CLIO
A gentle breeze swept past the sheers, carrying the salty ocean air that filled the room. Stars reflected off the water, casting a faint glow as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I should have been drinking in this beautiful environment, letting the sea air cleanse my spirit, but instead, I was tossing and turning, fantasizing about my best friend’s father.
No place was safe from the memory of Aidan’s hands and lips on me, and deep down, I didn’t want a safe place. That morning had been incredible, a memory I’d cherish forever. But how was I supposed to reconcile that with the fact that the man who made me feel like a sexual being was my best friend’s father?
At dinner, it wasn’t embarrassment plaguing me-it was the unsettling realization that I genuinely liked him. If he weren’t Lila’s father, I’d be texting him and mooning over him to her.
Our romp on the beach had awakened urges I’d never known. Aidan didn’t have to try; he’d simply been himself-hot, reassuring, comforting-and I’d felt safe enough in his arms to let go. That safety wasn’t something I’d experienced often. Yet, knowing I’d be around him for weeks was a torment, especially since I wanted him to touch me while my job was to resist.
The real danger wasn’t Lila finding out but keeping my hands to myself. My mind spiraled to the thought of what it might have been like if Aidan and I had gone further. My fingers wandered beneath my panties, finding myself drenched, but just as I was close to release, a rhythmic thumping broke through the quiet.
I froze, heart pounding, as heavy breathing accompanied the sound. Curiosity got the better of me. Quietly, I stepped out onto the balcony and bypassed the wicker chair to stand at the railing. The beach below was mostly deserted, though faint sounds of a distant party carried on the wind. Nearer to the house, the thumping and breathing grew louder.
My eyes finally adjusted to the dark, and I could make out the outline of a man…a very well-built man. He appeared to be working out, alternating between jumping jacks, burpees, and push-ups. I’d never seen someone really work out that hard before, and I had to admire his ability to do it in the sand no less.
The man shifted into overdrive and worked even faster, his grunts of exertion finding their way to my ears, the sound oddly titillating. God, what had gotten into me today?
That question was quickly answered by the man’s movement into the light. The moonlight shone upon his sweat-drenched back, and my breath caught in my throat because I recognized that back.
He turned then and met my gaze. I wished I could make my feet move or my eyes tear themselves away from him, but when those slate-colored eyes nailed me to the spot, I felt paralyzed and helpless to turn away.
Between us hung a charged longing, evident in the sweat on his chest and the way he held my gaze. He stepped closer, and I knew I’d be in his arms if I went down.
Fear pushed me back into my room, but before I closed the door, I heard him softly say, “Goodnight, Clio.”
***
For the first time since I’d known her, I was up before Lila’s morning run. I needed to get out of that house, away from the object of my desire who was so close yet so far. Leaving her a note saying I had errands and would be back by lunchtime, I prayed her father would be busy when I returned. She’d mentioned he had an office in the beach house and would likely work a lot, and I hoped that wasn’t an exaggeration. We needed time to let things settle.
Part of me wished Aidan had been pushier; maybe it would’ve been easier to push him away. But no, he had to be kind and respectful, making it impossible to ignore the way he looked at me. Normally, I’d second-guess myself, but his openness left no doubt about what he felt. Sure, he hadn’t mentioned having a daughter, but it wouldn’t have mattered with the chemistry we shared from the start.
At the rec center I’d noticed earlier, I found surf lessons on the community board. Determined to stick to my original plans despite the chaos of the last twenty-four hours, I signed up. It felt like the perfect way to focus on myself and escape the tension at the house. With lessons starting the next day, I picked up the necessary supplies and then headed to the market to plan a surprise for Lila.
Her internship was a big deal. She’d been heartbroken when they chose someone else, and we spent that night eating ice cream and watching rom-coms. When the universe gave her a second chance, I knew I had to celebrate. Carrying on her tradition, I planned a “good luck” breakfast-just like the one she’d made for me during a stressful project in college. Back then, she’d even smuggled a waffle iron into our dorm to cheer me up, so it was only fitting I returned the favor.
When I got back, I was relieved to find Aidan busy in his office, though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss seeing him. Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on Lila. We spent the day shopping for work clothes since she’d only brought vacation outfits. We ended the day at a small fusion spot, sipping margaritas and laughing.
“I’m glad you’re loosening up,” she said with a smile.
“Thanks for bringing me. It’s gorgeous here,” I replied.
“It’s been eventful already. I get this internship, and you’re crushing your vacation goals. I’m jealous I can’t go surfing with you tomorrow.”
“I’ll probably just be falling, but it’s part of the process,” I joked.
She clutched her chest dramatically. “My little Clio is growing up!” She sniffed in mock tears, making me roll my eyes. “At this rate, maybe we’ll get you some action before the summer’s out,” she teased, and I nearly choked on my drink.
“Don’t rule it out,” she added, smirking.
“I didn’t say I had,” I muttered, eager to change the subject.
“I mean, hey, it doesn’t even have to be serious,” Lila said, gesturing toward the boardwalk, where sun-kissed bodies strolled by. “There’s nothing wrong with a summer fling. Look around-everyone here is gorgeous. You might even meet the guy to take your V-card.”
“Mm-hmm,” I replied, taking a long sip of my margarita, trying to mask the unease in my chest. I wasn’t a good liar, and Lila and I had shared nearly everything since we met. I wanted to tell her about the gorgeous, kind man who had already turned my world upside down, but the betrayal was too heavy to speak into existence.
She reached across the table, her hand warm over mine. “I just want you to be happy, Clio.”
A lump rose in my throat as guilt crashed over me. How could I feel this way about her father? It was wrong. It had to stop. I squeezed her hand back, forcing a smile. “I know, Lila. I am happy, really. I mean, look at me-sun on my skin, wind in my hair, and my best friend by my side. Life’s perfect, right?”
Never mind the fact that every fiber of my being longed to be somewhere else-doing things with her father that would completely wreck everything we had.