“What?”
“Let’s see how well they play without an Australian in the mix.”
Hayley’s lips quirk before panic takes over—perhaps noticing the mischief in my eyes. She turns to run, but I’m faster, catching her in seconds, throwing her over my shoulder, laughing when she squeals. “What are you doing?”
“Something I should have done weeks ago.”
“What? Lose your mind?”
“Maybe.”
“Dylan!” I call over my shoulder, patting Hayley’s ass. “It’s your turn to shine.”
Laughter follows us as I run toward the water, fully clothed, with Hayley arguing in protest. “Don’t even think about it, Reed. I know where you’re headed.”
I’m not actually going to throw her in, since the water is likely to be freezing, but a little teasing never hurt anyone.
I squeeze her ass again. “I thought this would be right up your alley. What happened to you being my wildcat?” She wriggles and I grin. “Trust me, it’s going to be worth it. It’s time we put on a show. Audiences will be eating out of the palm of your hand.”
I cringe when my feet hit the water, but it’s too late now. I'm committed and I’m not giving in. When I’m knee deep and shivering, I pretend to toss Hayley into the waves but catch her in my arms, lifting her before her feet get wet. Whether instinctively or from panic, she wraps her legs around my waist and frowns adorably as her hair blows across her flushed cheeks. “Reed, what are—”
I’m so struck by how beautiful she is that I can’t stop myself from slamming my lips to hers, cutting her off mid-rant, the weight of my feelings crushing my chest as she melts into me.
But it’s so fucking worth it.
She plays with my hair as my lips caress hers, her legs tightening around me while I hold her up, the waves crashing against my calves.
I rock involuntarily and her lips part in a gasp, making me desperate to seek out her tongue, but once again knowing that’s exactly why I shouldn’t.
With one hand secured underneath her, I cup her cheek with the other, working her mouth until she pulls back, gasping for air.
“That was some kiss, Boyfriend.”
“Only the best for my girl.”
“Then why no tongue?”
“I’m saving that until you beg.”
Her eyes widen, but before she gets the chance to respond, the mother of all waves hits us out of nowhere, and nothing I do can shield us from the attack.
“Jesus Christ,” I bellow as Hayley squeals, the water soaking us both, the cold instantly seeping through to my bones. “Time to get out.” I shake, my voice a little higher than usual.
Hayley’s laughter fills the air as I spin around and hightail it out of the water. When we’ve made it to the sand, she tries to wriggle free, but I shake my head and growl, carrying her in my arms as I jog back to our friends, cursing when the wind hits my wet clothes.
“Jesus.” Hayley crosses her arms over her breasts. “My clothes are drenched and I didn’t bring any extras.”
“I brought a towel.”
“Thank you. But I’m going to need your jumper too. It’s bigger than mine and I need something to cover my ass.”
“You need what?” I smirk and she rolls her eyes, shaking her head.
“Yoursweatshirt, smartass.”
Amelia has a towel ready when we get back, wrapping it around Hayley as I frown at the guys. “Where’s my teamwork?”
“You should have thought of that before you tried to drown Hayley,” Luke jokes, making me chuckle as my body trembles.
