Page 95 of Save Me
“Hey, we slept in bunk beds in a cabin with four other guys for an entire summer. It was basically camp. Don’t get all bougie on me now.”
“Of course I could handle that. There were hot women sleeping all around us up there.”
“Well, perfect, then, because there will be two smoking hot women in trailers next door and the ocean fifty steps away.”
“Huh.” Connor tips his head with renewed consideration. “Okay, that could work.”
“Yeah, I thought so.” No need to mention Frank yet. “Look, I’m sorry if this fucks up things for you. I had to do something, though. What Wolf is about to do to Sloane isn’t right.”
“Yeah, I hear ya, man.” Connor drags his tongue over the fading bruise on his lip.
I’m about to ask what Belinda did to him when the glass doors slide open and Britt steps out, wheeling her too-large suitcase behind her as she scans the area, looking for a red Bronco.
“There they are.” I hop out and jog forward.
Britt’s chocolate-brown eyes light up with her squeal. “I didn’t think you were going to make it!”
“My schedule freed up.” I collect her in my arms, lifting her small body off the ground and spinning her in the air, like I used to when she was little. She’s still wearing the same braids as she did back then.
“Stop! You’re gonna make me barf.”
“Just do it before you get in his car,” I joke, setting her back down.
A familiar freckled face is behind her. “Hey, Ronan!”
“Dani.” I pull her into my chest in a hug, resting my chin on the top of her head. “Damn, how long has it been?”
“Three years, I think?”
“You haven’t changed a bit. Still pale-ass. You’re gonna burn in this sun.” I yank on her strawberry blond ponytail, earning her giggle as she pulls away.
“Your hair is longer.”
“Yeah.” I reach up to push a hand through it. “Might shave it again. It’s hot here.”
But Dani’s head is shaking fervently as she peers up at me. “No, this suits you. It looks good.” Her cheeks flush.
It seems her crush has not faded yet.
“Finally, Little Lyle.” Connor’s deep voice booms behind me
“Connor, this is my sister, Britt, and her best friend, Dani, who is like a sister to me.” Even if she’s looking at me in a very non-sibling way.
“I’ve heard so much about you.” Britt holds a hand out.
Connor cringes at it. “What? No.”
Before Britt can register his words, he has her in a bear hug, rocking back and forth like a child squeezing its favorite stuffed animal.
When she peels away from him, she’s laughing.
Dani gets the same treatment.
“All right, all right. Greetings are over.” I know Connor too well to be comfortable with his hands all over them.
“Welcome to Mermaid Beach.” Connor throws a meaty arm around each of their shoulders and leads them toward Darla. “Gosh, we’re gonna havesomuch fun.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get the bags.” I shake my head at his back. He’s trying to get under my skin; that’s all this is. He wouldn’t try anything on either of them.
