Page 19 of Acadia Falls

“Uh… yeah.” Alex would take one look at us and know exactly what we’d been up to. Busted.

Jack pulled back a little, grinning at me. “I’d say we should stop meeting like this, but that’d make me a liar.”

“Ha,” I said. My voice and knees were weak, and my thoughts were woozy—Jack Brennan had literally fucked my brains out. “Me too.”

But I wondered if I really meant it. Jack Brennan was too hot to handle. I had zero control of myself around him—if I didn’t watch it, I was going to get burned. I had sex with this stranger twice in as many days, and it only made me want more.

What the hell had I done?

Chapter Six

JACK

Tommy and I needed to get home. My mother badgered us daily but rarely sat us down together for a talk. If Rose Brennan called a meeting, it was something serious.

I said a quick goodbye to Blondie. She was starting to get under my skin, but I refused to think about it—about her. Enough was enough.

Tommy and I walked home. We’d come back later for the boat. It could wait—our mother, Rose Brennan, could not.

“Jesus,” Tommy said as we headed down the dirt road. “You couldn’t even keep your hands off Blondie for one afternoon? You might be in trouble, big brother.”

I grunted.

“She’s pretty.” Tommy shrugged. “She seems nice, too. Smart.”

I stared straight ahead. “Tommy should worry about Tommy.”

“Tommy is worried about Tommy. What d’you think Mom wants to talk to us about?” He scratched his head.

“I think I know.” I sighed. “I got an email last week—someone wants to buy our rights.”

He stopped in his tracks. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because they aren’t mine to sell. I had to forward it to Mom. She’s still the owner of record. Everything has to go through her.”

Tommy blinked. “What do you think she’s going to say?”

“I don’t know.” I shook my head. “Let’s go find out.”

We passed the beach, the field, and the dock to our left. The sun was still high in the sky as we headed down the street and turned onto our narrow drive. The house came into view, and my shoulders sagged. The paint was peeling, the shutters needed to be replaced, and weeds sprung up between the rocks. We were making so much money, but there never seemed to be enough time to take care of things. We should hire somebody to come and help out…

But deep down, I wondered if maybe I liked the house just the way it was—the same as when Dad died.

Dad never had time to fix things, either.

Ryan drove up just as we reached the sagging porch, dust flying out behind the truck. He hopped out wearing wet swim trunks and a sheepish expression. “Hey. Sorry I’m late—Tori wanted to go out on the raft.”

“Tori again, huh?” I laughed. “You’ve been busy in Cougar Town, I guess.”

“Shut up, Jack.” Ryan wrapped a towel around himself.

“Boys. Boys! Get in here. Dinner’s on the table.” Mom dried her hands on a dish towel as she waited for us. “And get some pants on, Ryan! For the love of all things holy, when will my sons grow up?”

The porch door slammed behind her, not entirely closing shut, and we followed her inside.

“What’s this all about?” Ryan whispered.

Tommy shrugged. “We’re going to find out—as soon as you put on some pants.”