Beautiful Mess(86)

“Good morning. I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to wake up!” he teased before planting a quick kiss on her lips.

“What time is it? How long have you been up?” She glanced at the clock and couldn’t believe it. It was almost 11:00!

“We’ve been up for a while,” Cole grinned. “We tried to wait on breakfast, but we got a little hungry.”

Bri was thoroughly embarrassed.

“I’m so sorry! I can’t believe I slept that long!”

“It’s okay,” Cole assured her. “Apparently, sleeping on a boat agrees with you. Here, come get some food before it’s gone.” He eyed Seb as he heaped another helping of everything onto his plate.

“What?” Seb mumbled through his mouthful of waffle. “I’m a growing boy!”

Cole just shook his head and slid in next to Bri. Sharon handed Bri a plate, and Bri helped herself to some breakfast.

“So, now that Bri’s finally awake,” Claire chimed in. “What are we going to do today?”

“I vote for fishing,” Jimmy said.

“Me, too,” Seb agreed.

“I heard some guys talking yesterday about a great spot,” Scott leaned in excitedly.

“No! Fishing’s boring!” Claire pouted. “I know, let’s go shopping! What do you think, Bri?”

“No, shopping’s boring!” Seb mimicked Claire’s pout. Claire smacked his arm.

“How about we drop you girls off on shore to shop, and the guys can go fishing?” Scott looked around the table for approval.

“That works,” Sharon replied. “Then we could all meet back together in a couple hours for a late lunch.”

“Done!” Scott nodded. “You ladies better hurry, we’re leaving in ten minutes.”

“Hey,” Bri protested. “I haven’t even finished my breakfast!”

“Okay, thirty minutes,” Scott winked. “But anyone not in the dinghy gets left behind!”

Thirty minutes later everyone piled into the small boat. It was a bit of a tight fit with all the extra fishing equipment, but everyone managed to find a seat.

“Sure you don’t want to come with us?” Bri teased Cole as they pulled up to the dock..

“Um, no offense, but absolutely not!”

“Your loss,” she smiled. He jumped out and helped her onto the dock.

“I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too. Have fun.”

“Good luck,” he laughed with a pointed glance at Claire.

Cole’s warning was wholly unnecessary. Bri had a great time shopping with Claire and Sharon. And while Claire did keep up a steady stream of chatter, Bri found her boundless excitement endearing. It was fun spending time with her and Sharon, and getting to know them better.

“Oh, we have to go in here!” Claire led them into a swimwear shop. She and Bri pulled out a few suits to try on. “You have to show me your suits. We’ll do a fashion show!” She pushed Bri into a dressing room before she could argue.

“Oh, Bri, you have to get that one!” Claire bounced, as Bri came out in a white bikini. “It’s perfect on you! Plus it’s super sexy.” She lowered her voice so her mom wouldn’t hear. “It’ll drive Cole wild!”

Bri turned around and checked herself out in the mirror. The bikini was a little skimpier than she was used to wearing, especially the bottom. Apparently those Brazilians had no qualms about showing some cheek.

“You think?” Bri kind of liked the idea of driving Cole wild.

“Definitely.”

So she bought the suit. Claire picked herself out a pink ruffle bikini and they moved on to the next store. A couple hours, and countless stores later, the girls met the guys for lunch.

“Hey there.” Cole pulled Bri in for a deep kiss. Despite their audience, Bri couldn’t help but wrap her arms around him and melt into him. He seemed to be able to affect her like no one else.

“Seriously guys, how much more of that do you expect us to watch?” Seb moaned. “Do the rest of us a favor and get a room already.”

Cole gave Seb a rude gesture behind Bri’s back, that caused the others to laugh.

They enjoyed lunch and then returned to the boat, where Cole proudly showed Bri his fishing spoils.

“Mmm,” Sharon looked over Bri’s shoulder at the cooler full of fish. “We’ll be eating good tonight! Thanks men!” Shar smacked Scott on the butt and gave him a kiss.

They all settled in the living room, and Jimmy found a bowl game on TV.

“Ugh, not football,” Claire grumbled. “Cole, will you play a game with me? Please, please, please, please, please?”