SEA CREST

KISS

Carrie Banks

©2019 Carrie Banks

All Rights Reserved.

Cover design: Carrie Banks

Beta Read by: ZiLlah Raven, Zulfa Cupido and Char Denae

Edited by Carrie Banks and D.B. Miller

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

Sea Crest: Crush

Sea Crest: Kiss

Sea Crest: Secrets

Sea Crest: Break

Sea Crest: Burn

Sea Crest: Forever

CHAPTER ONE

TESSA

Gabby keeps staring.

“What?”

“I’m not looking at you. I’m trying to see behind you. I thought I saw someone I know…there are too many people in here to get a good look.”

I can barely hear her over the noise.

“Oh… wow.”

“What?”

“Don’t turn around, keep dancing.”

“He’s here. Isn’t he?

“Yep.”

“Kyle’s a damn stalker—he’s going to ruin my weekend.”

“It’s not Kyle.”

“Ryan?”

“Yep.”

A shot of excitement races through me. I was hoping something like this would happen, even though I pretended otherwise.

My heart starts racing as fast as the beat.

I feel his eyes on me. Gabby’s widen even more. But I just keep on dancing until the song ends and I’m out of breath.

“Hello, beautiful.”

His voice is possessive as it slides over me. Slowly, I turn around. The butterflies fly free and I’m falling headfirst into another summer crush, faster than the one I fell into last year.

“See something you like?” I challenge.

“You know I do.” He bends down so I can hear him over the next song that starts playing.

“Too bad. You’ll just have to keep looking.” I grab Gabby by the arm and lead her deeper into the dance floor.

“That was hot, Tessa. You just burned him and made him want you even more. I can tell. His eyes are all over you.”

I shrug, stopping close to the stage. My hips move to the beat, faster and faster. I’m getting a lot of attention and I know Ryan’s eyes aren’t the only pair on me. A few guys want to grind, but I don’t want anyone else but him.

“Who were you checking out?”

“Barron.”

“Barron?”

“We’re friends. I’ve been exchanging texts with him every night after work.”

“Please tell me this isn’t another ambush?”

“No. I swear. I didn’t know they would be here. I thought Barron was taking the boat out to the Hamptons… Crap. Don’t turn around. I think Ryan’s here with someone.”

Mike from the band sees us and waves us up to the stage. I don’t hesitate for a second. “Come on, let’s show the Kings of Sea Crest what they’re missing!”

The band start’s playing Uptown Funk, and I can’t believe my luck. Gabby and I still know our routine from sophomore year to this song by heart. Out on the stage, I block everything out. The two of us will put on a show no one here will forget anytime soon.

Ignoring the corner of the bar where Gabby said Ryan was drinking with Barron and some girl—I run my fingers through my hair, grab the mic, and belt out the lyrics. The crowd goes nuts, cheering and whistling. As the song ends, we all laugh and high five. Finally, I look across the floor and lock eyes with Ryan. He’s zeroed in on me—totally oblivious to the girl pressed up against him. He says something to Barron, who nods. Then they both start cutting through the crowd to the stage, leaving whoever she was behind.

Ryan lights me on fire. I just hope I don’t get burned.

“Nice moves.”

“Hi Barron, what’s up?” I give him a polite smile.

Before he can answer, Ryan pushes him aside and puts an arm possessively around my waist. “I’ve missed you.”

Pressed up against his side, I forget everything. The second he touched me, my anger and my questions about his past evaporated. For now.I’ll get my answers in due time but right now all the ions in the air around us are charged. I can see it in his eyes. He wants to kiss me again.

Badly.

I want it, too.

Barron’s watching us practically melt together. The heat between us, even seems to turn him on.

He finally looks away, towards Gabby, who’s pretending to ignore him. She’s loving the attention that she’s receiving from our performance with the band.

This is going be interesting. She’s trying to play the ultimate player.

Ryan’s blocked out everyone but me. I have his complete attention and it’s overpowering. In many ways, I’m still a girl while he’s such a man already.

“Hey stranger danger,” I say before I can take the words back. He has me tied up in knots.

“Stranger danger?” Ryan asks with a wink, “we’re going to have to fix that. Do you let strangers kiss you?”

Before I can answer, his mouth is on mine. I moan, clutching his hair. I’ve dreamed about his kisses for days. I don’t know what happened that night at Barron’s house, but I don’t care anymore. I knew he was cocky, heart-breaking trouble when we met and yet I can’t stay away.

He nips at my lips and kisses my mouth. His tongue sweeps inside. I press my tongue against his and feel myself getting restless in all the right places.

Groaning, I thread my fingers through his hair. Ryan’s arms pull me closer. I feel him pressing against my stomach… I’m not the only one getting carried away.

“Are you two going to suck face all night? I’m buying a round.”

Ryan ends our torrid kiss, but before he completely pulls away, he lays one last sweet peck on me.

Our eyes lock.

He smiles but unlike a few weeks ago, there’ no challenge…no game. He seems lighter somehow.

“I’ll have the usual and I’m buying.”

Still holding me by the waist, he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet.

“Just a water for me.”

“Are you sure, Andrews?”

“What? A full moon is still not in the forecast.”

He leans over and whispers in my ear while gently toying with the straps of my dress. “Seeing you up there on stage in this was all the reminder I needed.” His warm fingers slide up and down under my shoulders traps, caressing my bare skin. He picks me up and moves me, so my back is against the bar. It’s a signal to everyone in sight that I’m his.

He stands close, caging me in. His right hand holds his black America Express card ready to pay for our drinks while the fingers of his left hand slowly slide under my dress to skim across my thighs.

He’s such a dirty, bad boy.

I knew he was.

And I kind of like it.

The bar is packed, dark, and crazy. But Ryan is so slow and deliberate, his hand now boldly splays across the back of my thigh while he bends down over me and kisses my neck. I tip my head back to stare up at him.

The world disappears. We’re the only ones left.

With our faces inches apart and our mouths almost touching, he leans his forehead on mine.

“I know I never called, but I thought of you every damn day.” His fingers slide down the back of my thigh one more time before he pulls away.

“I never called to thank you for sending me flowers either.”

“Forgiven?” he asks.

“Forgiven.” I breathlessly reply, still stunned he just boldly touched me like that. And shocked at myself that not only did I let him, but that I wanted more.

I pull him down for a quick kiss. He drops his card on the bar and hauls me against him.

“What are you both doing here anyway? I thought you were taking Her Majesty out to the Hamptons?” Gabby asks.

“That was the plan until Ryan found out his little sweetheart was going to be on Block. He insisted we change course. It wasn’t my first choice for this weekend but hell, he’s practically my brother. I had to make him happy,” he pats Ryan on the back, then gives Dex his credit card. “Open up a tab for us.”

“I’ve got it Barron.” Ryan steps in.

They stare one another down, battling over who will pay.

“What’s wrong with Block?” I interject.

Barron seems uncomfortable with my question, trying hard not to be impolite.

“Nothing. The harbor here is too small to accommodate the Majesty, especially with all the ferry traffic.”

“Oh my God. Did Barron Foster ride a public ferry?” I finish dramatically placing a hand over my heart.

“Of course not,” he laughs.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here. I know this isn’t as swanky as the Hamptons, but Block has a certain charm that’s almost magical.”

“To a magical weekend,” Ryan toasts as our drinks come.

“It’s on the house,” Dex replies, handing both men back their cards. His eyes are full of disappointment when they look at me. But at least he doesn’t hold a grudge that Ryan foiled any plans he had of hooking up with me.

“Thanks.” Ryan grabs my hand and leads me back to the dance floor. Gabby and Barron follow. She’s in full sexy mode, tousling her hair while staring seductively at Barron.

This is going to be a sweet romance or an epic disaster.

I know she loves her job working for his father and if this ends badly, it’s going to be awkward at the office until summer ends.

After a few songs, I catch her eye, and we excuse ourselves for the ladies’ room.

“Are you sure about pursuing Barron?”

“I know there are risks but I’ve had feelings for him for a while now. I need to make my move now—this summer before he goes to HSB.”

Washing our hands in the sink, I stare at our reflections side by side in the mirror. I shake my head at the two of us making risky choices, but hey, you want who you want. I’m not going to judge.

We finish primping in the mirror and Gabby tells me Barron has invited us both back to Her Majesty. The yacht was too big to dock, so they had to moor offshore on the other side of the island. No wonder why we didn’t see her from the ferry.

“Do you want to go?” She asks.

“Yes. But we are not doing the walk of shame back to Dex’s. Pinky-promise?”

“Pinky-promise.”

As we make good on it, the other women in the bathroom laugh. We make our way back to our boys and find JD to tell him our plans.

“Are you sure about this? You know what they’re probably expecting, right?”

JD breaks away from the girl he’s dancing with, his eyes conveying worry.

“We’re big girls, JD. Tessa and I know what we’re doing.”

Do we?

“She’s right. Besides your coming with us,” I inform him.

“I am?”

