Page 40 of Keeping it Local

“Well, I just figured, if you liked it, maybe you would stick around. But maybe I was wrong.” She shrugged.

My stomach dropped, watching her. As much as I could dream about staying, I knew it wasn’t realistic, even though deep down I longed for a place like Port St. Clair. I’d have to start over.

“I have too many things going on at home. I help run the business with my family. It was a huge ask of them to pick up the slack while I’m here at all. I’m getting some training and some new skills to take back with me. At least that’s the plan. Only a few more weeks.” I grimaced, not liking feeling guilty about being here and feeling like I’m letting everyone down.

Felicia waved her hands in the air. “Oh, I didn’t mean to be presumptuous. I just meant—” She paused. “Let’s just say, if Johnny’s mood is anything to judge by, you guys are good together. That’s all.”

“Yeah, we agreed to casual though, so that’s what it is.”

“I guess casual can be fun too,” she said, giving me a smirk. “You know? Ryan and I started out as casual. You know how sometimes that turns out?”

I glanced back at her, smiling. “No, what does that mean?”

“It means that sometimes a fling is more than just a fling. Just keep it in mind.” At that, she put her glasses on the end of her nose and looked at the guys with Kinsley back on shore.

Later that evening, after showering, I met back up with the four of them at the cottage Ryan and Felicia were staying at.

The afternoon at the beach was exactly what I’d needed. Seeing the three of them interact, ribbing each other with jokes, and doting on Kinsley, it felt easy, really nice. It was good to see Johnny light up like that. He’d said he wasn’t that close to his family, but it was hard not to see the bond that him and Ryan had.

“Burger or brat?” Johnny gave me one of his goofy smiles as he held out a one of each.

“That depends,” I answered. “Which is the chef’s specialty?”

“Brats, of course.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’ve never had a complaint. In fact, I’ve only had raving reviews.”

“Gross!” Felicia yelled from across the yard.

I grabbed the brat from his hand and noticed his glow after a day in the sun. He had the slightest tan lines on his face from his sunglasses, and the subtle combination of tan and sunburn on his cheeks. Plus, he had on that damn backward hat that made me want to fall to my knees.

Through dinner, we watched Kinsley play with Oberon on the lawn—her chasing his blonde tail, then him chasing her with one of his dog toys. She was adorable in her Minnie Mouse pajamas.

“Time for bed!” Felicia called out.

She chased Kinsley across the yard, taking her inside, and three of us wandered back to the patio set.

Just as I was about to sit next to Johnny, he pulled me into his lap.

I squealed in surprise and let out a giant snort as I laughed and wiggled uncontrollably in his lap.

“I didn’t know I was that funny,” Johnny said.

“You scared me!” I said through giggles as he started to tickle me.

“Nah.” He pulled me tight against him and kissed my nose and I looked him in the eye.

His wide smile hit me like a truck, and I couldn’t help but return it.

I don’t know what was happening, but a switch flipped today. I didn’t know if it was seeing him with his brother, or Kinsley, or just a different version of him—an even more relaxed one—but it made me feel something different, something real. Something I shouldn’t be feeling when I only had a few weeks left this summer. But I kept thinking about what Felicia said at the lake.

What would it look like if I stayed?

“Need me to go in the house with the girls?” Ryan asked, smirking while sipping his beer. I had forgotten he was there.

“No, I think we’re good.” Johnny loosened his grip on me and set his hand on my hip, still holding me on his lap.

His hand seared through my shorts. The guys continued talking, but all I could think about was his fingers resting on my hipbone, running slow circles as his other hand sat on my knee. My breath hitched, and even with the slightest movement, his movements radiated everywhere, and I knew he could feel my heat against him as well.

Ryan was still talking as Johnny leaned in, barely touching my ear as he whispered, “Want to get out of here soon?” He squeezed my hip, and I whipped my head back to see him. His eyes were dark and full of need.