Page 13 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

Just as I’m about to say something—anything—we hear cars pulling up outside. We both freeze as reality comes crashing back in.

Willy squirms out of my grasp and rolls out of bed. As she peers out the window, she looks adorable in her oversized t-shirt. “It’s Crystal. She was supposed to return my car yesterday but I completely forgot all about it. Guess she did, too, and now she’s here.”

I watch Willy rummage through her luggage for something to wear, her face flushed as she yanks on a pair of jean shorts. She’s even cuter when she’s flustered.

“Shit, shit, shit,” she mutters, pacing the floor. “She doesn’t know about us.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Relax, Willy. It’s just Crystal.”

She shoots me a glare that could melt steel. “Just Crystal? My best friend who has no idea we’re dating? Yeah, no big deal.”

Before I can respond, we hear Crystal’s voice floating up from outside. “Willy? You up there? Your car’s back!”

Willy takes a deep breath, squares her shoulders, and heads for the stairs. I slip on a pair of cargo shorts and follow, not bothering to put on a shirt. Might as well play the part of the loving boyfriend.

As we step onto the porch, Crystal’s eyes go wide. So does the woman driving the second car, her mouth dropping open when I bring my arm over Willy’s shoulder.

“Well, well, well,” Crystal says, planting her hands on her hips. “I guess the rumors are true. Willy Genaro and Brogan Hollister, the hottest new couple in Love Beach.”

Willy blushes as I pull her closer. “Morning, Crystal,” I say, keeping my voice casual. “Been a while.”

“This is amazing,” Crystal says as she claps her hands together. “Why didn’t you tell me, Willy? Didn’t we just talk the other day?”

Willy stammers, “I… we… it’s new, and…”

“I asked her to keep it quiet for a bit,” I jump in. “You know how it is in this town. Word travels fast.”

Crystal laughs. “Too late for that. It’s the only thing people are talking about.” She pauses. “Speaking of which, I saw both of your names on the guest list for that big shindig on the Intrepid. You know, that massive yacht anchored in Passion Cove? It’s the talk of the town… plus you two, of course.”

I feel Willy tense beside me. Right, the party. The one where we have to convince everyone—like my mother—that we’re madly in love. No pressure.

“We’ll be there,” I say, trying to sound enthusiastic even if the last thing I want to do is hang out at some mega-yacht.

Crystal frowns. “Wait. What are you wearing?”

Willy shifts uncomfortably. “I haven’t really thought about it yet.”

“You haven’t thought about it?” Crystal gasps. “Girl, this is the event of the season! You can’t just throw on any old thing.”

“I’m sure I can find something suitable,” Willy mumbles as Crystal shakes her head.

“Nope. No way. I’m not letting my best friend show up to the biggest party of the year in just ‘somethingsuitable.’ We’re going shopping, and we’re finding you a knockout dress.”

“Crystal, I don’t think–” Willy starts but her best friend cuts her off.

“We’ll hit up that boutique on Main Street. They just got a new shipment of designer dresses.”

Willy chews on her lower lip. “Will they have something my size? I’m not exactly–”

“Of course, they will,” Crystal replies. “They also have seamstresses on-site who can do alterations.”

“Sounds like you’re in good hands, Willy. Can I come along?” I say, earning myself a glare that could strip paint.

Crystal turns to me, waggling a finger. “You, Mr. Hollister, will have to wait and see. No sneak peeks. I want you properly floored when you pick her up.”

I throw her a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

Willy looks like she wants to sink into the floor, but I see a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Fine,” she sighs. “But nothing, too… revealing, okay?”

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