by Mary Smith
I knew she hated mornings, but she looked so cute standing by the bed, trying to wake up.
“Do you want me to get ready first so I can grab you some breakfast?”
She nodded and crawled back into the bed. I chuckled and headed to get ready.
I opened our door, balancing two cups of coffee and a bagel with butter and jelly; I knew how Harlow ate them, even though it was gross.
I set everything on the dresser and noticed the en-suite door open. Harlow stood in front of the mirror, with her auburn hair in a high ponytail, finishing up her makeup. She had a dark blue capped sleeve shirt and white shorts.
Damn, she has the best legs.
“I have coffee and a bagel for you.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right there.”
I went back to the couch, sipping my coffee, nibbling on my doughnut. I watched Harlow come over and take a seat next to me. I handed everything to her.
“Thanks, Keaton,” she said again.
“No problem.”
We sat in silence for a few moments before I spoke. “I have some sightseeing stuff booked. I’d like you to come with me.”
She took another bite of her bagel, chewing slowly, stalling along the way.
“Sure. Yeah. I’ll hang out with you.” She seemed too casual about the answer.
“Okay.” I tried to act the same, but my insides jumped up and down with excitement.
We finished our breakfast just as we docked. Harlow and I then headed into the town of Dubrovnik.
We took the cable car tour, which seemed to be quite long and beautiful. Several other patrons from the cruise were there too. Harlow seemed chatty with them, but she had always been friendly.
When we finished, we did a tour of the ancient city walls and old town. I’d never been a huge history buff, but our tour guide was extremely informative. I was intrigued. Even Harlow commented on how interesting it was.
As we headed back to the boat, we stopped at a couple little shops. Harlow picked out a few things for the girls. I even grabbed something for Felicia.
Even though we didn’t talk a lot, I thought we both had fun. At least, I did. Harlow brushed against me a few times on our way back, and I desperately wanted to hold her hand, but I carried the bags instead.
“There’s a formal dinner tonight with a show. Do you want to go?” I asked as we walked into our room.
“Well, I didn’t eat yesterday, so I guess.”
“Don’t strain yourself,” I mumbled at her vague answer. “I thought since we had a nice day, we could keep it going.”
Harlow deflated. “You’re right; we did have a nice day. I will go to dinner with you. Thank you.”
My heart slammed into my chest. I felt as if I’d made it through the first part of a very long obstacle course.
This might be a successful trip after all.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Harlow
Keaton pulled on his suit jacket and adjusted his tie before turning to me. “Wow!”
I glanced down at my dress. It was red with an enormous amount of beading that stopped just above my knees. It came up like a turtleneck, but the arms and back were bare. I slipped into my matching red heels, making me level with Keaton’s blue eyes.
“I take it you like it.” I gave him a spin. I could tell he enjoyed it a lot, but I’d be lying if I didn’t like torturing him too. “Is it hard for you right now?” A small smile played on my lips.
“No more than how wet you are,” he teased.
I took a step up closer to him. “I’m pretty dry right now.”
Keaton raised an eyebrow and didn’t back down. “Oh, I’d love to see if I could change the situation.”
I shrugged, putting on my fake megawatt smile. “Too bad you can’t; I won’t allow it. Ready to eat?”
Keaton seemed sad and shook his head. “Let’s go, honey-bunny.” He put his smirk back on.
I know I shouldn’t taunt him. Nothing would happen between us, no matter how good it felt to wake up in his arms this morning. Part of me enjoyed the comfort of his warmth and his hard on, but my realist side told me to get the hell up and run away.
I did.
Today, we’d had a lot of fun. The guide seemed knowledgeable and fun, the cable car was a blast, and I met nice people. Even though enjoyable, the day happened between friends.
Keaton held out my chair for me, and I noticed more than a few people turning their heads to gaze at us. Though I never turn down attention, the look in some of the women’s eyes turned on the jealously inside of me as they stared at Keaton.
Why? We’re not together. Anyone can stare at him.
“Thank you,” I politely said when he took the seat to my left.
The waitress came up and took our drink and food order. She continually gazed at Keaton, and it made my emotions bloom more. It shouldn’t, but I couldn’t help it.
The show was amazing. It was about music around the world. The whole thing was spectacularly captivating. There were a lot of regions depicted, and even Keaton remained transfixed on the entrainment as well.
When it finished, our food arrived and small talk ensued, mainly about the food, which was mouth-wateringly delicious.
“How are you and Felicia doing?” I pushed my now empty plate away.
“Um…hard to explain, but it’s good. She’s really helped me.”
“Is she at your Grams’ house?”
“I told her to stay until she finds something on her own or stay and pay the bills.”
“That’s nice you’re letting her stay.”
“I’m not a huge asshole, honey-bunny.”
I wanted to tell him not to call me honey-bunny, but I let it slide. “Have you cleaned out Grams’ stuff yet?”
Keaton’s face turned sad, and I knew I’d gone too far. “I’ve not touched a thing yet.”
“You will when you’re ready.” I gripped his wrist, trying to show him some comfort.
“How’s the new job?” He sipped his scotch, but neither of us moved our hands from each other.
