As soon as the twinkling skyline comes into view on the other side of the bay, I know I’ve made the right decision in bringing Katie to the beach. Her face lights much like it did when she first saw the fountain in Vegas. Not only that, but based on the heated glances she’s been throwing my way since she found me waiting outside her room, I can’t imagine it will be much longer before she’ll beg me to make her come again. My dick twitches excitedly with the idea.

I find a place to plop down into the sand before cracking open a beer from the 12-pack we grabbed at the convenience store down the street. When Katie eventually lowers down beside me, I pass her the open beer and grab one for myself.

“I’m actually jealous you get to live out here,” she says before taking a sip. “Please tell me this view doesn’t ever get old.”

“I don’t get down here too often, but just wait until you see your first ocean sunset. We’ll take Jazz down to Del Mar tomorrow and cook brats over a bonfire on the beach.”

We’re both quiet for a handful of minutes, drinking our beer and appreciating the beauty of the lit buildings in the distance. It seems rare for Katie to go this long without talking, so I turn to her. She’s studying me carefully, conflict written all over her pinched expression.

“What?” I ask.

“Just trying to figure you out. I realized the other day I don’t know virtually anything about you beyond the fact that you served as a Marine. What do you do for a living?”

I consider it a sign in my favor that she was thinking about me recently. Is it possible she’s been fantasizing about me the way I’ve been over her? As much as I’ve tried to move on after that heated night in Vegas, I can’t forget how beautiful she looked mid-orgasm, or how soft her skin felt under my fingers.

“I’m a pole-dancing instructor,” I deadpan.

Laughing, she shoves my shoulder. “I’m serious!”

Chuckling along with her, I shrug. “I supervise the construction of high-end condos. My Sergeant got me the job with his brother-in-law’s company. It’s decent work, and it pays the bills. I’d make more if I applied for a job down in this area, but my mortgage would also be higher and I can’t quit the view from my house.” I wiggle my eyebrows, smirking. “Want to know my favorite color? What brand of soap I wash my ass with?”

“You own a house?”

“Why do you sound surprised?”

“I don’t know. I guess I always pictured you living in an apartment.”

“Sounds like you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about me.”

“You’re an incorrigible flirt.” With a little smile, her eyes roll to the sky. “So you’re a homeowner and you have a dog. The way you’re always goofing off, I figured you were one of those millennial types who sits on the couch with a bong and a bag of Cheetos while bitching about the unfairness of life.”

My blood singes with annoyance. How could she compare me to one of those privileged punks? My old man never would’ve put up with that attitude. He raised us to work hard and save playtime for when chores were done. Guess it’s another explanation as to why she’s always pictured me as a little kid.

“Fuckin’ hell,” I mutter to myself. Rubbing the irritation from my forehead, I turn to face her head-on. “I’m not going to lie to you, Katie. I smoked a little here and there when out partying with my buddies, but those days are far behind me. I work hard, never look for handouts or rewards for doing what’s expected of me. Last week I signed up with the Marine reserves, and they don’t put up with that whiny shit or drug use. We can’t afford to when we’re expected to do shit like patrols and shooting live ammo.”

It’s just light enough that I can see her sharp cheeks fill with a deep red blush. “I never should’ve assumed—I mean, it’s noble that you willingly enlisted and wanted back in. I’m sorry I put an ugly stereotype on you.” Her beautiful eyes slip downward to her beer. “I can’t seem to stop saying stupid shit when I’m around you.”

“No skin off my back.” With a nudge I toss her my best smile, hoping she’ll feel less embarrassed. “Just promise you won’t make any more lame-ass assumptions before taking the time to fact-check with me first.”

Lips bending with a shy grin, she nods once. “I promise.”

We return to drinking our beers in silence, but my thoughts are going a mile a minute. I’m no idiot. I see this opportunity for what it is—a second chance. I don’t know where this thing could possibly be headed or why I suddenly feel something more for her than a crush, but I won’t let it go this time. If I’m able to accomplish anything by spending another day with her, I resolve to prove that I'm a responsible man who could make her happy.

***

The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee stirs me from a deep sleep on the hideaway. If I hadn’t polished off a good portion of the beer, I would’ve driven home, convinced I wouldn’t catch a wink of sleep with Katie so close by. I’d feared the temptation to crawl into her bed would be too fucking great. But I must’ve passed out in the middle of our conversation about what it was like growing up on a farm.

I open my eyes to the bright light of day streaming into the modern suite.

“Hey, sleepyhead!” Katie sings from the kitchenette, a steaming mug in hand. She watches on with a smile as I scramble to my feet. “I wondered if you were going to sleep all day and skip out on that tour you promised.”

“No fuckin’ way.” I head for the coffee pot, ruffling my hair with one hand. “I have a full day planned for you.”

Thank fuck she’s completely dressed and not wearing the slinky pajamas I’d fantasized she’d slip into when we returned to the hotel, because then we never would’ve left the swanky room today. Though I didn’t get a chance to see what she wears to bed, I’m confident it won’t be long until I find out. Better yet, I hope to see her sleeping naked.

