Page 6 of The Summer Plans

“Look, I get I’m the last person you expected to walk through that door and the last person you’d want to share a bed with, but we’re both adults. And it’s a big bed. I think we can handle it for… wait, how long are you staying?”

“A week.”

He blows out a breath as if the thought of being stuck with me for that long is the most frustrating thing in the world. “Us too.”

“How convenient.” I glance at the bed, all my earlier thoughts of rolling around in it fly out the window. I grab my beach bag and stuff some towels in it. Right now, I just need to not be so close to this man.

“Headed to the beach?”

“What gave it away?” My brows pinch at the amount of sarcasm creeping into my tone. “Sorry. I’m just frustrated with the situation. I didn’t know I was going to have houseguests for this whole trip.”

“I get you’re mad about the mix up and the bed situation⁠—”

“Don’t forget about the free peep show. I’m mad about that too.” I point an accusatory finger at him.

“Right. And I’m really sorry about that. But I promise I didn’t plan this, and I’ll stay out of your way. You won’t even know I’m here.”

I shoot him a dubious look. If I know anything, it’s that I could never pretend I’m not aware of this man whenever he’s around. He’s impossible not to stare at, fixate on his perfect dimple, get lost in his blue eyes. I need to get out of here, away from him and his crisp, citrusy scent. I head for the door, but RJ’s voice stops me.

“Are you going to put on sunscreen?”

If I let this man touch me again, I won’t survive the next seven days. Not that he’s offering, anyway. “I’ll be fine.”

I storm out of the room, gather up the kids, and head down to the beach. Once we get the blanket set up, I open social media and pull up my group chat with the girls. These women are my support system. While some of us grew up together, we got close once we all became moms. Bella and Lucy have had their own share of awkward encounters with firefighters, so I know they’ll understand my dilemma.

Me: The firefighter saw my boobs!

Bella: Not you too! One or both?

Lucy: That’s your question?

Bella: It’s a valid question.

Me: BOTH. He saw both.

Lucy: I need more info than that.

Me: I was fighting with my bathing suit top, and he walked in while I was untangling it.

Lucy: Are you okay? Wait, why would a firefighter walk in on you when you’re getting changed?

Bella: Did the twins set the house on fire? Is someone hurt? Did you call 911? Is everything okay? I have so many questions.

Me: Those are great questions. Why is there a firefighter on my vacay, RAVEN?

Bella: Oh, shit. Hardy just told me RJ is off for the next week.

Lucy: Is RJ the firefighter that saw your boobs?

Me: RAVEN I KNOW YOU CAN SEE THIS

Lucy: We can see your little picture underneath each thread.

Raven: I thought I turned off read receipts.

Me: Why is your brother here?

Raven: I may have forgotten that I agreed to let him stay at the beach house for the week.