“Of course.” Gabby answers, placing her hand on his arm, leaving him without a choice. He ends up convincing Lisa, the brunette he met to join us. Looking up, I meet Ryan’s anxious eyes as we prepare to leave.

What have I committed to?

Isn’t this what I wanted?

Should I tell him I’m a virgin?

Our group walks out into the night, towards New Harbor where Barron’s Zodiac will take us aboard.

Ryan puts an arm around me pulling me close.

Neither of us says a thing. Our truce is only hours old and I think we’re both afraid the magic of the night will end, if one of us brings up what happened the last time we saw each other.

All the bars are closing shortly and the night’s winding down. Crowds of people spill out onto the street walking back to wherever they are spending the night.

There are few cars here since everything’s located within a quarter mile. Well, everything except the harbor where Barron had to moor his lady. I just found out that we have to walk a mile in the dark.

Barron grabs Gabby, bending her back over one arm and kisses her wildly. Taking my phone out of my wristlet, I capture the moment.

“How much longer? I’m getting blisters.” Lisa wails.

Looking at her shoes, I can tell she’s a Block Island newbie. Her high heel sandals look painful.

“It’s not much longer to the dock where the Zodiac is—maybe a quarter mile?” Barron answers.

“What? I’ll never make it,” Lisa replies, dropping down in the grass.

“I’ve got ya,” JD tells her holding out a hand. She takes it and climbs onto his back for a piggy ride and he gallops down the street.

Gabby jumps onto Barron’s back. The two couples recreate some weird horse race.

Yes, my friends are wasted.

Ryan and I walk behind. He grabs my hand, holding it tight.

When we arrive at the docks, both couples are making out, oblivious that we’ve arrived. Ryan starts untying the ropes to the Zodiac and steps in.

Wordlessly, he holds out a hand to me. I take it and he helps me get in. Before he lets go, he hugs me tight against him. “I wouldn’t want you to feel left out. Everyone else is doing it.”

He kisses me under a thousand stars.

I don’t know how it’s possible, but every kiss feels hotter than the previous one. But before we get carried away, he pulls back.

“Come on, let’s go.” Ryan’s in charge of herding our drunken friends safely into the watercraft since the two of us are the only sober ones.

When everyone’s in securely, Ryan starts up the powerful engines. The boat cuts across the dark water, racing away into the night. And before I know it, we’ve arrived.

Ryan pulls up alongside the stern and ties off to the launch.

I’m stuck in my seat.

The impressive size of the Majesty looms above me, and suddenly I feel way out of my element.

It’s just occurred to me that once we board, we’re stuck here for the night.

There’s no chance I can make my way back to Dex’s if I change my mind at the last second.

“Tessa?”

Ryan holds out his hand. The lights from Her Majesty illuminate the sky behind him. With string lights hoisted above the top deck to the bridge, she looks prepared to host a ball and Ryan’s staring at me as if I’m his princess.

Letting out a quick breath, I give him my hand standing on shaky legs. I force a small smile and let him lead me aboard.

JD knows his way around the ship, and he gets permission to give Lisa a “tour.”

“Come on Gabby—feel like getting in the hot tub?”

“But I don’t have a suit, Barrie.”

Barrie?

“Who cares?” He laughs, taking her hand and leading her up to the top deck. Suddenly, we’re left alone. I stare awkwardly at Ryan. Should I just launch myself at him? Or tell him right now I’m not going all the way?

“I’ll be right back.” He surprises me by looking unsure as well.

“What? You can’t leave me here. They are practically right above us. I can’t listen to them. It’s just gross.”

He smiles, amused at me for being so uncomfortable.

Barron’s shirt falls at my feet.

Gabby must’ve just ripped it off him and chucked it below, just for the hell of it. I hear her giggles followed by splashing water and shake my head.

“What? You’re not into voyeurism, Andrews?”

Glaring at him, I hit the button that opens the glass door to enter the bar area where three weeks ago I sat in a heap on the floor.

“Wait in here. I’ll be back in five.”

He walks through the main salon toward the bow. He’s gone for a full ten minutes, and I don’t want to sit here alone, waiting any longer.

I’m chickening out. What the heck is he doing? Taking a shower?

I open a side door to a deck rail. I never thought I’d be here again, onboard Barron Foster’s boat in the middle of Block Island Harbor.

The sea matches the sky all the way out to the horizon, inky black and dark blue. Thousands of stars are out, and the breeze comes across the water chilling my skin.

“You’re freezing.”

Ryan’s hands briefly touch my shoulders. He opens a bench where life jackets and blankets are stored, pulls out a thick, plaid blanket draping it around me.

“Come on. I have a surprise.”

He leads me along the deck rail to the impressive bow.

He’s taken a sail and tied it across the rails, making a small tent. Outdoor cushions are strewn underneath creating a cozy spot for lounging. A hurricane lamp sits in the middle of a blanket functioning as a tablecloth. A bottle of chilled water, cheese and crackers, with a few bunches of grapes are on a small tray.

“You did all this, for me?”

He takes the blanket off my shoulders and sits holding out his hand for me to join him.

I don’t hesitate to climb under his makeshift tent and lie down next to him. He tucks the blanket around us. We lie in silence, staring out at the night sky.

A shooting star streaks by so fast I almost miss it.

“Did you see that?’

“Yes, make a wish.”

I snuggle into his side. The yacht gently sways, and the ship’s flags rustle in the wind. I sigh in contentment starting to relax. He does have a sweet and romantic side to him and I couldn’t be happier about it.

“I think this is a record.”

“What?”

“You haven’t done or said anything crazy or called me, ‘sweet cheeks.’ I like this side of you very much.”

He kisses the top of my head, pulling me closer.

We’re like magnets, the pull is strong and I can’t fight this anymore. But I need to know what happened with Emily. What Anna told me weeks ago still bothers me and it wouldn’t be fair to him to pretend to be oblivious about his past.

“… you know I’m working as an assistant manager at one of the touristy hotels this summer?”

“That was fun when I pranked you with that key.”

My face heats, turning red. “Anyway, I’ve worked at The Wharf Inn every summer since sophomore year. Anyway, the hotel only employs about twenty workers during peak season, so you get to know everyone. We’re like family. We hired a new girl a few weeks ago to help for the next few months until the height of the season is over. She said she knew you.”

“What’s her name?”

“Anna Caldwell.”

His body stiffens.

Finally, he speaks, “I met her sister, Emily, about four months ago. I was having dinner with Barron and she came over. I asked her if she wanted to hang out. We hooked up casually and that was it. I was straight with her. I didn’t want anything deep… I didn’t want to date or be her boyfriend. It ended badly when she couldn’t change my mind.”

“Oh. That’s it?”

“Pretty much, why?”

I bite my lip, “She said she was pregnant.”

“Bullshit! If she was, she never told me. Honestly, Tess…a lot of girls try to reel me in. I come from a wealthy family and in case you haven’t noticed—I’m hot.”

“What about me? Are you going to treat me like her?”

He sighs into my hair. “Do we have to do this tonight?”

I turn in his arms, propping myself up on my elbows, “Yes. I’m not into casually hooking up. I’m a girl who needs more.”

“You deserve more.”

I take my index finger and trace his lower lip. He tries to bite me, but I’m too fast. I lower my head and let him think I’m about to kiss him, pulling back at the last moment instead, just like I did on our first date.

“Tease.”

“Talk first, kisses after. I want to know you… We’ve never really actually talked. And sometimes you’re sweet and others, scary and cold. I want to get to know the real you, Ryan.”

He sighs and puts one fisted hand into a pocket.

“My life’s fucked up Tess. There’s a reason why I’m kind of an asshole. I just…talking about it won’t change anything that happened.” He swallows hard.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to dredge anything up.” I smooth the hem of my dress feeling awkward, but I know I need answers from him. “You intrigue me. I’ve never met anyone like you…I just want a glimpse behind the curtain. All I know about you right now is that you’re a great kisser who transferred to Pine Point halfway through senior year, breaking hearts faster than anyone.

His lips twitch for a moment, but a deep sadness dwells in his eyes. He breathes out hard, “Despite how I like to unwind on the weekends, I consider myself a serious person. I was very studious in school. Getting accepted into Harvard was tough, even for me. It helped that I avoided parties since I had a steady girlfriend for a few years.

Anyway, it was easy for me to maintain a relationship since I didn’t go out much on the weekends. Looking back, I loved Blaire, but I wasn’t ready for a long-term commitment. After our first anniversary, she started hinting that we should apply to the same college, knowing she’d never get into Harvard.  By the end, she accused me of using her and wasting her time. It didn’t help that our last Christmas together—”

He stops and inhales sharply, not continuing.

I lift my head off his chest, waiting.

He’s staring at the same stars I was gazing at earlier.

“I guess I have to go make up the ending to that story…?”

“You couldn’t. How could you… when B, never knew all of it?”

He sits up with his head in his hands. After a few minutes, he opens the bottle of water, pouring two glasses.

