Page 49 of A Shore Fling
He shifts beside me, stretching his legs out in front of him, drawing my attention to his muscular calves. His arm brushes mine for a second, and my stomach jumps. Actually, it’s more of a twitch, but he’s the catalyst for it.
Willow and Travis go back to their easy chatter, tossing jokes and grapes at each other and over me like a fruity version ofdodgeball. Still clutching the now half-full bag of Funyuns, I watch the waves roll in, grateful for the ocean breeze and the low buzz of conversation around me. It’s easy here, and welcoming in a way I’m not used to. I can just exist without worrying about expectations or being judged. I can be myself, and that’s enough.
I glance at Travis out of the corner of my eye. He’s just a guy hanging out with family and friends. We’re not even throwing barbs at each other much. I didn’t expect that. Although last night it seemed as though things shifted between us, I can’t definitively say what it was. Maybe we bonded over Benadryl. Whatever it was, I’m grateful for the change.
He catches me looking and lifts one eyebrow. “What?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head, smiling a little to myself. “Just surprised you’re still here and haven’t stormed off.”
He smirks. “I’m saving my dramatic exit for later. Gotta keep things unpredictable.”
“Right,” I say, popping a final onion ring into my mouth. “Wouldn’t want to ruin your brand.”
He chuckles under his breath, and I feel it more than I hear it, humming in the air between us. Maybe we’re not exactly friends, but for the first time, I’m starting to think we’re not just opponents either.
Whatever this is… I want more of it.
CHAPTER 14
TRAVIS
The sun’s low enough that the sand isn’t burning my feet anymore. Drew’s pulled out the bocce ball set he bought this week. I’m surprised it took him this long.
“We need teams,” he shouts, waving us all over to him.
“Dude, I’m gonna pass,” Jordan says. “That cute blonde has been giving me the eye, and I’m going over to introduce myself.”
“Your loss,” Drew says.
“Yeah, sure.” Jordan smirks and walks off.
“That’s typical,” Ginger huffs, watching him.
“What do you expect? He’s never going to change,” Willow says.
“Are you and Jordan a thing?” Nina asks Ginger.
“God, no. I don’t meet his criteria: big tits and a small brain.”
Nina snorts. “Sounds like what most men want.”
“Not me. I want big tits and a big brain,” Reed says.
“Your body count tells a different story,” Willow drolls, and everyone laughs.
“Are we playing or what?” Drew asks.
“I’m game,” I say.
“The teams are me and Ginger, Travis and Nina, and Reed and Will,” Drew announces.
Reed squints at him. “I’m with Will?”
“You’re welcome,” Willow replies, cracking her knuckles. “I throw to win.”
Reed sighs, punching the air a few times. “I throw to survive.”
Nina walks over to me. “Are you sure about teaming up with me? I’ve never played.”
