Until May (Until Her/Him #11)(9)

Like she knows what I’m thinking, her cheeks darken, and she tugs her eyes off me and leans over, putting her fingers in the water.

“Don’t fall in.” I grab hold of her hips and use my weight to keep us from tipping over.

“I’m not going to fall in,” she says as one of the dolphins nudges her fingers with its beak.

“They like you.”

“I wish I could swim with them.”

“You can,” I tell her, and she peeks over at me. “But if there are dolphins in the water, there are probably sharks.”

“Stop it,” she gasps and pulls her hand out of the water, and I laugh, then grab her wrist when she smacks my chest. “You’re so mean.”

“A little.” I smile, and she rolls her eyes, then pouts when the dolphins both take off into deeper water.

“It’s time to take the jet ski back anyway,” I tell her, pointing out that everyone is headed back to shore.

“Darn.” She turns, grabs the handles, and drives us toward the beach. When we arrive, I help her off the jet ski, then watch as the guy who was helping her earlier comes over as we take off our life vests.

“Did you have fun? I saw that you ran into Bruce and Edwina, the dolphins that are always out there.”

“Is that their names?” She laughs.

“It’s what I call them.” He shrugs and smiles at her.

“They seemed really friendly.”

“They are. In the evenings, I go out into the water and swim with them. I get off at five; you can join me if you want,” he offers, and I narrow my eyes on him.

Is he seriously trying to pick her up when I’m right fucking here?

“Oh.” She glances up at me quickly. “That’s really sweet, but I’m here with my cousins, and we have plans tonight.”

“That’s cool. I’m off tomorrow. I could meet you then.”

“Bro.” I shake my head at him when his gaze comes to me before it drops to May when she steps between us, holding out her life jacket.

“Thanks. Sadly, I head home tomorrow, but I really appreciate the offer.”

“That’s cool.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “Maybe next time you’re in town.”

“Yeah, maybe,” she agrees softly before giving him her vest. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You too, babe,” he says as she walks away, and I stare at her ass as she goes, then look over at the guy, finding him doing the same before his gaze comes to me. “Good luck with that, dude.”

“Shut up.” I shove my life jacket at him and take off after her. I know I shouldn’t be pissed, but that’s exactly what I am. Pissed that she would even entertain that guy, pissed that she caught Troy’s eye, and pissed that she’s leaving tomorrow—two days before I’m supposed to head back home.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“So what’s you guys’ plan for tonight?” I hear Willow ask as I catch up with the group that is now heading up the beach toward the houses.

“I was thinking we’d go into town for dinner around seven, then maybe go out and find a bar to hang out at after that, if you girls want to join us,” Carlo says, and Willow looks at her sister and cousins, who all nod or shrug. All except May, who has her eyes on her feet in the sand while Troy says something that makes her smile.

“Cool, then we’ll meet you guys out front at around 6:45,” Willow says, and all the girls break away to join her and say a quick goodbye before the four of them walk toward their house. I don’t know what the other guys do, but I watch May go while trying to come up with a plan to get her alone.





Chapter 4


May

“ARE YOU SURE you don’t want to come out with us?” Hanna asks, and I drop the book in my hand to my chest and find her leaning against the doorjamb that leads to the outdoor deck, where I’ve been reading.

“I’m sure. I just want to relax and soak up a little more of this view before I have to leave tomorrow,” I tell her as she steps out onto the deck.

“If you want, we could skip hanging out with the guys, and all of us girls could just go out.”

“No.” I wave her off. “You all go have fun. I’m honestly partied out after the last few days and need a break.”

“Is that the real reason, or are you trying to avoid Aiden?” She raises a brow as she eyes me doubtfully.

“I’m not avoiding anyone.” I roll my eyes like she’s being ridiculous and ignore the way my stomach feels at the mention of his name.

“Okay, if you’re sure.” She tips her head to the side. “So you’d be okay if I tried to talk to him?” My heart drops to my stomach at that question, and I watch her grin. “That’s what I thought.”

“Whatever,” I mutter, and she laughs and blows me a kiss as she turns for the door.

“Have fun with Aiden toniiight,” she sings.

“I’m not seeing him toniiight,” I sing back.

“Sure, you’re not.” She waves before she steps into the house and closes the door. Shaking my head, I pick my book back up, one of my favorite kinds of stories—a fantasy with an anti-hero who is falling desperately in love with the strong female lead. A woman who doesn’t need a man but still can’t resist the guy she shouldn’t have anything to do with.