He gets up and leans against the deck rail.

With the night sky behind him he tells me everything.

“I was a real prick to Blaire at the end. She never deserved such poor treatment. I was in a bad place and couldn’t see past my pain.”

He takes a few small sips and continues, “I needed a break from studying. The final exams before Christmas break were kicking my ass. I thought making a quick trip home to Marblehead would be the recharge that I needed.

Nothing beats my mom’s house on the holidays. Our family used to put up three trees. In the grand hall, we had a showpiece tree. Mom would hire a professional for that one. In the study, a nautical-themed tree and then a crazy family tree that was just for us in the family room. That one was always my favorite. It would be full of picture ornaments and art projects that my sister and I made in from school. Mom was constantly baking...the entire house always smelled of gingerbread.”

“Sounds like a Hallmark Channel special.”

“No shit, more like a Lifetime movie by the end,” he says bitterly.

“Anyway, I was in a real funk at school, burning out. So, Friday morning after my last class, I packed up and drove straight out of the city. The private school I was at, was a boarding school. I was hoping to surprise Mom, maybe take her out for lunch. Instead, I ended up walking in on my dad fucking his mistress. He had her in my mom’s kitchen. That skank’s bare ass was on the counter. They were trimming the tree, alright.”

“Oh, my God,” I gasp.

Springing off the cushions I get to him in three short strides, throwing myself into his arms. I hug him tight around his waist, “I’m so sorry, how awful.”

“There’s more,” he whispers into my hair. “But I’m going to need a stiffer drink to tell it. I’ll be right back.”

I mull over everything he has told me so far, picturing the life he led a few years back. In a relationship, studying, and wanting to spend time with his family. Sounds like he was the guy I would want to be with now.

He comes back with a glass of scotch. He leans back against the rail looking up as if seeking answers from above. A single tear makes its way down from the corner of his lost, dark eyes.

“Ryan?”

“I just need another minute,” he tries to compose himself. I sit back on the cushions, giving him some space.

“Later that weekend, my younger sister, Abby, died in a horrible accident. She was eight and still believed in Santa.”

“Oh my god!” Tears start falling down my own cheeks as I listen.

“I didn’t want to ruin the holidays for her, so I kept my mouth shut. My dad was relieved, only caring about himself. He wanted to maintain his image as the doting family man for his baby girl. And she always saw him as the perfect daddy.

I was torn between loyalty to my mother and sheltering Abby from the truth. It was so ironic. I was worried about some strange guy being the first to break Abby’s heart someday. Who knew my dad would be the one to do it?”

“I can’t even imagine, Ryan. What did you do?”

“My mom had a right to know. I mean if I was married and my wife was cheating—I would want to know. It was very clear cut to me. So, that night after Abby went to bed, I told my mom everything. She was devastated.”

“Of course, she was.”

“The next day, my mom confronted him. It was ugly. They had a huge argument. My dad stormed in, cursing and accusing me of ruining Christmas for the family—can you believe that?

“I still can’t believe the balls he had, blaming instead of himself.”

“Oh Ryan,” I whisper.

“All the screaming frightened Abby. She found out everything. My baby sister took it hard. That night she snuck out and tried to make it to her best friend’s house down the block. She never came back.”

“What happened?”

He inhales sharply and his hand turns white, because he grips the glass so hard. “She was hit by a drunk driver who lost control on black ice. She tried to swerve, but her reflexes were slow. I guess there were a lot of holiday parties that night. The irony is—her death saved my parent’s marriage.”

“How so? I’m not following…”

“My parents grieved together. They said their shared grief enabled them to re-connect. I was enraged. Maybe Abby would still be here if my father never had that affair,” he finishes dejectedly.

“You don’t know that, Ryan. And you can’t think that way. None of this is your fault, that’s for sure.”

“That’s what my therapist said. I was a wreck. I was livid—at both my mom and dad for months after. I cut them out of my life. I was barely functioning and just doing the bare minimum to get through the rest of senior year. I shut B out, I never told her about my dad’s affair or the arguments we had at home. She just knew about the accident, but I couldn’t stomach re-hashing the rest.

She was close to my mom. But she never told her either. Mom wanted it swept under the rug, so she could pretend the affair never happened. God forbid it ever got out and became a source of gossip. Abby died for nothing. My father kept his wife and got off. Scot-free.”

“He lost you Ry. Deep down, I’m sure he knows the price that affair cost him. Guilt must consume him, especially since he and Abby were so close.”

He tips his head and sips his scotch, taking a minute.

“Senior year was winding down…Blaire was getting impatient. I knew she wanted to plan our future. Find out where things with me were heading. But I could barely keep my head above water. The relationship just became too much emotionally for me to handle. So, I did the natural thing.”

“Blow her off?”

“Pretty much. I was already distancing myself. Making excuses not to see her and putting her calls to voicemail. She wanted to be there for me, but I felt suffocated. I just needed some space. I knew she was expecting a promise ring at some point. She kept talking about a future and moving past the pain together.”

“Ouch. She really didn’t have a clue, what was going on with your parents?”

He shakes his head.

“And you’ve never gotten anyone pregnant?”

“Not that I know of. Blaire’s been hanging around Hill’s Head. She has family in the area. Emily was just a hook up who wanted more. I want you to stay away from them both.”

“I can’t. I work with Anna, Emily’s sister, remember?”

“Right. Just promise me that you won’t let anyone get in your head, okay? Let’s see where this goes without anyone trying to interfere.”

“Okay,” I smile softly at him.

“Besides you, Barron is the only one who knows the whole story. The pressure was incredible on all sides. Everything just fell apart. It was too much. Thank God for Barron. He saw what I was going through and really stepped up. I trust Barron more than anyone. There were days I couldn’t get out of bed, barely showered or ate. My room was a mess. B showed up one night and I didn’t have the heart to turn her away. She cleaned, picked up my laundry, put fresh sheets on my bed—while I just sat and moped.”

“She was good to you.”

I’m jealous hearing this and the history he had with this girl.

“Yes, she was. Anyway, I let her stay over. We ordered delivery and when the guy arrived, he screwed up our order giving us the wrong food. I became enraged and started yelling in his face that he was a stupid idiot. I scared the heck out of the poor guy.

But he really shit his pants when I picked up my computer and hurled it against the wall. B was terrified. She’s never seen me like that. She ran screaming out of Barron’s house. I knew I was spiraling out of control, but I kept going. I couldn’t stop months of rage from boiling over. I followed her out.

I told her she was shit in bed. That I had been hooking up with someone else on the side. She was wailing. Fat tears were raining down her face, and I felt shittier than I already did. But in the end, I got what I wanted. She left me alone for months. She didn’t deserve how I treated her. Blaire was actually a great girlfriend, just shit for timing.”

“Did you really cheat on her?”

“No, but it was close…I met Emily a month or so after. Anyway, the therapist Barron introduced me to saved my ass from flunking out. I was still a mess, but slowly pulled myself together.”

“You saw a therapist?”

“Tessa, I’m a private person. I’m trusting you with this because I want you to understand why I was such a dick to you when we first met. This stays between us.”

“Of course.”

“I pride myself on being successful. I want to earn every dollar in my bank account by myself. I won’t touch a dime of my father’s money. I work hard, I play hard, but back then I could barely function.”

He lets out a long breath and finishes his drink. The mighty and cocky Ryan Stone is vulnerable after all. He’s blowing me away tonight, sharing so much with me. He rocks back on his heels deliberating.

“Even after all this time—only Barron knows.”

“Tell me.”

“The thing is, Tessa, I was on anti-depressants. I needed help to get my head straight so I could finish school and start a successful career. The therapist Barron recommended gave them to me. The medication took a few weeks to kick in, and I started weekly counseling sessions. I graduated and never looked back. I’ll never forget how Barron stepped up and was there for me. He went from being a friend to a brother. I moved in with the Foster’s and transferred schools. We’ve been inseparable ever since.”

“I’m glad he was there for you. That’s how I feel about JD and Gabby. I would do anything for them. Do you still take the anti-depressants?”

“Yes. But, Tessa, it’s important that this stays between us. I want to work in a very cut-throat industry with high net worth individuals. The investors expect me to be top notch in every way. If this gets out, my internship and reputation at HSB could be in jeopardy.”

“What? No Ryan, that’s ridiculous.”

“Actually, it’s not. I’m being groomed to be an investment analyst. This could spook investors. Who would invest money in a firm where the guy putting together potential deals has a history of depression? People are already nervous with their capital today as they should be. Remember Bernie Madoff?

“Yes. My mom and I watched a movie about him on HBO.”

“Anyway, I think I’ll be okay now. I finally feel like the darkness inside has disappeared. There are days when Abby’s death hits me hard and I want to break everything in sight and get shit faced. But Barron drops everything, no matter where he is. He makes sure I’m not alone.”

“When did she…?”

“December twentieth.”

I take a deep breath. “I feel like crap. I was such a bitch to you last month.”

