“You’ve got it. We’ll be discreet.” He kisses my forehead. “We’ll make sure to keep the public displays limited until you’re ready. I’ll park over at Bobby’s from now on. All of us will.”
“Thank you.”
“You want me to give you a ride over the bridge before I go into work?”
“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.” It’ll give Dorothy and any other nosy neighbors an excuse why he’s here. “Do you think the other guys feel the same way? Is it awkward for them too?”
“I think it’s different for all of us, but no one wants you to be uncomfortable, Summer. The whole thing is a little unconventional, but we can make a plan. You can meet Whit at the apartment. Pete at his place. You and Nick can come up with arrangements. We’ll figure it out.”
“I should have said something sooner.”
“Hey.” He tilts my chin. “This is new for all of us. We didn’t get together until the end of last summer and we were all apart during the year. You’re right. It’s a small town and we’re used to living under the microscope.” He smiles. “This is your first time as a townie. It’s going to take some acclimating.”
“You’re the best, did you know that?”
He grins wide. “Actually, I did.”
He’s so arrogant, but it just makes him sexier. That confidence? I could use a dose of that myself. I just hope with a little time and some practice, I’ll get there.
“Have a good day,”I say, giving him one last quick kiss. I’m already breaking the PDA rule. We’re sitting in the Jeep outside the book store. Anita’s car is already in the little parking lot between the shops.
“You, too.” He watches me get out of the car. “I’ve got a business meeting down in Myrtle tonight—something Richard goes to every month.”
“Okay. Be safe.”
He nods. “I will.”
He drives off and I turn to walk up the walkway to the cottage. One of the girls from the night before--the redhead, Jessica, I think--is walking my way, carrying two coffees from the little grocery two doors down. I consider bolting for the porch, pretending I don’t see her, but no. That’s wrong. This is my world now. I need to be friendly for the sake of the shop and my mother’s business.
I step to the side, giving her room to pass and say, “Hi.”
She looks up in surprise. “Oh, hi.” There’s an awkward beat. “Just getting my daily dose of caffeine, you know.”
“For real.”For real?Sigh. I was going to need to work on my social skills. Get my brain together—spending the morning with Justin doesn’t help my brain. He leaves me in a fog. “Have a good day.”
“Same,” she says, with a quick grin.
Feeling accomplished, I walk to the shop and use my key to unlock the door. It’s early, so we’re not open. I hear Anita in the back and find her pulling a mug off the shelf.
“You’re not supposed to drink those are you?” I ask.
“I get one a day. That’s what my doctor said.” She gives me a look. “Don’t judge.”
“How was the doctor?” I ask. “Everything okay?”
“Yep. Six weeks and counting.”
“I can’t believe you have to carry that around for six more weeks.”
“Dude. Did you just say I’m fat?”
Shit. Not used to pregnant ladies! “No! I’m just…I can’t imagine it. Being pregnant and just…all the things. You look fantastic. I mean, I think you looked better in your bikini the other day than I did.”
She rolls her eyes. “Stop. I think you look better this year than last. You’re a little curvier. Softer. The guys like that, you know. I think Bobby likes me big and pregnant. I swear he’s sniffing around me like a hound dog.”
I knew what my boys liked—but yeah, if last night with Justin was any testimony, he liked something to hold onto.
Anita’s eyes narrow. “What are you thinking about?”
