“We’re packing all of this right?” His eyebrows waggled.
I rushed over and slammed the drawer. “No, that’s private stuff.”
“You seem like quite the sexually liberated woman. Why are you embarrassed? I think it’s hot you have your own little toy chest.”
“I-I just. I’ve been by myself. That’s all. I don’t use them all the time. My roommate used to sell them at parties to make extra money.”
“Hey, I don’t judge. I think we should pack at least something out of that drawer.”
“Really?”
“Hell, yeah. Do I get to choose?” He reached for the handle to pull the drawer open, and I still hadn’t decided if I could deal with him knowing about my supply.
“This is crazy.” I watched him sort through my collection.
“I say we pack these.” He laid them out on the bed. A bottle of oil and a small pink vibrator.
I unzipped my suitcase and tucked them in the side. “I’m not saying yes.” I looked at him.
“But it’s not a no.” He winked.
“It’s not a no.” I felt dizzy thinking about what he could with those. “I think I’m ready to go. What are we doing today anyway?”
He pulled the car keys from his pocket. “I thought we could do something everyone does when they come to South Padre.”
“What’s that?” I turned the handle on the lock.
“How about a day at the beach?”
I stopped at the top step. “You’re going to sit on the beach all day?”
“Sure. Why not?”
I followed him to the car. “No laptop or business channel?”
He laughed as he put the car in drive. “I keep trying to tell you I’m a fun guy. I know how to relax.”
I wasn’t convinced. From what I knew about Mason he crammed every available second with phone calls, reports, meetings, or emails. It never ended. The only time he didn’t seem interested in the stock market was when we were in bed. A day on the beach might drive him in insane.
“I guess I’ll just have to trust you.”
“That’s what this is all about, baby.” He threw a palm on my thigh, as we whipped out of the parking lot.
Neither one of us had traditional beach supplies. Mason stopped at Sandy’s so we could pick up a few things.
We walked into the store and were greeted by a woman with bright red hair. “Mason, honey, how have you been?” I couldn’t ignore the red nails or the red lipstick.
“Good, Renee. How are you?”
She tried to wipe off the smudge of lipstick on his cheek after she kissed him. I stood back and watched the exchange.
“Darlin’, I’m trying to stay inside where it’s cool. What brings you in here? And who is this pretty thing?” She smiled at me.
“This is Sydney Paige. Maybe you’ve read some of her work. She’s a reporter for the News & Record.”
Her arms were loaded with fluorescent bangle bracelets that rattled when we shook hands. “How did you manage to get Mason in here?” She winked. “I want to know your secret.”
I blushed. I had no idea who this woman was, but she seemed familiar with Mason.
“We have a day at the beach planned, Renee. Could you hook us up? We need it all. Umbrella, cooler, sunscreen.” He eyed me. “And throw in one of those cute bikinis over there.”
“Well, give me a second, sugar. I’ll get everything you need.” She hustled to one of the displays and started dumping bottles and towels in a basket.
I whispered to Mason, “I have a bathing suit.”
“I know, but I want to get you something new.”
Renee shuttled me in one of the dressing rooms and pulled a curtain in front of me. “Wait right here, and I’ll pick out a few things for you to try on. Although I think Mason wants to pick them out.”
I stood behind the curtain wondering how I ended up in a dressing room, while bikinis passed through an opening. Mason and Renee talked while I tried on three different suits. I finally settled on the green.
I got dressed and handed the green bikini to Renee. “Honey, I hope you two have fun at the beach. Don’t know that I’ve ever seen this one out there.” She cast a motherly look at Mason.
“Is that so?” I teased.
“Hey, I spend plenty of time on the beach running. I’m out there almost every day when I’m in town.”
I smiled when Renee handed me two of the bags. Mason lifted the cooler over the counter, and secured the umbrella under his arm.
“Ice is on the deck, Mason. Grab a few bags. You’re going to need it today.”
“It was nice meeting you, Renee. Thanks for the help.” I waved goodbye.