Page 107 of For the Love of Art

“There’s someone here,” Todd said in a teasing tone. “Who is she? Some celebrity that you’ve signed an NDA over?”

“What’s it to you?” Nathan asked.

“Come on, Nathan,” Todd pleaded, “What happens in the Hamptons stays in the Hamptons.”

“I don’t know what to tell you.”

Nathan sounded so protective. I peered around the corner again.

Todd sighed loudly. “Well, I guess I’ll tell Mindy there’s nothing to report.”

Nathan chuckled. “I figured it was her looking for some good weekend gossip for your party.”

“Will you at least come to that? Watch the fireworks we set off.”

“I’ll see them from my house.” Nathan tucked his hands into the pockets of his swim trunks.

“So, there’s really no one in there?” Todd’s eyes narrowed on Nathan.

“There’s really… nothing happening that’s any of your business,” Nathan replied smoothly. “Enjoy your long weekend, Todd.”

“You too.”

The two men exchanged a wave, and then Todd was gone.

“You can come out now,” Nathan said after he had locked the door. “I know you were listening in.” I walked into the foyer, and his face dropped. “Damn. I was hoping you’d be as I left you.”

I let out a derisive laugh. “Yes, because I commonly walk around with my breasts hanging out of my swimsuit.”

Nathan wrapped his arms around me. “That sounds amazing. Let’s make that house rule.”

I laughed, but Nathan stole the sound with a kiss.

“Who was that?”

“Todd. He’s the closest neighbor.”

“Is he a journalist?”

Nathan’s brows furrowed. “What would make you think that?”

I shrugged. “He had a lot of questions.”

Nathan chuckled. “He’s a surgeon, and his wife is a busybody. Again, I’m not a celebrity. People don’t knock on my door hoping for a story.”

I sighed and decided to switch subjects. “We are going to watch the fireworks, right?” I asked. “What is the Fourth of July without fireworks?”

“Of course. Todd puts on quite a show.”

What a show it was.

Vivid blues, reds, and whites rained down from the dark night sky. My back was pressed to Nathan’s chest, and his arms were wrapped around my waist as we watched the fireworks.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Nathan asked into my ear.

I nodded. “It’s amazing.”

I missed Lianne and Frankie- our traditions. Nonetheless, it was nice sharing the moment with Nathan.