As I’m filling a cup of coffee I sneak a peek her way, appreciating the way her bright yellow pants with snaps running up the sides fit snug against her sweet ass, and the orange tank top she wears dips low enough to display the top swell of her beautiful tits. A flirty ponytail has her looking young enough to be mistaken for a sorority girl, and I’ll be damned if I don’t want to wrap my hand around the smooth rope and tug.

She’s normally so damn sexy I can’t stand going another minute without wanting to touch her, but today she’d be better described as cute. Her style’s unlike that of any other woman I know, just like her personality. I fucking love it.

When she catches me staring, her face screws up. “Am I overdressed?”

“For what I’d really like to do to you today? Hell yeah. But for what I have planned, you look perfect. Gorgeous, actually.”

“Oh, Braden. What am I going to do with you?” With a nasally laugh, she dips her head to take a pull from her mug.

For a fleeting moment I’m pissed, convinced she thinks I’m talking out of my ass with every sincere compliment I deliver. Does she really not get that she’s hot, or is she actually embarrassed? Either way, she needs to learn how to take a fucking compliment. I mentally add another mission to the day’s list of all the things I want to do with her.

* * *

Katie surprises me by rolling her window down for the entire ride back to Oceanside. It’s amusing how she’s nearly as excited as Jazz gets when the wind blows through her hair. If my piece of shit rust-bucket offends her, she didn’t let it show when I came around to manually unlock her door.

I keep meaning to trade the old pickup in for something newer since Minnesota winters were noticeably hard on it—the salt ate away both of the front wheel wells. Accordingly, Hap and Michelle nicknamed it “Rusty” when I first brought it out to Cali. But it was my old man’s farm vehicle for almost a decade before he died, making the sentimental value higher than it’s worth, so I’ve kept it around.

On the forty-something minute drive, our conversation is primarily based on her questions about Marine life: how long I was at Pendleton, what I did while stationed in Japan, what it means to be in the reserves, how often I have to report, and if I’ll ever be deployed. With every answer, I sense from the tone of her voice that she’s beginning to take me a little more seriously. It’s difficult as hell not triumphantly shouting at the top of my lungs. Give it time, beautiful, and you’ll be as convinced as I am that we’re a done deal.

But if I’m being perfectly honest with myself, I haven’t stopped to think what will happen after she returns to Brooklyn. What if sleeping with her has merely become some kind of quest only because she at first rejected me? Fuck. I sure as shit don’t think I have it in me to be that sadistic. Not with Katie. The feelings stirring in my gut whenever she’s around seem legitimate enough, so I can’t imagine hurting her that way.

From the corner of my eye, I watch her take in my house as I’m parking in the driveway. The way her eyebrows lift, I’m hopeful that she’s at least impressed. As we’re getting out, she makes a little noise of appreciation on the way to the front door.

“It’s beautiful, Brae. How long have you lived here?”

“Going on eight months. It still needs some work, but it’s getting there. I hope to put new siding on before summer, and maybe add a small air-conditioned pool house out back that Jazz can freely go in and out of to escape the heat.”

I grab Katie’s carry-on from the back of the truck and she follows me to the house. The second I open the front door, the big Lab comes bounding out at full force. She jumps on Katie, placing her front paw on her stomach and thumping her tail against my leg. Katie’s laughter seems genuine as I wrangle Jazz down by her collar.

“Down, girl!” I scold before meeting Katie’s gaze. “Sorry. It’s the only bad habit of hers I can’t seem to break. She’s just excited because I never invite gorgeous women over.”

Ignoring my last comment, Katie breaks out in a dazzling grin as she holds her hand out for Jazz to sniff. “She’s beautiful. What happened to her other leg?”

“The shelter wasn’t sure, other than she had been shot and left to die in a parking lot downtown.”

“What kind of asshole would shoot such a sweet dog?” Jazz’s long pink tongue laps across the back of her hand, seeming to understand her empathy. “Ugh, it breaks my heart that people can be so cruel to animals. I’m glad she has a good home now.”

Of course the woman would like dogs. Haven’t learned a single thing about her that doesn’t turn me the fuck on.

I push the door open and whistle for Jazz to retreat. Once inside, Katie slowly takes in every detail of my little rambler. I can’t imagine what she sees other than a plain, debatably clean bachelor pad filled with little more than second-hand leather furniture and a decent-sized flat screen. As I set Katie’s bag down, I suddenly see the place with a different eye, realizing I could add a few things to brighten it up a little. Maybe some decorative shit on the walls, a couple of rugs here and there. Every wall in the house was painted white by the previous owner right before I moved in, and could use a little color. The bland taupe shade of the floor tiles isn’t any better. Funny how I hadn’t really given it thought until seeing it through her eyes.

She motions to my prized 12’ board. “You surf?”

“Taught myself alongside a few buddies during basic. The waves are best early morning, but we can suit up and head down there now if you’re interested. I could even give you a lesson.” No lie, my balls become tight with the prospect of seeing her in a bikini.