“No, I was a jerk and deserved it. Sorry for acting like a complete tool. I’ve gotten used to just treating all girls the same. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. But I do have one more question. Is this what you meant when you said you were a bad person?”

“Kind of—I guess. I just was trying to warn you. You’re what? Two years younger than me?”

“One.”

He shakes his head. “It’s two. Even though I’m one year ahead in school. My parent’s red-shirted me. They didn’t send me to grade school until six. They thought holding me back would give me an academic and athletic advantage.”

“Did it?”

He nods. “It did. I was smarter and stronger than anyone else in my class at both Pine Point and Beacon Hill Prep.”

“No wonder you seem so much more… than the rest of the guys.”

He smirks a bit. “Come here.” His hands run through my long, golden hair as he leans down and steals my breath.

When we both break for air, he tells me more. “I’ve been blowing through girls like this ship cuts through the water. My therapist said I shut myself off emotionally after Abby’s death because the pain of losing her was too much. It was just easier to stop myself from loving anyone or caring.

Hell, I’ll just be honest. It was easier just to get the sex with no strings. I just stopped giving a damn at how I came off to women. But when I met you—you pierced my black heart and it scared the shit out of me.”

“Is that why you never called?”

“Partly. I was also pissed that you called me a psycho. We had just met and obviously, I wasn’t going to tell you my life story. But I couldn’t stop thinking about you…wondering if I should’ve taken a chance…”

I smile softly and he tucks a piece of blowing hair behind my ear. With our hands locked together he leads me back to the blanket spread out on the deck.

I bend down and lounge against the cushions.

He ducks under the sail and snuggles up against me. I press a finger against his lips, lightly tracing them. This time, I don’t tease him but firmly take his lips with mine and open my mouth to let our tongues touch.

He pulls me on top of him, adjusting the blanket over us, and kisses me hard. I feel closer to him; more connected. His hands work up the hem of my dress. He caresses my thighs, stroking over them in rhythmic circles. He’s slow. Taking his time to make sure I’m okay with how he’s touching me. He pulls his mouth off mine to nip my neck and my hair falls over us.

“God baby—I want you so much.” He sounds pained as he falls off me. Probably not wanting me to feel pressured to do too much.

I sit up, straddling him… wanting to take all of his pain away. He’s been through so much. I want to chase his bad memories away with new ones of me.

I feel him between my legs, pressing against my cotton panties even through his shorts. I swallow hard because it feels both good but a bit scary. He bites his lip as he looks up at me. “It’s okay, baby. All I need is you in my arms, nothing else.”

Tears burn behind my eyes. “That’s what Kyle said. He lied.”

“I’m not him,” he growls, switching our positions so I’m underneath him. But he maneuvers himself in a way where I can’t feel his erection. He kisses me slow and sweetly but the pressure for more builds.

His lips and mouth are everywhere. My neck, behind my ear, the nook between my breasts. His hands roam over me, cupping my breasts. Our eyes meet. “Is this okay?” He asks, lowering his hands between my legs.

“Yes.” My breath hitches as his hands continue to explore. He finds me, flicking his finger over my sensitive nub, again and again.

But I need more. I grab his hand and press it harder where it hurts and is aching. He takes the hint and I moan as this privileged rebel makes me feel like his dirty queen.

“More?”

“Yes,” I pant.

He only stops to unzip my dress and it falls to my waist. He unhooks my strapless bra and tosses it. Then he’s back working me over… while his tongue finds my breasts. It tugs on each nipple, causing the burn to get hotter between my thighs.

“Ry!” I moan, floating above the sea. It didn’t take long since I haven’t been touched like this in months…if ever.

He grabs either side of my face and gives me a wild kiss. I feel like a woman even though we didn’t have sex. He rolls of me panting, while my body still hums from his touch. I turn my head to stare at him.

He’s so beautiful. Beautiful, wild chaos. And in this moment—he’s mine. I turn to face him, letting my hand fall to his abs and slide lower to rest on the zipper to his khaki shorts.

He quirks an eyebrow at me. “You don’t...” He breaks off with a hiss as I unzip his fly and my hand roams inside. I sit up, pushing his shorts and boxer briefs down. Now he’s the one, gasping my name out loud as my hand moves up and down. He’s big, smooth, and thick. It’s not long before I feel his body tense and his hands tighten in my hair.

“Christ Tessa. Baby—I’m going to come,” he warns. He moves his head to kiss me as I feel him quake into my hands.

Sated and spent, we both lay back and cuddle under the blanket where we just hold each other and kiss. Hours must have gone by since we came back here. My lips are getting chapped, and I need sleep. I excuse myself with a red face and clean up in the nearest bathroom. I did all this with Kyle, but for some reason it all feels new and I feel shy.

When I was gone, Ryan cleaned up our little nest. He takes my hand and leads me to his stateroom. He opens the door and hands me a T-shirt and shorts. I climb into the bed and snuggle into his arms. I feel close to him now, and I can tell he feels it too when he kisses the top of my head and tells me to sleep.

***

The rocking of the yacht slowly wakes me. A hand lays across my waist and another has crept under my shirt, tracing circles on my taut stomach.

I moan, pushing my hips back. One hand moves higher under my shirt and gently massages each breast; the other slides down. He’s about to dip his hand into my panties when I turn to face him. He lifts my shirt over my head and stares at my chest with a look of pure lust. He nuzzles my breasts, but I grab his head, digging my nails into his scalp. Not hard enough to hurt, but just enough to get his attention.

“I’m—I’m… kind of a virgin.”

“I figured.”

“You did?”

“Yeah. You wanted to get naughty with me, but I saw the hesitation in your eyes both times we made out. Don’t worry. Let’s just take things slow, okay?”

“That’s what Kyle said.”

“I’m not that asshole,” he growls. “Don’t compare me to that dickwad again.”

“Prove it to me.”

“I will. Every day this summer.”

I yank his shirt off and trace his tan pecs with my hands. He kisses and licks my neck pushing my hair aside, gently nipping my ear. Things are escalating fast. We line up, pressing into one another. He brushes the hair back from my face and kisses me deeply. His tongue swirls in my mouth—it’s minty and hot.

I wrap my legs around his waist and press him deeper against me.

It. Feels. So. Good.

I want to go all the way with him, but I want to make sure…I want to be sure he’s really mine.

The shrilling ring tone of his phone on the night table next to my ear startles me. Ryan pushes off me with a frown.

“Shit. It’s the office.” He scrolls through, scanning a message.

“Christ. An investor has a question about a deal I’ve been working on.”

“On a Saturday morning?”

“Money never sleeps.” He turns back to me, “I’m sorry sweets. I need to get on my laptop.”

“Okay.” I plant a kiss between his shoulder blades. But I let the sheet fall so he can see what he’ll be missing.

He puts his phone down and turns around to face me and his stares longingly at my body.

“Fuck the office,” he mutters, taking me into his arms.

***

We did everything but have sex and my body hums as if we did.

I enter the bathroom and open the cupboards in search of a toothbrush. Finding an array of new toiletries, I help myself. Ryan walks in behind me, meeting my eyes in the mirror as I brush my teeth.

He smirks and starts removing his clothes.

They fall to the floor with a swoosh.

My skin flushes and I look away, turning on the faucet. The shower turns on, and I can’t help raising my eyes, catching a view of his toned, naked butt in the mirror.

“I wanted to make you feel better,” Ryan shouts from inside the stall.

“What?”

“I’ve seen yours. It was only fair that I show you mine. Although, yours is way better.”

I like this side of him.

Who knew he had a sense of humor?

I open the door quickly and before I can chicken out—I give him a quick, hard slap on one butt cheek.

He jerks in surprise and before he can turn around, I close the door.

“You’re going to pay for that,” he calls out as I walk back into the cabin putting on my now infamous sundress.

I need to find Gabby and JD but most importantly, coffee. I’m familiar enough onboard to find my way to the sky deck. Ryan said that’s where breakfast usually is served.

“The view up here is amazing,” I take a seat facing the island behind us. This part of Block has few restaurants and shops and is more secluded than Old Harbor where the ferries go back and forth all day.

The shoreline here is exceptional. It’s scattered with coves and inlets where thick sea grass and dunes line isolated beaches.

“Where’s Ryan?”

“He had a work email he needed to handle. What are your plans today?” I ask Barron while helping myself to a bagel and some fresh fruit.

“I thought you girls might like a tour around Block by sea, we could find a good spot to drop anchor, maybe Ryan and I could do some spearfishing.”

He stands and gives Gabby a quick peck on the cheek. As Barron looks out over the rail, with his coffee mug in hand and sharp eyes noticing everything, he truly is a captain.

“I’ll need to head up to the bridge in a minute to check the tide schedule,” he tells us as a steward comes out with a refill for him and carrying an iced latte which she hands to me.

This really is a boat of dreams. Waking up in bed with Ryan and now a latte? I could get used to this life.

Raising my eyebrows at Gabby, I whisper, “What happened last night?”

