Serena stared up at the blue brilliance of the afternoon sky through the stark, bare branches and savored every new ache and sore muscle. “So that’s what all the fuss is about. I think I finally get it.” The warm rumble of Leo’s laugh vibrated through her ribcage where they were still pressed together in a damp, sweaty, sated mess, wrapped cozily in the blanket. “Glad to be of service in your pursuit of knowledge.” Even though Serena knew he didn’t mean anything by it, the comment hit a little too close to the tender bruise of her worst memories. She frowned and pulled away, shivering as the sea breeze chilled her overheated skin. “Don’t say it like that. I wasn’t just using you.” She could practically hear the way Leo’s eyebrows shot upwards in surprise. “I certainly didn’t mean to imply that. Nothing could be further from my mind, love.” “Of course.” Serena could kick herself for saying anything. “Sorry, ignore me.” “Ah, but that’s one thing I can never promise to do.”