She waves a hand through the air between us. “Oh, hell no. There’s no teaching this old dog new tricks. Besides, I didn’t bring a suit. Be thankful for that.”

“Jesus, Katie,” I snap, shaking my head. “You’re not anywhere close to being fuckin’ old. I wish you’d stop talking about yourself like you’re fifty. And don’t forget, I almost saw every last inch of you in Vegas. There’s not a single goddamned thing you should be ashamed of.” Color fills her cheeks when I take a step closer and place my hands on her curvy hips. “You’re hot as shit. I don’t want to hear one more fucking word otherwise. We clear?”

Uneven breaths shake her chest. Her gaze drops down to my lips that are close enough to kiss. I brace myself against her, waiting for her to give in, waiting for another taste of her sweet mouth, waiting for something to relieve the pressure at the base of my dick. She messes with my head in a way no one has before, and I’m drawn to her like a beacon on a foggy night. I want to destroy this woman’s body in a good way, one that will forever tattoo me into her memory so whenever she’s touched by another man she’s reminded of how I showed her real pleasure.

Pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, she spins around to the sliding doors leading to the patio. “Wow, that’s some view. I never really imagined California to be this hilly.”

I grumble and adjust myself before joining her. “That’s Palomar Mountain. If you had brought a decent pair of shoes I could’ve taken you hiking. I camp up there with my buddies all the time. The campgrounds have some pretty killer views.”

“Camp, like sleep in a tent? Never tried it. That actually sounds kind of…fun.”

Duly noted.

I’m chuckling as I open the door, letting Jazz whiz past before we follow her out onto the patio. Jazz heads straight for the small pool, stretching all three legs as far as they’ll go before making a big splash.

Giggling, Katie backs away to avoid the flying droplets of water. “Looks like your pool gets plenty of use.”

“She’s in there way more than I am,” I admit. “It’s a little cold this time of year since I don’t keep it heated.” Rubbing my head, I glance back at the house. “Can I get you something to drink while I shower up and change? I figure we can grab brunch from my favorite diner on the pier before I run that errand.”

With a little smile, she shrugs. “I’m good.”

“Make yourself at home while you’re waiting. If you come inside, make sure you shut the door behind you so inside doesn’t smell like wet mutt.”

I hurry inside, feeling the clock silently ticking away the remaining minutes we have left together. On the ride up she mentioned she’d look into buying a return ticket later, but I’m hoping I can show her a good enough time that she’ll give it at least one more day. I’m already dreading the cold void that will replace her presence once she’s gone.

Since I offered her the guest room, I quickly run in to tidy it up, shoving random shit thrown on the twin bed into the closet and sniffing the sheets to make sure they don’t smell musty. No one has ever stayed over. I’ve watched Jake a few times, but on those nights I stay at Hap and Michelle’s. Damn, I forgot how pathetic my life has become.

I strip on my way to the bathroom, throwing my clothes in the general direction of the washer/dryer unit. Turning the shower spray as hot as I can stand it, I hope to get rid of the boner that refuses to soften. Once I step in and realize I forgot to lock the door, I’m able to come hard and fast in my firm grip with the reality that Katie could walk in at any moment. Unfortunately, the door remains closed.

Once I’ve thrown on a pair of board shorts and a T-shirt Evelyn sent from Charlie’s last tour, I return to find Katie sitting in one of the loungers on the patio, my wet mutt leaning against her knees. Though my first instinct’s to run out there and tell Jazz to get away from her, Katie’s bent over, whispering something while scratching the dog’s chin. From the smile on her face, it looks like she’s enjoying every second and not worried about the wet spot Jazz is leaving on her pants. Damn it. I already have more than enough reasons to lust after the woman.

I slip outside to join them, unable to contain the wild grin splitting my cheeks. “I see you’ve made yourself a new friend.”

Still petting Jazz, she smiles back at me. “She’s seriously the sweetest girl I’ve ever met. I’d try to smuggle her home with me if my apartment allowed pets.”

“You’re living in an apartment?” I tease, lifting one eyebrow. “I always pictured you living in a house.”

“Very funny.” Despite narrowed eyes, she smiles in good nature. “I’m renting a one-bedroom in Brooklyn just down the street from Nolan’s bar. After Allen left, I didn’t see the point of keeping up a place with three bedrooms in an overpriced neighborhood. It was too big for one person. Plus I wanted to live closer to your sister and Shar since we spend almost every day together either working or hanging out. Just makes things easier. Plus your siblings all make a point of including me in their Sunday-funday tradition, so I kind of feel like an illegitimate Kendall.”

Well shit. Sounds to me like she’s pretty content living in Brooklyn. Guess I can strike the idea of her considering a move out here.

Hold on, BK. You’re getting way too far ahead of yourself on this one.

But as I watch her continue to interact with my dog, I can’t stop thinking of all the reasons why we’d be good together, and why I refuse to give up. For the first time I can actually see myself being happy settling down with one woman. It’s an opportunity I’m not going to let slip through my fingers.