Page 50 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
SIENNA
We’re sittingaround the living room and the guys are devouring a second round of breakfast burritos as we try to decide what to do today.
“I vote for water rafting down the Guadalupe,” Amelia says as she adjusts the limited edition, rose-gold Ray-Ban aviators on top of her head. My mother got a pair in a Hollywood red carpet swag bag.
Yes, I miss the perks of that lifestyle from time to time,I think as I clip one arm of my Target sunglasses down the front of my t-shirt.
Janelle claps. “I wanna do that!”
She pulls Amelia into a hug, and they jump around like they’ve known each other their whole lives. A twinge of jealousy nips at me because it’s obvious to everyone I’m not Janelle’s favorite person. I don’t know why I care, but I do.
The guys agree with the agenda, and I cringe, hating that I have to voice my concerns.
“I don’t want to throw a wrench in our plans, but who’s going to watch Lily?”
Janelle rolls her eyes at me. “We’ll bring her with us.” She plops down onto a bar stool.
“You want to bring a toddler river rafting? Isn’t that dangerous?” I look to Ben, who runs his hands through his hair.
“Sienna’s right. I hadn’t thought about that. Damn.”
“I mean, it sounds like fun, and I’d love to do it since I’m sore from skiing yesterday, but I’m not sure if the rafting company will allow a child this young to join us.”
“Aww, you’re sore?” Ben asks as he gives me a funny look, which I get because he’s leaning close to knead the muscles in my shoulder. Ah, this is part of the PDA we agreed to do. He leans in and kisses my forehead. “Sorry, sunshine. You shoulda said something last night, and I could’ve given you a massage.”
My nipples stand up in attention, totally on board with this suggestion. “You can make it up to me later,” I say playfully, not needing to fake the obvious chemistry we share.
He stares at my lips like he wants to maul me. Either he wants to hook up with me, or he’s a really good actor, and I hope it’s the former.
I have no idea how I’m going to get through the rest of the vacation by “faking” my attraction to Ben. Because if I were any more into him, I’d go up in flames.
Lily toddles through the room on a mission to get to her mama. She holds up her arms for Janelle to pick her up, but Janelle ignores her.
Janelle sometimes looks at Lily with so much irritation in her eyes that I’m starting to feel bad for Lily. I’m sore from showing off yesterday anyway, and I don’t mind some downtime, so I offer to watch the baby.
“Cool. That works.” Janelle pops out of her seat and grabs her purse. “Let’s go.”
“Hold on.” Ben motions for her to sit down. “This getaway is part of Sienna’s birthday present, and I don’t think she should have to babysit. I’ll watch Lily.”
Did I used to think Ben was unfeeling and remote? He’s been nothing but thoughtful since the day he dropped me off at the airport. Seriously, I think I’ve had him pegged wrong this whole time.
I’m pretty sure I’m giving him heart eyes right now. “I won’t enjoy it the same if you’re not there, so it’s totally okay. I don’t mind staying.”
I’m not just saying that for the sake of role-playing. As much as I like hanging out with his roommates, Ben’s the reason I’m here. He’s the one who’s turning into one of my best friends. I think I’d be sad if I went river rafting without him.
Olly holds up his phone and gives us a sarcastic look. “Okay, lovebirds. I found a daycare. Great reviews online. Certified and all that. Partnered with the rafting company, which is next door, and take walk-ins.”
Ben and I look at each other, and I wrap my arm around his. “How about we check it out, but if you don’t like it for some reason, you and I can hang out with Lily?”
I’m not expecting the kiss he plants on my lips, but it’s so unexpected and sweet, it sets off a stampede of butterflies in my belly.
Johnny hoots, “Y’all are hashtag relationship goals!” and laughs his ass off while Ben gives him the finger.
If Ben and I were in a real relationship, I’d have to admit that he’s doing everything right.
He’s just a friend, Sienna.
I have the feeling I’ll need to chant that to myself all day.