She kicks my leg under the table and shakes her head, gesturing behind her where Barron still stands. He comes closer to us, putting his coffee down on the table. “I’ll have Ryan take you to shore. You can pack up your bags and spend the rest of the Fourth here, with us.”

“I know I’d like that,” Ryan says against my ear. He kisses my cheek, dropping into the seat next to me.

“Hmm, a weekend aboard a twenty-million-dollar yacht or the futon bed at Dex’s house? I can’t decide. We need some time to think to about it, right Tessa?”

“If we decide to stay…do me a favor, and don’t post it everywhere!”

Ryan and I share a look, and we all burst out laughing.

“Wait. What about JD? It was his idea to come to Block Island this weekend. I won’t ditch him.”

“He’s cool.” Barron replies nonchalantly, then turns and walks up the stairs to the bridge.

“I’m going to get JD and Lisa, to make sure they will be ready to go soon.” Ryan gives me a wink, walking inside.

“This truly is turning into the summer of love for all of us,” I remark, watching the door Ryan just went through.

Gabby whips off her sunglasses, staring at me like I’ve completely lost my mind.

“Chica, don’t read too much into any of this. Don’t get caught up in the moment forgetting who Barron and Ryan are—”

“Who are they?”

I hate how she is always so cynical. Her words puncture my heart, making it bleed just when I thought it had healed enough to try again.

“You know who they are—complete players. Do you really believe we are the first girls Barron and Ryan have hosted on the Majesty this summer? Don’t be naïve. I’ve heard about it for the last three weeks at work. It’s easier not to get hurt if you keep your head in the game. These waiters hand out condoms and coffees on the same tray.”

“I hear what you are saying, but I just wish for once you could stop being so negative. Ryan finally opened up to me last night. He was different—told me some very private things about his past that I don’t think he would share with just anyone. He knows I’m a virgin and isn’t pressuring me at all…I might be ready to let someone in again.”

“Really? This is the same guy who a few weeks ago rented a hotel room after knowing you for two days and expected you to go, right?”

“Yes.” I hang my head. “But he explained all that. I know I haven’t mentioned Ryan in weeks, but I was thrilled to see him last night. I’ll be cautious, but I’m putting all my chips down on the table and going all in for Ryan Stone.”

She looks incredulously at me, “Have you lost your damn mind? Did you not learn anything from what happened with Kyle? You need to slow down and take your foot off the gas pedal, or you’ll end up going over the cliff again. I hated seeing how you were last year—broken. I worried about you all the time…you had disconnected from everything. You fall in love too quickly, just slow down.”

“I know I was completely numb. I barely remember those days. I was like a robot, mechanically going through the motions.” I shudder at the memories, “I never want to feel that way again.”

“Good. Because every time I went to your house, you were sleeping. I still can’t believe you didn’t flunk out. Only you could maintain a high GPA while being totally checked out.”

“I know. Academics comes easy for me. What do you think I should do? I really like him.”

“I’m not sure. You and I are polar opposites. I know I could handle it, but you can’t seem to stop yourself before the fall.”

“So, teach me.”

She’s about to answer when JD appears towing Lisa behind him. “I just refueled the Zodiac. As soon as everyone’s ready, we can head to shore,” Ryan announces taking the empty seat next to me. He sits so close that our bodies touch from arm to ankle.

“Coffee first. I need a gallon after the night I had,” JD winces. He’s definitely hung over.

Barron walks down the short flight of steps from the bridge, “You all need to hurry. If we are going to have time to cruise over to the bluffs and get back in time to secure a prime spot for tonight’s fireworks—you need to get a move on.”

“The clock’s ticking. You heard the captain. I’m leaving in five minutes, whoever is on the aft deck gets to shore. If you’re not there, you’ll have to survive with what you’re wearing,” Ryan smirks.

I move to get up from the table hoping to be able to take a quick shower before we go, but Ryan’s arm snakes around my waist, stopping me.

“You won’t need any clothes this weekend.”

My face turns red as everyone around the table snickers.

“Unlike Gabby—you won't find me skinny dipping,” I reply with a wink, jogging down the stairs to the main deck and darting inside before my five minutes are up.

***

The water is rougher than it was last night. I jostle hard with each wave that slaps into the Zodiac as Ryan races us back toward shore. Barron warned us a small thunder system is moving past a few miles out to sea and that it might be a bit bouncy.

I’m gripping the side so hard to stabilize my body that my hand is numb and white, and my legs are soaking wet from the spray kicking up.

I’m wet, cold and shivering.

Even though, I’ve lived near the ocean my entire life—I’ve never spent a weekend at sea, much less on a multi-million-dollar yacht.

Looking away from the rolling waves, my eyes study the man who’s an enigma to me. Ryan handles the small watercraft just as masterfully as Barron as he darts around buoys and other boats that have dropped anchor. It’s obvious that he has done this, many times before.

The conversation I had with Gabby an hour ago plays in my head. Maybe I should listen. I’m falling too fast and I need to slow down, but I’m not sure how to tell my heart it needs to go back in the cage when it just found freedom again.

Closing my eyes, I feel the wind whip across my face. My hair blows behind me like a curtain. I vow to rein myself in and put the protective barrier back in place. I open them with newfound steel and resolve not to let another man make a fool of me.

It’s probably for the best that we got interrupted before we went all the way this morning. I know Gabby was right about the condoms. When I was searching the bathroom in Ryan’s stateroom I found boxes of Trojan Magnums.

“You okay Tessa?” Ryan calls out over the powerful engines.

I don’t want to shout over the noise, so I just nod my head pretending everything is fine as I shift my gaze back to the water.

He slowly throttles back the motor as we get closer to land. We coast to shore, still propelled forward by the powerful momentum. JD takes off his sandals and vaults over the side, hauling us onto the beach.

“Seriously? My feet are going to get cut up on rocks and shells.”

Everyone smirks at Lisa but she’s still clueless and she keeps complaining. “The ship was first class but dumping me off here definitely is not.”

I can tell JD’s annoyed. “She’s not as cute as you thought, now that you’re sober, huh?” I whisper, as he helps me climb out.

“Why didn’t you take us over to the pier? I’m going to ruin my new Coach sandals in all this wet sand,” she wails.

JD rolls his eyes, “Because it’s the Fourth of July on Block. Did you not see the hundreds of boats we passed out there?”

He walks down the beach towards town, literally leaving her behind. I Guess the magic of the night has worn off for them.

“You guys go ahead back to your friend’s house. I need to make a few more calls. Do think you can meet me back here in an hour?” Ryan asks, pulling me in for a tight hug. I hold myself stiff in his embrace.

“Tessa?”

He knows I’m off.

“We’ll be back in an hour. I’ll see you then, okay?” I answer, not meeting his gaze. I pull away, but he grabs my arm, forcing me to look him in the eye.

His gaze is probing and intense.

I’m going to cave. This tough girl routine doesn’t come naturally. “What is it Tess? Did I mess this up already?”

“No-no. I just think I’m a bit seasick. I haven’t spent so much time on a boat in years.” The lie slips surprisingly easily from my lips.

The tip of his finger runs across my cheek before he drops a peck on my mouth. “I’ll pick you up some sea-bands at the store. It’ll help.”

“Okay,” I whisper, quickly looking away. My heart wants to leap out of my chest and bury itself in the palm of his hand, while my brain is warning to hold back. I’m at war with myself.

Should I shut my eyes and leap? Or desperately try to stop myself from the fall?

“Hello? Is anyone going to carry me up the beach?”

I’ve completely forgotten about Lisa.

“Sorry, chiquita. Your free vacay is over,” Gabby answers.

She links an arm in mine and we follow JD’s lead back to town, leaving Lisa and Ryan behind. But as I walk away, I feel his gaze burning holes in my back.

“You’re giving Ryan the cold shoulder, huh?”

I shrug, kicking a pebble with my sandal watching it roll down the street. “I feel terrible. He hasn’t done anything but be super sweet. I just was thinking about your warning the entire time he was ferrying us back from the Majesty. Do I really want to lose my V-card in a summer fling? He says he wants to see where this goes but how can either of us know where that will be?”

She doesn’t respond and it’s not long before we reach Dex’s dirt drive.

The house is silent. Everyone’s probably already out to breakfast or at Back Beach, securing a prime spot for tonight’s fireworks.

“What happened in the hot tub last night? Did you seal the deal with Barron?” She digs through her bag ignoring me.

“Well, you definitely have more guts than me. I can’t believe you had the nerve to lecture me about Ryan when you climbed so quickly into his lap like so many other girls before you. I hear the hot tub is his classic hook-up move.”

She made me feel so stupid earlier for hooking up with Ryan and having feelings for him while she’s doing the same thing with Barron.

She continues to ignore me, shoving her clothes into her backpack. I sit on the bed and keep needling her. “Did you hear the story about how he screwed up in the Caribbean last year? That was a close call, huh? Barron could be a father right now. And the drugs—I hope he’s at least clean now.” I continue to poke her.

