Page 52 of A Shore Fling
“Of course she told me,” Reed says. “Will tells me everything.”
“I should’ve known something happened when you didn’t come home. Stupid me, I thought you were getting lucky,” Jordan says, shaking his head.
Reed scoffs. “Yeah, you’re stupid for thinking that.”
There’s a beat of silence while the fire crackles again, and I feel all three of them staring.
“What now?” I ask.
“You never told us what you think of Nina,” Drew points out.
Jesus. I guess I’m not getting out of answering.
“She’s cool and smart. She doesn’t take shit and doesn’t hand it out without a reason. She’s different than I thought.”
“Different how?” Jordan asks.
I look into the fire, as if I’ll find the answer there. “She makes me think.”
Drew whistles low. “Damn. From you, that’s basically a love declaration.”
I roll my eyes, but I don’t deny it. What would be the point? I haven’t spoken with my brothers about any woman. Not even my ex. They know that means Nina is special.
“Trav, don’t mess it up,” Reed says, in a heartfelt tone.
I glance over. “You think I will?”
“Not necessarily. But you like her more than you’re used to, and that’ll scare the hell out of you.”
For once, I don’t argue. Because he’s not wrong.
“I haven’t decided if I’m going to pursue anything with her,” I say.
“Don’t you think it’s a little late for that?” Drew asks.
I drop each foot from the stool and sit up straighter. “No. Nothing’s happened yet. We haven’t even gone on a date.”
“Feelings develop between people during the strangest circumstances. And you’ve played the hero a couple of times now. You’re just asking for that girl to fall in love with you,” Drew says.
“No way. She can barely stand me most of the time.”
“So?” Jordan throws his hands up. “We can barely stand you all of the time, but we still love you.”
I remain silent and shoot my middle finger up at Jordan.
Jordan grins, not at all bothered. “See? That’s what love looks like.”
Reed chuckles. “That’s Travis’ style to a T. Silent brooding followed by an obscene gesture.”
I shake my head, but the corner of my mouth twitches. I hate how well they know me.
The fire crackles louder for a moment as one of the logs splits, sending a spray of sparks into the night air. No one says anything for a minute. It’s one of those rare silences wherenobody feels the need to fill it, and that doesn’t happen often when the four of us are together.
I lean back in my chair again, eyes on the flames. My brothers go back to their drinks and their half-hearted arguing about whether it’s necessary to cut the net lining out of board shorts. But my mind’s still on Nina.
I haven’t decided what I’m going to do. But I know how off balance and alive I feel around her, like something’s shifting within me whether I’m ready or not. Taking a slow sip of beer, I let the heat from the fire settle into my skin, and stare into the glow, hoping for the answers I need. Unfortunately, I don’t get them. But I know one thing for sure. She’s not just some summer distraction. And if I’m not careful, this thing I haven’t decided on might decide for me.
CHAPTER 15
