Page 101 of Drama Queen

As I hit the sand, I hear douche bag talking again. I continue to wave him off, but this guy is persistent. My temper is starting to get really short, and this guy doesn’t know how to take a fuckin’ hint. When I approach our area, he makes a particularly vulgar comment about my ass in this swimsuit, and I’ve had it. I turn to face him straight on again.

“I said ‘no’ and you need to back thefuckoff. Now.”

“Sweet thing don’t be like that. I’m just tryin’ to be friendly. We can have a good time together, you know?” he responds.

As he talks, he rubs his hands together like a fuckin’ evil villain and licks his lips. I might be sick. Before I can throw up or tear into this creeper, I feel Dan’s presence as he walks over, then stands next to me. Here’s the thing about Dan and defending us when it’s needed. He will absolutely go to bat for any of us at any time, but he never puts us behind him. If we choose to stand behind him, he’ll let us, but he never pushes us back.

There was a time when we were bar hopping that a guy was starting to really scare me, so when Dan came to stand beside me, I stepped behind him. I wanted that wall of protection, and he’s willing to provide it. He’ll never force it, though. So now, as we stand together on the beach, I let him be next to me, showing this asshole that I’m not afraid of him, but I have people on my side.

Dan tells him that he needs to fuck off, but this guy doesn’t seem to get the message. He tries to make a pass at sharing me, but even if Dan and I were like that, I doubt Dan would ever go for it. After a few more exchanged words, Dan looks at me, silently asking for permission to deck this guy. I nod subtly and step back to be out of the way. One punch and Dan has this guy in the sand. Zeke, Flynn, and Troy make their appearance at this point, and I move to pack up our beach supplies.

Zeke and Flynn help me as we’re able to get everything packed up quickly, and just as we turn to grab Dan and go, I hear the douchebag howl in pain. We all turn and look because, obviously, we need to see what Dan did. Dan’s standing there, cool as a cucumber, hands on his hips, while douchebag has his hands over his face, blood running from his nose into the sand. Ew. Troy takes advantage of the moment to step over to Dan andfeel up his bicep. I snort a little at Troy’s obvious pass, but Dan doesn’t mind. I’m pretty sure Dan is in love with himandFlynn.

Troy smiles at Dan as Dan’s arm slings around him and they turn to leave with us. My eyes widen when I see one of the douchebag’s friends grab his shoulder and sucker punch him.

Oh shit.

That’s not gonna be good for the friend.

Dan just shakes his head a bit, and, with no warning, jabs the guy’s face. I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a little turned on by that. Finally, we’re able to get away from the now two crying men on the beach.

When we get back to the campsite, I can’t help but fuss a little over Dan. I know he’s fine, he’s a fuckin’ beast, but he’s always so willing to go to bat for us I want to show my appreciation. I grab a towel and throw some of our extra ice in it before making Dan sit down so I can look at his head. There’s definitely going to be a bruise there, but no bump or split skin. I grab the makeshift ice pack and gently apply it to his cheekbone where the guy got him.

“You okay?” I ask softly.

The rest of the guys are putting supplies away or back where they go, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they listen in. Dan searches my face, concern radiating from him before he talks.

“Yeah, of course I’m okay. Wasn’t much of a hit. Are you okay?”

“What? I’m not the one who got punched!”

“Been punched harder by my little bro. This is nothing. I know he was harassing you. I should have stepped in sooner.”

“No, you did perfectly. I was hoping he would catch the hint, but clearly he never did.”

“You’re too good for him,” Dan says, eyes locked on mine.

I smile softly. “Thanks.”

We stand like that for a moment, just looking at each other, and Dan finally reaches up to pull my hand away from his head.He sets the ice pack on the picnic table and swallows. Dan isn’t someone who normally gets nervous, so my natural reaction is to be nervous also.

What’s going on? Is he upset about something? Does he want to go home?

“I was wondering. Uh, the ice pack was helpful, but I think some homeopathic therapy would be good,” he says, tripping on his words a little, his voice low.

“I didn’t bring any snake oils,” I tell him with a smile, using our teasing term for essential oils.

“Something more natural would work better.”

“Like what?”

“A kiss to make it better?” he asks, eyes never straying from mine.

My smile grows and I lean over, my belly full of butterflies, and place a gentle kiss on the bruise forming on his face. Before I can fully pull back, Dan stops me with a hand on my cheek. I settle down on the bench of the picnic table, straddling it and facing him. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I don’t want to stop whatever this is. I can feel my body humming with adrenaline, excited about whatever is happening, tingling starting up low in my belly.

“It feels better already,” Dan says softly, caressing my face with his hand.

I close my eyes and lean into his touch, enjoying the feel of his skin on mine. When I open my eyes, he’s still close and flicking his eyes from my lips and back up again. Without thinking, I lick my lips. He zeroes in and leans forward, intent loud and clear. I’m not about to back down from this, so I lean forward, meeting him in the middle.

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