She pauses, but her head’s still down. Her fist clenches around the rolled-up T-shirt she’s packing, but I don’t shut up. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing…Gabby?”

Finally, she looks up.

“Of course, I know what I’m doing. I’m no angel, either.”

I shake my head. She is something else.

“How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Stay so calm and indifferent.”

“I’m not indifferent. I just know how to play the game.

“Spill. How does the great Gabby Rivera never get her heart broken?”

“Don’t be so dramatic. It’s very simple. I don’t make any guy the center of my universe. I keep myself interesting and busy while letting them know they are on the back burner, and me—I’m on the front.”

“What?” She’s talking in metaphors and losing me fast.

“Who gets married straight out of high school these days? No one, that’s who. I’m not going to let myself get hurt because, unlike you—I know how to stop myself from falling too fast. I didn’t have a chance to tell you last night, but I’ve started doing some things to feel better about myself.”

“Like you need any help with that,” I snort.

“I hired a tutor for my SAT’s. I’m going to get into a good college. I’m hoping Ivy League. I joined CrossFit. And you know what? It makes me more appealing to people and employers. I have big dreams to get out of our small town, and I’m too busy achieving them to wait around for a guy to call or text to meet up. I do the meeting up. I just signed up for Mandarin Chinese lessons at Sea Crest Community College. I’m already fluent in Spanish. With Mandarin under my belt with an MBA someday—I could get an international business degree. Maybe study abroad, who knows, the possibilities are endless. No one in my family has ever done anything like this.

My abuelo, was a fisherman in Hill’s Head, before the gringos with money came in turning it into rows of summer homes. My mom started out as chambermaid at the Sea Crest Hilton, and now she manages the entire housekeeping department. An achievement, but I crave more—so much more.” She finishes, twirling in a circle, and I see both the dream and determination in her eyes as she flops on the floor next to me.

“You’ll do it, Gabby. If anyone can it’s you. You have more drive and confidence than anyone I know.”

“Gracias.”

“I can’t believe we haven’t even started senior year and you’re taking classes at a college already.”

“Well, I want to be successful and have my own career. I’m not looking for a long-term romance or a man to get me what I want.”

“Have you considered which schools to apply to?”

I cringe at the thought of her going away, which is totally selfish of me since I already have my own future plans.

“If I can get a scholarship, I’m going to Brown or Dartmouth. My tía lives in Rhode Island, and if I do some light housework for her, she’s agreed to let me stay with her rent free while I earn my degree. Even with an academic scholarship, I still won’t be able to afford to stay in the dorms.”

“Wow, Gabby. You have it all figured out. But I’m confused. What about Barron? Are you guys together now or is this just a summer thing?”

She eyes me coyly, “Well, I kind of want it to turn into something more, but if it doesn’t—I’ll be alright. I won’t be too far from him either way. In fact, I still plan on working at Foster’s. I’ll just ask if I can cut back to part time. I know everything you are saying about him and it’s all true, but trust me, I know what I’m doing. Barron’s changed. He hasn’t touched anything, but an occasional drink and he’s been so supportive of me furthering my education.

He’s going to be traveling a lot this year. Charles wants to expand the business more into the European market. He’s planning to send Barron over to negotiate the deals when he’s on break. So, he won’t be around much anyway. There won’t be any awkward coffee machine run-ins if things don’t work out.” She gives me a tight hug, “Thanks for being a good friend. But I promise, I’ll be okay.”

“You always did have a stronger backbone then me. I don’t know how you do it. I swear you’re more like a guy when it comes to relationships.”

“Yeah, well… I’m not into girls, but if I was...” she picks up her beach towel and whips my butt with it.

“Ouch,” I shriek.

Rolling on the floor together, laughing hysterically, a feeling of peace settles over me—like everything’s going to work out.

I just have to have faith.

The door creaks and I look up, seeing JD and Dex in the doorway with their mouths hanging open.

“What? Dex wanted to see what all that shrieking was. He was worried,” JD says innocently.

“Just us girls, having fun.” Gabby replies winking at them.

“Come on. We have to meet Ryan soon,” I say, slapping her on the knee and zipping up my bag.

Two days.

I get to spend two whole days with Ryan Stone on the Her Majesty.

Am I ready?

CHAPTER TWO

RYAN

“Is everything set?”

“Yeah. I’m having the surprise ferried out here while we take the girls to the beach.”

“Good. I want everything to be perfect for her.”

“You really like this girl?”

“I do. She’s nothing like B or Emily. I actually give a fuck.”

“Gabby said that Tess is a virgin.”

“She is.”

“You cool with that?”

“I am.”

Barron smirks, “Because you’re planning on taking it away from her.”

“It’s her choice, but she’s a girl worth waiting for. Don’t talk or treat her like another one of my hookups. What’s up with Gabby, anyway?”

“She’s cool,” he shrugs, looking away.

“Uh-huh. If you fuck it up, I’ll be hearing about it I’m sure.”

“Just don’t fall in love, Ry. We’re Harvard bound man. We can’t tie our selves to high school girls.”

“I might to this one. She’s special…there’s just something about her.”

“What are you going to do if your boss at the internship pulls a few strings?”

“I don’t know. I don’t.”

“Let me give you some advice. You’re nineteen. Don’t fuck up your future over a summer fling.”

“She’s not a fling.”

“It doesn’t matter. We both know it won’t last forever.”

A pit forms in my stomach at the thought of ever letting Tess go. When Abby died, I needed to get the hell out of Boston and stay there. But I already had accepted HSB and was trying to find another college with the same pedigree to avoid being so close to home.

So far, things have been okay this summer because I’ve been distracted by thoughts of Tess. Whenever the pain and rage of losing Abby comes back, I focus on my golden girl. When would I see her again? What would I say? Now that she’s mine, I’ll fight like hell to keep her.

What am I going to do if my boss at my internship gets me transferred to London Business School? He likes me a lot and his colleague in the UK can pull strings over there and possibly get me in. It’s the best in the UK, rivals Harvard, and I could male more connections. Get away from my parents and the tragedy that still haunts me… but I’d be an ocean away from her.

“Don’t stress about it now. We still have a month or so of freedom left before we have to hit the books again. Things will work out.”

I look out over the horizon. “I used to think that, until Abby, died. Now, I don’t believe that anymore.” My throat closes up as I think of her. Summertime was ice pops and sidewalk chalk. Trips to the beach where I’d teach her how to ride the waves…

“Fuck.”

I break down and let the tears fall. “Fuck… fuck…fuck!” I roar.

“Hey.” Barron puts an arm around me and lets me cry.

“What’s going on?” JD runs up the steps to the bridge.

“Fuck. I-I’m sorry.” He backs away not knowing what to do. I swipe my eyes, “It’s all good. I need a minute below deck anyway.”

Barron watches me go with a frown as JD steps back awkwardly.

I want to drink and get lit. But I won’t. I can’t. I need to stop self-medicating the wrong way and focus on staying clean and sober.

From the steps outside the bridge, I see Tessa. She shines so bright. Her golden hair reflects the sun. She and Gabby are laughing and chatting. I don’t want her to see me like this. I don’t want the ugliness still living inside me touching her.

My heart skips a beat as I remember all we shared last night.

I’ll wait for her, but I hope she chooses me.

I want to be special to her.

Someone she’ll never forget.

CHAPTER THREE

TESSA

Her Majesty’s horn blows loudly, a warning to other boats that the queen is coming through. Barron expertly guides her out of the harbor and turns out to sea. He and Ry planned an entire day for us and gave strict orders to change into bikinis—and stay in them.

I close my eyes and let the thrumming of Her Majesty’s powerful engines vibrate through my body as she drives through the water.

I could get used to this.

“I feel like a mimosa. Maybe I’ll use the wave phone to ring the galley.”

I look over at Gabby lying on the deck lounger next to me and shake my head, “Look at us—two townie girls living the dream,” I joke, scrounging through my bag for my oversized sunglasses. The sun broke through the clouds and it’s turned into a beautiful Fourth of July day. “Do you think JD’s going to feel like a third wheel for the rest of the weekend?”

“I’m sure he’ll be alright. Barron promised to let him captain, under his supervision, of course.”

“They’ve become fast friends,” I remark.

“It makes sense. They both are yachting freaks and Barron does know him from SYC.”

“Isn’t this crazy? Me and Ryan, you and Barron—even JD fits in. It couldn’t be more perfect.”

“There you go again. It’s just a weekend. Keep your guard up and have fun but don’t plan any weddings! Christo, this is what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

“Okay, okay—but I did have your bridesmaid dress already picked out in my head. A gorgeous soft peach, you would look amazing in it with your dark hair and caramel skin. It’s strapless, of course—and in my daydream we were older, like twenty-five.”

“Stop already! Wait, what do you mean, bridesmaid? I expect to be matron of honor, chica!”

