“When you’re in your sparring class tomorrow morning? Try not to get hit in the face.”
He smiled, watching as her car sailed up the boulevard, wondering what he was getting himself into. He hadn’t expected her invitation, and as he made his way back to his Camaro, he replayed the evening, trying to figure it out. Whatever her reason, he couldn’t deny the fact that he’d been pleased.
He wanted to see her again.
No question about it.
CHAPTER 6
Maria
“I
knew you’d like him!” Serena crowed. “Was I right or what?”
It was Sunday morning, and as usual, Maria was with her sister on the back porch while their mom was finishing up breakfast. Their father was walking Copo, who was fluffed and clean, with a pink bow near her ear.
“I didn’t say I liked him,” Maria answered. “I said he was interesting.”
“But you also said you’re meeting him today. In your bikini.”
“I’m not going to be wearing my bikini while I’m paddleboarding.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not you, okay? It would make me uncomfortable.”
“Well, you better show some skin, because believe me, you’re going to want him to take his shirt off. The whole sneaking-a-peek thing needs to work both ways.”
“I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.”
“You’re right. You should probably wear some baggy sweats or something like that. And no matter how you’re dressed, I’m just glad you’re finally going on a date.”
“Don’t try to make this into something that it isn’t. It’s not a date. We’re just going paddleboarding.”
“Uh-huh.” Serena nodded. “Whatever you say.”
“I don’t know why I even try to talk to you about these things.”
“You talk to me because you know I’ll tell you the truth. Which is why, of course, the two of you hit it off so well. Because Colin is just like me.”
“Yes, of course. You’re right. I’m essentially going out with my younger sister.”
“Don’t blame me. I’m not the one who followed him out to the pier.”
“I didn’t follow him out to the pier!”
Serena giggled. “You’re so touchy these days. But if you want my advice, I’d wear a bikini under the baggy sweats, okay? Just in case it gets too hot out there. Because it’s going to be warm today.”
“Can we talk about you instead? Like how the rest of your evening went?”
“There’s not much to tell. We hit the bars, went to a party. Just a typical Saturday night.”
“How’s it going with Steve?”
“He’s a little clingy, and I’m not sure I’m ready for something like that. But back to Colin again. He’s seriously hot.”
“Yes, I noticed.”
“Did he try to kiss you good-bye?”
“No. And I didn’t want him to.”
“That’s good,” she said, “keep playing hard to get. Guys like that.” Maria made a face and Serena giggled again. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop. I think it’s great, though. You not only have a date – a real date, no matter how you describe it – but you’re the one who asked him. You’re the epitome of the modern woman. And just so you know, I’m totally jealous that you’re going to get to see him with his shirt off. I don’t think he has an ounce of fat on him.”
“I really couldn’t tell you. It was kind of dark and he was walking beside me.”
“I want pictures today. You always bring that camera with you anyway. Just sneak a few of him.”
“No.”
“I would think that you could do at least this one little thing for your baby sister, who also happens to be the one to set you up with him.”
She thought about it. “Okay, maybe.”
“Awesome. Or better yet, take some with your phone and send them to me and I’ll put them on Instagram.”
“Not a chance.”
“Are you sure? I’d hate to have to tell Dad you’re going out with an ex-con who’s currently on probation.”
“Don’t you dare!”
“I was kidding! I don’t even want to be in the same state when you drop that little bombshell. So warn me in advance, okay?”