“Actually, pretty great. It’s more work, but Dacey is a dream and a huge help. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her.”
“Vance seems happy with her.”
“I still find their situation so strange, but they’re supposed to marry before the season starts.”
Keaton chuckled. “At least, I won’t have to buy a gift for Remington and Maxima since theirs isn’t real.”
“True, but Maxima is serious about making it work and as real as possible. She told us the ex is a real bitch.”
“She’s a piece of work for sure.”
“Do you know her?” I snapped.
“Remington’s ex?” He shook his head. “Not personally, just from what he has told me.”
My jealously needed to get under control because I almost bit his head off thinking he knew Remington’s ex. I removed my hand from his wrist and rubbed my temples.
“You okay?” he asked with much concern.
“Yes.” I took a deep cleansing breath and dropped my hands into my lap. Over the loud speaker, the announcer told us the dance floor was now open.
Keaton stood and held out his hand. I stared at him as if he grew a third eye.
“Come dance with me, honey-bunny.”
“You?” I hid my laugh. “You dance?”
“I do. Come on.”
I threw caution to the wind for the first time in a long time and took his hand. Feeling his arms around me, holding me, was the only thing on my mind.
He placed one hand very low on my back, pulling our bodies flush with each other. His hard body easily made me wet, and I was grateful I could hide it.
Keaton laid his cheek against mine, and his aftershave made my toes curl. His warm breath tickled my skin, and I held back the shiver that wanted to race through me.
“I’m sorry, Harlow. I’m sorry I didn’t take you out more. I should have sent you flowers every day to show you I ca
red. When I figured out I loved you, I should have shouted it from the rooftops, put it on billboards, and told every person I passed on the street. I never treated you right, but if you give me a second chance, I’ll spend every moment of every day showing you how worthy I am to be your boyfriend again.”
Each syllable he spoke hit my heart and soul hard. He said everything I wanted to hear. I closed my eyes to keep the tears from falling.
“I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but just tell me what you want from me, and I’ll do it to prove to you.”
I never lied in my life. Sure, the small lies didn’t count; age, weight, that I actually watched the news, shit like that, but big stuff like this…no. I believed in one hundred percent honesty.
Keaton and I swayed to the music. Our bodies still close to each other, cheeks still touching, and I said it. “I need time.”
He stopped and pulled his head back; his eyes wide in shock.
“You hurt me. I told you this. A relationship with me will never work if you don’t communicate with me, don’t trust me, and treat me like shit.” The tears slid down my face.
Keaton softly wiped them away. “I’m sorry, Harlow. I don’t want you to hurt over me. But take all the time you need.”
I thought I heard his voice crack, but I rested my head on his shoulder, and we danced through another song until I said I was growing tired. Keaton led me back to the table and handled the bill. I allowed him to hold my hand as we strolled back to the cabin.
I took my shoes off the second I reached inside the door and dumped them and my clutch in the corner.
“Harlow.”
I turned toward his sexy voice. “Yes?”
“On a proper date, the guy usually gets a kiss at the end of the night.” His eyes bounced happily over my body.
“If the date had been satisfactory, sure, a kiss would be in order.”
“And tonight?” He eyed me again.
I stepped up to him, placing my hands on his biceps and easily rested my lips in his cheek. “Thank you for a great night.” I knew he wanted a real one, but not tonight.
“What’s the plan for beautiful Kotor?” Keaton asked as we stepped of the boat.
“There’s a beautiful castle called the Castle of San Giovanni. I booked a tour and after it’s over, I’m going back to lay pool side and relax.”
“You in a bikini will be the highlight of my life.”
“Your life?” I scoffed. “Aren’t you reaching a bit?”
“Oh no, I’m not, honey-bunny.”
We held hands as we made our way to the castle. The tour guide’s attitude was quiet dull compared to yesterday’s guides, and surprisingly, much shorter. On our way back to the dock, we stopped at a small café for coffee and pastries. We found a nice bench outside to sit and enjoy the day.
“It’s a getting a little cloudier.” Keaton gazed up at the sky. “You’re still getting in your bikini, right?”
I smirked. “Maybe,” I teased a bit.
He chuckled.
We started people watching, casually commenting on the clothing, bags, and shoes. Well, I commented more on the accessories than Keaton. This morning had seemed perfect, and after finishing our food and drinks, we strolled hand-in-hand back to the boat.
The comfort and familiarity was there between us, and I embraced it, but only a little bit. I needed time, mainly to make sure Keaton could handle being in a relationship with me. Age never bothered me, but Keaton was twenty-five, and a workaholic with a long hockey career in front of him. These were important factors in giving him my heart back.
I was a realist in every way.
We made it back to our cabin, and I grabbed my bathing suit before heading in to the bathroom to change. Keaton had been right about me being in a bikini. Sure, I was forty, but my body didn’t look bad. There was some cellulite on the back of my thighs. My boobs drooped a bit, and my stomach wasn’t as tight as ten years ago, but I felt good about all those little imperfections.
As long as I felt good, that’s all that mattered.