I grin, half-sitting up and slide my sunglasses up with my left hand, “I didn’t get much sleep last night…wake me up when we get to Bluffs Beach.” I wink and pull my shades down.

“I didn’t sleep much either.”

I turn my head and we both burst into a fit of giggles.

***

A shadow blocks out the sun. I open my eyes seeing his gorgeous face staring down at my bikini-clad body. He bends down, kissing me softly on the lips. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re here.”

I thread my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer for a deeper kiss. I force his lips apart, invading his mouth. With his hands braced on either side of my chair, he nudges my knees apart with his leg and starts to lie down on top of me.

“Hello? Did you forget I’m right here?” Gabby pipes up.

“Yep,” I let go of Ryan and trace my finger across my lips missing the feel of his mouth already.

“Tessa, didn’t tell you?”

Gabby looks at him puzzled.

“She pretends to be all sweet, but she’s really into exhibitionism. I had to drag her away last night after I busted her trying to spy on you and Barron in the hot tub.”

“Stop!” I smack him on the arm as he lets me up.

“Yeah right, I know my Tess. She would never.”

“Come on, your picnic at Bluffs Beach awaits. Grab your gear and meet us on the aft deck. Barron’s already dropped anchor and he’s getting the Zodiac ready.” Ryan says, reluctantly getting off me.

“What’s up JD? Aren’t you coming?” He’s standing at the rail with a somber look in his eyes.

“I think I’ll stay aboard. You go ahead. I’d be out of place anyway.”

He looks wistfully at the beach in the distance but shakes his head.

“It’s not like that,” I say, gently tugging his hand.

“Nah, it’s cool. I was kind of hoping Barron would let me man the ship, maybe sit in the captain’s chair for a few hours. It’s more my thing, anyway.”

“Definitely JD. Just don’t take off and leave us stranded!” Barron jokes as he runs up the stairs from the lower deck to see what the holdup is.

“How did you know I was planning on making a run with your beauty to the Florida Keys?”

“I’d hunt you down, JD. You wouldn’t get far.”

“I don’t know about that. I could drive her engines hard all night long, Barron. I’m a seasoned captain myself.”

“Okay! Boys! We get it! Come on, I’m hungry,” Gabby says grabbing Barron’s arm and leading him down to the lower deck.

“I’m sorry, JD. I wasn’t expecting any of this—” I tell him gesturing around to the yacht.

“I know. Just be smart.”

“Okay,” I tell him kissing his cheek. I watch him climb the deck stairs making his way up to the top deck until he disappears.

***

My body jostles again at every wave the outboard hits as we make our way to shore, cutting across the rough surf. I’ve never been to this side of Block before and it’s truly breathtaking.

Massive rugged bluffs jut out along the coastline. The rock varies from a deep brown to clay red and the waves are wild as they break over the reef that shoots up from the ocean floor.

Barron expertly maneuvers through it all, forcefully landing us on the beach where he cuts the engines.

I’m thrown forward by the impact but Ryan’s arms wind tightly around me, keeping me safe. He gets out first and the two men pull the Zodiac farther ashore.

“This is amazing. I’ve never been out this far on the island before.”

“This is the best spot for spearfishing. The surfs a little rough right now, but it should calm down in the next hour or so,” Barron replies with an easy smile.

The beach is strewn with rocks and broken shells. But there is a small patch of smooth sand at the base of a massive bluff.

“Ladies, may I present you with an al fresco dining experience at one of the most private and ruggedly beautiful places on the Barron Foster summer tour— Mohegan Bluffs.” Barron finishes with a bow and pops open a bottle of champagne. He hands us a cup.

Gabby and I whip out our phones, capturing the rugged beauty of the bluffs and beach. I hug her tight as we pose together taking selfies until Barron offers to snap a few.

“Take a few of us,” Ryan calls out, pulling me away from Gabby and dipping me in his arms.

“Happy birthday, America,” he toasts, raising his glass.

“I’ve never tasted such delicious champagne before. Barron, this is phenomenal,” I tell him tipping my glass to his.

“Babe, is this the Rosé Champagne?”

“Yes. I wanted something special for you, Gabby. It’s the Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2007. The very one you admired in my wine fridge.”

“That’s a five-hundred-dollar bottle, are you insane?” Gabby’s completely shocked that he would do this for her.

“I was just saving it for a special girl like you.”

“Yeah, right, Foster.”

“I would never waste this bottle on anyone, babe.”

I can tell Gabby is touched when she rubs her body against his pulling him down with one hand for a long kiss, leaving Ryan and me to be the voyeurs this time.

Ryan unpacks the large wicker basket that was secured in the Zodiac and I help him spread out a large blanket. Taking out the containers, I gasp at the assorted sushi rolls Barron’s chef made aboard. They are fresh and perfectly rolled. I lean back against Ryan’s chest and finish my last drop of pink champagne.

As the four of us dine, I smile at Barron and Gabby taking turns feeding one another. I love seeing the softer side of her that comes out when she’s dating someone.

“Bro, you ready to catch some fish?”

“I’m cuddling with my girl here,” Ryan answers, holding me tighter.

“Come on, Ryan. It’s tradition,” Barron says, throwing a wetsuit and dive mask our way.

“Will you be alright here if I go?”

“Sure. I guess he can have you for an hour,” I reply playfully. Ryan reluctantly puts the black wetsuit on, and it clings to every tight muscle on his athletic body. He grabs the fins and then picks up the mask, adjusting the straps. Barron comes over, handing him a long spear.

“Holy crap. You’re going out in the water with that?”

Ryan’s holding a three-foot-long spear gun with a trigger and pointed blade.

“Tessa, we’re experts. We’ll catch dinner in no time,” Barron answers.

“Oh, my God. I’d rather you just let your man in the galley do his thing, please.”

“Relax, I’ll take good care of your boy. I always do,” Barron answers handing Gabby a wave phone and a bag of supplies.

“We’ll be back in one hour. If you need to reach us call. I’ll come up to the boat every few catches to check my phone.”

“Wait. W-what? You’re leaving us here?”

“Yes. We’re going to take the Zodiac around that cove. I’ve got a small anchor we’ll use to moor. It’s the best spot on the island to catch bluefin tuna.”

Barron’s clueless. He probably doesn’t bring girls here often. I’m uncomfortable being left alone on a rocky beach, on the isolated part of Block Island wearing nothing but a bikini. Ryan senses my discomfort and jogs back.

“Here sweets.” He hands me a spare spear gun.

“What’s this for?”

“I’d feel better if you have it—you know in case your ex has psychic voodoo skills. You could at least fend him off until I could come to your rescue.”

“Gee thanks, but I’d probably accidentally stab myself.”

“I’ll take it.” Gabby grabs the spear gun holding it high up above her head. In her bikini, she looks like a pin-up girl gone bad.

“That’s hot babe. Maybe we’ll just stay here after all.” Barron drops his gear.

“Maybe you can take me next time? I love trying new things,” she answers with a wink.

“And I’d love to teach you…new things. I’ll pick you up some gear at Aqua Sports when we get back.” He saunters over giving her a kiss. My mouth hangs open when he grabs her full butt in the palms of his hands, kneading each cheek.

I can’t look away. They are so hot together.

Jesus, maybe I am a creepy voyeur. Barron with his pale blond hair and Gabby, the Latin seductress, are en fuego.

“Let’s go,” Ryan taps Barron’s leg with the sheathed gun. As the boys finally head out, I catch Gabby doing the same thing I am—drooling.

“So, what should we do? Swim or sunbathe?”

“Neither. Come on chica, I have a plan.”

There’s a mischievous gleam in her eye that makes me nervous.

“What are you thinking?”

“JD was telling me this morning that this beach is full of natural clay mud baths. Let’s go find one.”

We pack up the picnic basket and gather our things in a small pile.

“We can’t leave that here,” I say, pointing to the spear gun.

Gabby picks it up and slings it over her shoulder.

“You look so bad ass. Seriously, you could be a character on The Walking Dead. She grins as we walk up the beach, rounding the base of the massive bluff. Sheltered by rocks is a small cove and next to it, a hole filled with mud and… something else.

“Holy shit.”

There’s a group of older women who are naked; pasting globs of mud on one another. Empty wine cooler bottles litter the sand around them.

“You girls here to join the party?”

“Umm—” I stammer, trying to look anywhere but at her saggy, mud-splattered breasts.

“Nope. We’re just passing through.” Gabby waves, pulling me forward.

“Don’t worry, chica. I might be adventurous, but even that is a stretch for me. Come on, there are more.”

We walk another quarter mile down the beach and find a secluded spot that has a ton of rocks, but smack in the middle of sand almost where the tide’s coming in, we find an empty mud hole.

“Bingo.”

“We’re seriously doing this?”

“Yep.” Dropping the spear gun, she begins stripping.

“Gabby—no, leave your damn suit on.”

“I can’t. It’s the only one I packed, and we still have tomorrow. Come on, live a little.”

“Okay,” I shrug and take mine off, “But I’m not spreading mud on your boobs.”

