lucked out acquiring you. Can’t wait to see how you lead the team this year.” And this is exactly why I had a nice time with Nicholas last night. He’s a genuine guy. Very polite, very interested in the conversation. I’m actually surprised he’s single.

“Thank you. Yeah, hoping for a good year. Preseason starts for me when I get home.”

“I’m sure you’re hitting the gym and the cages.” He turns back to me and as if Cory isn’t here, he says, “I was hoping you’d come back out last night, but I understand the rain check. Are you busy tonight?”

For the first time in my adult life, I feel a bead of sweat trickle down my back. This entire conversation is incredibly awkward and uncomfortable. How do I possibly tell him, umm . . . hoping I’m not, but never know because the guy next to me is so hot and cold, I can’t tell what he’s thinking or what he’s about to do, so possibly, but not.

“I’ll, uh, give you guys a moment,” Cory says, heading to the spot he pointed out and from the droop in his shoulders, I feel like I just cheated on him, even though that’s not possible, since we’re not together. He’s only held me by the shoulders and given me one hug, and yet I want to fling myself at Cory and tell him, I choose him, every day I choose him.

Very dramatic, I know. But I swear, the emotions I’ve been feeling this entire vacation rival the emotional roller coaster of a classic soap opera.

When Cory is out of earshot, Nicholas says, “What do you say? I know of this great restaurant a few miles from the hotel with fantastic oysters.”

Oh God, I feel awful. Really terrible actually, because I hate making people feel bad, but at this moment, looking at these two men, there is no doubt in my mind who I want to spend my last night on the island with, and it’s not the man in the Speedos, despite how impressive he looks in it.

Putting on my big girl pants, I say, “That sounds really wonderful, Nicholas. Unfortunately, I told my friends I’d spend the night with them. I’m really sorry. I feel awful.”

His smile doesn’t falter as he nods his head and then leans forward. “Yeah, I didn’t think I had a chance on Cory Potter, but thought I’d ask.” He steps up and gives me a hug. It’s brief, but Cory catches it, and I see a flash of pain cross over his face before he looks away. Does that mean he’s interested in me? Or do I tell Nicholas that Cory’s my brother’s teammate? No. That will mean explaining who my brother is. Crap. I hate lying.

“Ah, Cory’s just a friend, Nicholas. We’re here with three siblings and friends.” The words come out strong, but I don’t sound very convincing.