Page 84 of The Last Goodbye

“Just be careful, Jov. You’re the only sister I’ve got.”

“I promise I will. And we’ll FaceTime twice a week.” She hugged me one last time. “Stop frowning—this is a good thing. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy.”

I nodded. “I know. I’m proud of you. I just want you to be safe.”

“You know, I’ve graduated from college and I’m heading off to my dream internship. Maybe it’s time you start living a little, too.” She chuckled before grabbing the handle of her carry-on. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed how often you text and talk to your designer. How about you stop acting like it’s nothing and admit that you like her?”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re going to miss your flight. You better go.”

More laughter.

“I have three hours until my plane leaves. You’re the one who better get a move on, because your plane leaves in thirty minutes.”

I hugged her one more time and held up my hand. “Love you, Jovi.”

“Love you more.” She waved and walked in the opposite direction.

I thought about her words as I walked to my gate.

Maybe it’s time you start living a little, too.

Maybe she was right.

I’d just landed in the city after sleeping the whole flight home. I hopped in my truck and drove from the airport back to Blue Sky Bay, and the sun was just coming up when I pulled into the lot where I lived. I was walking the short distance toward my houseboat when I spotted Briar coming around the corner in my direction. She had her headset on, and she wasn’t running; she was walking along the path near my house.

She wore black shorts and a black tank top, and her long blond ponytail swished from side to side.

I held up my hand and waved as she moved closer, looking very surprised to see me there. She tugged her earphones off and came to an abrupt stop in front of me.

“Hey, you’re back.” Her breaths were labored, and I instantly remembered how sexy she’d looked when she was straddling my lap and rubbing herself against my cock while she came from just having my lips on hers.

How many times had I gotten off to thoughts of that image over the last few days?

Too many to admit.

“I’m back,” I said, my voice hoarse from screaming so loud last night.

“He did amazing. Number two in the world. It’s unbelievable. I was screaming at the TV every time he climbed on that bull.” She smiled. “You look exhausted.”

“I’ll be fine.” I reached over and tucked the long strand of hair that had broken free from her elastic behind her ear.

“You’re not running today?” I asked.

“Nope. I went on a long run yesterday, so today is a recovery day. I was just out on a walk.”

“It’s a nice day for a walk,” I said, feeling ridiculous because I was trying to make small talk to keep her here.

I’d fucking missed her—but I was too exhausted to know what to do with that at the moment.

“Do you need anything?” she asked. She was looking at me so intently, with this notable mix of concern and care.

Something I wasn’t used to.

“What are you offering?” I teased.

“What do you need?” she countered.

You. I need you.