Page 67 of Summer Love

Shep grinned. "Dad said he'd fire up the grill."

Hudson nodded. "I'll see you there in a bit. I'm probably going to jump in the shower first."

"I need to stop at home so I can grab my suit," I said.

Hudson bent to pick up the tools. "We have plenty of time."

I helped them gather the tools and put them in the beds of the trucks.

Shep went inside to talk to Phyllis about the finished beds, and I looked for Grams to take her home.

I found her in the gaming room, playing a game I didn't recognize. "Do you want to come home with me?"

"I'll take the center's bus. Don't worry about me."

"We're going swimming at the Kingstons' unless you need me to help with dinner."

Grams waved a hand. "Go. Have fun."

"Have a good evening," I said to her and her friends.

"You too," Mabel said with a wink.

I sighed but was secretly thrilled that things with Hudson were going in this direction. I was so worried about my job and the article that it was nice to let go.

I drove home, jumped in the shower to wipe off the sweat and sunscreen from the day, and then rummaged through my drawer for a suit. I found an emerald-green one that complemented my tan skin nicely. I pulled on a tank and cutoff jeans over it and slid my feet into flip-flops.

I put my hair up into a messy bun on top of my head, letting several strands fall from it to give it a relaxed look. I packed my beach bag with sunscreen, water, and a book.

Hudson had said he'd pick me up. When the doorbell rang, I hurried downstairs to meet him.

He stepped inside. "Where's Grams?"

"She's still at the center. There's a shuttle she can take home when she's ready."

He nodded. "Are you ready to go then?"

I lifted my beach bag. "I am."

I closed and locked the door, and we headed down the sidewalk toward his truck.

He opened the passenger-side door. "I don't think it looks like rain tonight for once."

"Is that a good thing?" I asked, climbing into the seat.

He grinned. "Rain seems to be our thing, but I think the sun will be good for us too."

I grinned. "I hope so."

It was a gorgeous day on the island. It was hot, but there was always a body of water not far away to jump into. I was going to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. I was sore from the work and my late-night activities, but it was a good kind of sore.

He drove the short distance to his parents' house, and we got out. He led the way around the house to where the pool was located. It was surrounded by palm trees and foliage, but the pool area was covered in a netted structure that kept out the bugs.

His brothers were already there.

Shep took a running start and jumped off the diving board, cannonballing into the water. Everyone turned away from the splash.

There was a spread of snacks on a table including fruit, crackers, and cheese on ice to keep it cool.

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