Page 82 of Faking with Three

“Wait till you see the deck,” Jax says, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the sliding glass doors.

Ethan and Marcus trail behind us, Marcus still quiet. I glance at him, catching the flicker of something in his expression as he looks out at the beach.

“You okay?” I ask softly.

He nods but doesn’t meet my eyes. “Just tired.”

I don’t push him. Not here, not now. Instead, I follow Jax out to the deck, letting the sea breeze whip through my hair. It’s cooler here than in town, and the air smells fresh, untainted.

This shoot is meant to be a little different. It's more documentary-style, with no crew just yet, just us and a single camera Ethan’s already slinging over his shoulder. He’s in director mode as he takes in different shots.

Jax sets the drinks down on the porch table with a satisfied grin

"Beach houses and cold drinks—what else do you need?" he says, sinking into one of the cushioned chairs.

Ethan rolls his eyes, though there’s a smirk tugging at his lips. "Don’t get too comfortable, rich boy. We’re still working."

"I’m multitasking," Jax replies, raising his glass. "Relaxing and being charming—it’s a full-time job."

The porch is cozy, with soft lighting strung along the roofline and a breeze carrying the salty tang of the ocean.

“The day is too beautiful to just waste sitting around,” Marcus says.

I wonder what it would be like skinny dipping. I’ve never actually done it—and just the thought of doing it with the guys makes me blush. But there’s no one around us for miles. The beach is dark, and all the houses around us don’t like there’s any occupants in it. This is a good chance as any.

As if reading my mind, Jax claps his hands together. “What are we waiting for? Let’s hit the water.”

“Race you!” Ethan calls, already taking off toward the beach.

“Oh, come on!” I yell, kicking off my shoes to chase after him.

Jax’s laugh booms behind me as he catches up easily, his long legs giving him the advantage. I’m almost at the sand when I feel hands grab my waist. Jax’s hands. He spins me around, laughing. “Not so fast.”

“Let me go!” I laugh, wriggling free, but Ethan’s there, blocking my path before I can take another step.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he teases, his hands grazing my hips. His touch lingers just long enough to make my pulse quicken.

I twist out of his grip, and in the chaos, Marcus comes up behind me, his large hands landing firmly on my shoulders. “You’ve got to earn it, Chase,” he says, his voice low in my ear.

Heat rushes to my face as I break free, darting past all three of them. “You guys are ridiculous!” I yell over my shoulder, laughing so hard my stomach hurts.

The cool sand shifts beneath my feet as I sprint toward the water, tugging off my shirt and tossing it behind me. The guys are right on my heels, shedding their clothes just as fast. Jax is the first to catch up, his hand brushing against my arm before I dart to the side, narrowly escaping him. Ethan is next, his fingers skimming the small of my back.

By the time I hit the water, it’s impossible to tell who’s winning. The waves crash around us, cool and refreshing against my skin as I dive under, coming up for air with a laugh. Even Marcus looks amused.

Jax reaches me first, his wet hair slicked back, a cocky grin plastered on his face. “I let you win, you know,” he says, winking.

“Oh, please,” I reply, splashing water at him. “You’re just mad I beat you fair and square.”

“So,” I say, sliding my wet hair out of my face, “who lost?”

“That’d be me,” Ethan replies with a theatrical sigh. He glides closer, eyes fixed on mine. “Now announce my punishment.”

I can’t help smiling.

“Well then,” I say, batting my eyes in mock innocence, “I guess I’llhaveto punish you.”

His eyes flicker with anticipation, and I lean in, my arms sliding around his neck.

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