Page 76 of The Summer Plans

CHAPTER 25

RJ

“Ican’t believe we only have two more days here. I don’t want to leave,” Summer says as I wrap an arm around her waist. The beach is mostly empty as we walk along the shore.

“Me either.” I look down at her.

She’s stunning in a simple sundress. It clings to her body, the ocean breeze making it billow behind her as it accentuates her perfect curves. Her hair is wildly whipping around her face.

“I know I should look forward to the quiet, but it’s unsettling to me. The house feels different when the kids are gone. I don’t like being in my house alone.”

Fuck, I hate this. I don’t want her to be alone ever again. I want to be there making sure she always has someone with her. “I could keep you company when I’m not at the firehouse. But the guys will give me shit for taking another week off, especially since Raven made those arrangements for me, so I may have to pick up some extra shifts. We could hang out when I’m not working, though.”

“I’d like that. I’ve been without you for so long, and it’s felt so right being reunited. I don’t want to go back and not see you every day.”

I stop walking, my hand tugging on hers. “What if you moved into my place?”

“RJ, that’s…”

“It’s perfect. Probably the best idea I’ve ever had.”

“I don’t even know where you live. And the kids—I can’t just uproot them from their home. They’ve already moved around a lot with the divorce and all the summer travel.” She turns, running her hands up my chest and around my neck, her beautiful blue eyes locking with mine. I search them for any sign of doubt or hesitation and blow out a relieved breath when I don’t see any. “It’s not that I don’t want to. There are a lot of factors at play. And we haven’t even talked to Raven.”

“I live in one of Raven’s properties. It’s not far from the school and has great views of the mountains.”

“Wait. Are you talking about the stunning lodge that’s half glass, half concrete with almost 360-degree mountain views?”

“Yeah. You know it?”

“Of course I know it. It’s a beautiful home. You live there? By yourself?”

“Yeah. With Sophie. Jessica and I share custody, so I’m not completely alone.”

“But that house is huge.”

“Well aware. The glass is a bitch to clean. Raven keeps offering to hire someone, but I already feel like an ass for staying there rent-free. Kris’s family owned a lot of properties. They gave it to them as a wedding gift, but Raven didn’t want to live in something so ostentatious, so they rented it out during skiing season. Which makes me feel worse because now she’s out that income and not charging me rent.”

“How many houses does she have?”

“A few.” Her face falls. “Shit, I’m sorry. I thought you knew.”

“Raven and I talk about a lot of things, but this clearly isn’t one of them. I didn’t even know about the beach house until she reached out about selling it.”

“You know her. She keeps things close to the chest.”

“I feel like I don’t even know her at all sometimes.”

“Are you mad?”

“No. I know she has her reasons. She’s my best friend and I love her dearly, but I wish she would let people in more. Bella, Lucy, and I have brought out sides of her over the years, but she’s still really guarded. I understand why, but I just wish I could hug her and tell her it’ll be okay.”

“She hates hugs.”

“Boy, does she ever. One time Bella hugged her, and she skipped playdates for a month. When I asked her about it, she said she’s just not touchy-feely, but later she told me that physical touch is hard for her.”

“It is.”

She sighs. “I hope she’s not mad at me for dating you.”