I slid on my cover up and walked into the room, only to stop in my tacks. Keaton stood in the middle of the room in red trunks, hanging low on his hips. His abs were more defined, and his pecks hard.
Damn him and his blue eyes.
“I think you’re drooling, honey-bunny.”
“Nope.” Even though I clearly was eyeing him like a snow cone as I walked in the desert.
“Well, then,” he held out his elbow. “Are you ready to hit the pool?”
I gazed at his body one more time and took his elbow, heading back out in the fresh air.
Chapter Thirty
Keaton
I effortlessly found two deck chairs facing the ocean. A lot of people were still out exploring the city. However, there were several families and children in and around the pool.
I hadn’t been paying attention, but out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Harlow remove her cover-up. My dick twitched as my full attention focused on her lean, slammin’ body and blue bikini.
“You’re drooling,” she informed me and laid out on her deck chair.
“Are you kidding me?” I mumbled and sat on my deck chair. I gazed at her long legs, flat stomach, and round breasts. I didn’t know how long I could stay out here without attacking her.
No, she needs time. Back off, Keaton.
“What’s wrong?” I heard the question in her teasing tone.
I groaned in response, and she giggled, but didn’t look over at me. Instead, she took out her Kindle and focused on it. I had a paperback, but I continued to stare at her long and luscious legs.
Fuck, I wanted them wrapped around me.
I knew she told me she needed time, and I could give her that. I thought my heart would explode with elation when she didn’t push me away last night. Even the kiss on the cheek damn near sent me over the moon.
I seriously tried to focus on my book, but I absolutely couldn’t read one word on the page. I finally gave up, shut the book, and closed my eyes.
There. That’s better.
“Boring book?” Harlow asked.
“No. I’m just distracted by a sexy woman next to me,” I told her honestly.
“Ah, poor puppy.”
My eyes flew open, and I stared at her again. “You called me puppy.” She hadn’t said it consciously since that unfortunate night.
“Well,” she squirmed in her seat. “It’s your name.”
The smile on my face grew before I could even attempt to stop it. I’d completed another part of the obstacle course in winning Harlow back.
We remained out on the deck for a while longer, and I continued to stare at her. I didn’t care about scenery around me. Just her.
“I’m going to head back.” I abruptly stood up. I had to get out here, or I’d bust through my shorts.
“Okay.” She smiled and then went back to her kindle.
I knew I still had cell service since we were still docked, and I wanted to check my emails and texts before we shoved off again.
Plus, the distraction was well needed.
Felicia sent me several messages about Axel along with a few pics. Remington sent a text about Maxima moving in, and he wanted to know when I’d be back. My mind still couldn’t comprehend all the ins and outs of his situation. But he was doing it for his kid.
I scrolled through my emails, but nothing seemed urgent, until I saw one from the University. I quickly opened it, nervous on what it would say.
Congratulations.
My heart stopped. I did it. I had graduated. All my hard work paid off. Grams popped into my mind. She’d be so proud of me. She’d always been my biggest supporter.
I didn’t realize what was happening, but the tears came quickly. They rolled down my cheeks, and I sniffed hard, wiping them away. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d really cried. I put my head in my hands, dropping my phone in the process.
The sobbing continued, and I couldn’t stop
it. The tears flowed heavy for Grams being gone, the hurt and pain I’d caused Harlow, and most of all, the fact she was giving me a second chance, even though I’d treated her like shit. Every emotion I’d felt in the last six months came out through my tear ducts.
I thought I heard the door open, but I couldn’t raise my head. Suddenly, there were arms around me, and I turned into them, burying my head in the crook of her neck. I knew it was my honey-bunny. Her soft, clean scent washed over me, bringing me a state of calmness.
Finally, I pulled back, and Harlow wiped the tears away.
“Wait here.” She jumped up and went to the bathroom. A moment later, she came out with tissues and a washcloth. “Blow you nose,” she ordered, handing me the box.
I did as she told me to, and she began to wipe my face with a warm rag. “I’m sorry.” I sniffled.
“You never, ever have to apologize for crying, Keaton.” She continued to wipe me down. “But may I ask why?”
“I miss Grams. I hate myself for being an asshole toward you. I’m happy I’m here with you. I love you so much, and I shot it all to hell.” I rattled off everything still bouncing around in my head. “And I just got word I graduated with my Master’s.”
Harlow sat back a bit. “Those are all valid reasons to shed tears.”
I nodded, not about to say anything, almost hiding my face.
“Keaton,” she gripped my chin, making me look at her. “Crying is a form of emotion that everyone has and does. Don’t try to be a macho man. There’s nothing wrong with you crying.”
“I miss her, and I hurt you, all the while being an ass.”
“You won’t get any arguments from me on that one.” She released my face. “And I told you, I needed time.”
“I know.” I laced our fingers together. “I’ll give you all the time you need.”
“Well,” she smiled. “I’m hungry and thirsty. I say we change and hit the bar and eat a ton of carbs and drink a lot. Are you in?” She beamed.
“Under one condition.” I knew she wouldn’t go for it, but you couldn’t blame a guy for trying.
“And what’s the condition?”
“One kiss.”