“Spoilsport,” she laughs.

Giggling, I get in. The mud feels surprisingly good. It’s warmed from the sun and glides easily over my skin. The mudehole’s only about four feet deep, so I kneel looking out at the pounding surf and cornflower blue sky. “There’s nothing that could top this. It’s free and has the most amazing view. I’m never going to a spa again.”

“This is heaven,” she responds.

I lose track of time. The mud’s baking on my skin and my muscles feel languid.

“Tessa! Gabby!” We hear the panicked shouts from Barron and Ryan, but they haven’t rounded the bend in the beach yet.

I’m not sure what to do; get out and attempt to put my suit on. Or stay here hoping the mud’s covering everything.

“Over here!” Gabby yells, getting out unashamed. The mud covers her from head-to-toe and she steps out with a confidence.

Barron and Ryan come pounding around, fully sprinting. The panic on their faces turns to confusion.

They stop, taking us both in.

Barron bursts out in a wide grin, “Gabby! You scared the shit out of us—disappearing like that.” He smacks her ass hard. “Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up. I’m not getting mud in my Zodiac.” He takes her hand guiding her into the ocean, rubbing the mud off her naked body with his bare hands.

“That was fast. Did they become a couple overnight?”

Barron’s hands are so familiar on her body, like they’ve been together for years not a day. But Ryan’s not looking at them.

He’s staring at me.

Annoyed.

Pissed.

With eyes full of lust and... rage. He grabs my suit and hands it out to me, “Put it on. And they’ve been dating for weeks.”

“What?”

“She probably didn’t want to tell you because of how we left things.”

“Turn around.” I tell him, snatching my suit in anger.

“No.”

His jaw tics and his eyes are dark fire as he stares down at my body covered in mud.

Fine let him look, but I’m not going to let him touch.

“What’s up?”

“Tessa, this is a public beach. The two of you were alone and naked! Christ, what if a group of drunken frat boys or older men came by? You were easy prey and would have no way to fight them off.”

“I never thought of that,” I sheepishly respond.

“Obviously.”

Grabbing my hand tightly, he pulls me out and smooths back my hair. “I was so worried about you. God, Tessa—the pit in my stomach when you and Gabby were gone,” he shakes his head.

Before I can think, he’s kissing me breathless. He doesn’t even care that my mud-streaked face smears his as the kiss goes on and on. Finally, we break away and he leads me to the water to get cleaned up.

“We need to leave in five minutes before low tide, or my Zodiac will get all torn up. Gabby and I are going to walk back and pack everything up.” Barron hollers from down the beach.

I wade out to where the waves break and kneel in the water. It’s cold. Scooping up sand from the ocean floor I use it as an exfoliant and scrub the dried mud from my skin.

“Need some help with that?”

Ryan stands on the shore guarding me like a watch dog.

“I’m good. Almost done. But I do need my bathing suit, please.” I call out scrubbing the last bits off.

“No.”

I turn and look at him over my shoulder. His hot eyes are on me. I cross my arms over my chest, but I know he’s seeing side-boob. The water covers me to my hips.

“Fuck. You are a sea goddess…a mermaid with all that golden hair and skin.” He moves forward. “Tell me to stay away.”

“I-I can’t,” I stammer. Because I’m just as awestruck and in lust with him.

He walks through the surf to me with my suit clutched in his hand. He pulls me by my elbow. It’s just the two of us alone in the world as we stand in the breaking waves and kiss like lost lovers finally reunited.

My hands drop from my chest to wrap around his back. He lifts my legs and hooks them behind his waist. I gasp into his mouth as the only thing separating us is his swim shorts.

He presses me closer and I instinctively ride the bulge between his legs.

His lips find my neck, my collarbone, my nipple, and I gasp with the pleasure of being naked in the sea and in his arms.

It’s no wonder everyone I know is sex crazed if it feels this good.

“Where did you come from?” He stares at me as if I’m the only girl whose ever been in his world.

“The poor side of Sea Crest. A place you’d never look,” I tease.

“Baby, I’d find you anywhere.”

“How is it that I feel so much so soon…? I press my hand on his chest as he tried to capture my lips again. “Please tell me I’m not the only one?”

“Tess…I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, not even B and I was with her for two years. Do you feel my heart pounding for you?” He moves my hand a few inches. And I do feel it. As I stare into his eyes, I know he’s the one. I’m going to give him all of me this summer and take my chances come the fall.

***

My gleaming gold hair falls to my back in loose waves. My skin glimmers from a light dusting of bronzing powder. I stare at myself in the large stateroom mirror still in shock.

I still can’t believe he did this.

After our excursion, when we came back on board, there were two large white boxes tied with red, white, and blue ribbons waiting for me and Gabby.

Ryan and Barron radioed into town, ordering cocktail gowns for us to celebrate on the Majesty tonight. They were delivered by boat while we were at the beach.

For me, Ryan chose a dark navy-blue gown. The contrast of the gown and my gold hair is stunning. I finally look like a girl who could belong with a guy like him. I bite my lip as my reflection stares back at me. I know there is only one way tonight is going to end. I’m going to claim him as much as he’s going to take me.

I put on the matching navy pumps and walk up to the main deck to where he waits. The table is set up with elegant china and stemware and soft music fills the room, piped in from speakers in the ceiling.

A huge bouquet of pink roses sits in the center of the table that has already been set with china and silver stemware.

I pick up a heavy knife feeling the weight of it in my palm. I shake my head at the lifestyle Barron lives every day.

“You look beautiful in that dress.” Ryan wraps his arms around me from behind kissing the back of my neck.

“Did you do all this?”

“I’d like to take all the credit sweets, but Barron helped. He had his stewardess set everything up.”

I turn in his arms and freeze. My eyes soak up every inch of him. In a fitted black tux, he’s my dream guy come to life.

“Let’s runaway and leave everyone behind. How far can we go in this yacht? Bermuda? Barbados?”

 “You couldn’t even finish the one date we went on. Isn’t this a little fast?”

“Just warn me next time you’ll be wearing a tux, alright? It’s my kryptonite, especially, on a guy like you. I feel like doing crazy things.”

Gabby enters and my mouth drops for the second time. She’s wearing a ruby-red, strapless, floor-length gown with a long split in the side. Her ebony hair is held back over one shoulder with a pearl comb. The rest falls to her shoulders in large curls. On her feet are a pair of nude pumps that give her svelte frame extra height.

“Gabby. You’ve never looked better.”

“Thanks.”

“Where’s Barron?”

“Checking on JD. He’s like a kid with a new toy. Barron’s going to let him drive us back to the other side of the island for the fireworks.”

“Really? That’s a lot of trust. Isn’t there going to be a ton of traffic on the water for tonight’s show?”

Gabby shrugs, helping herself to a glass of champagne from a tray being held by a woman in uniform who looks slightly older than us.

“Are you the one I should be thanking for the delicious latte I had this morning?” I ask her.

“I’m glad you liked it. I’m Jen. I’ll be your stewardess this weekend, please let me know if you need anything. Dinner will be served shortly.” She turns to leave, and I’m stunned at how formal everything is.

I’m not used to being catered to. I know how hard it is to work for demanding guests and I know I’ll give Jen no trouble while I’m here. Gabby, on the other hand, I can see her placing orders left and right for anything she can think of.

Barron waltzes in.

My mouth falls open again.

He’s wearing a white suit with a baby blue, pinstriped dress shirt underneath. He’s a Nordic god, with his ash blond hair slicked back and his deep tan. But his sapphire blue eyes are striking. He’s possibly the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen.

Ryan catches me staring. He wraps an arm around my waist, “Stop looking Tessa. You are the one girl that I could never share.”

“Gross. Thanks for the reminder,” I shudder.

Unhooking Ryan’s arm, I pick up two glasses of champagne from the tray Jen left and hand one to Barron, “Hey Ken.”

He stares at me puzzled, “Did you get too much sun today?”

“No Ken. I feel great.” Gabby laughs, finally catching on to my joke.

“What am I missing here?” Barron smiles at Gabby and me, not sure what we’re playing at.

“You’re a dead ringer for Ken. The male Barbie, Gabby and I used to play with.”

“In that crisp, white suit—Ken, for sure,” Gabby agrees, kissing him.

“In that case… feel free to play with me later,” he says suggestively.

“Oh, I plan on it babe,” she replies, smacking him on the ass.

“You girls are weird. Fun but weird,” Barron laughs pouring himself a glass of whiskey. “I’ve invited a lot of girls here over the years, but I have to hand it to you both, I’ve never enjoyed their company as much as I like having yours.” He raises his glass.

“Thanks, I’m having the best time onboard. Isn’t it funny how things turned out? When I met you at East Beach, you were just the infamous local legend… the guy my mom obsesses over in the magazines. Now, I consider you a friend, not just the area celebrity.”

“Wait…your mom is obsessed with me?”

“Uh, kind of…yeah, pretty much,” I answer sheepishly. “It’s her birthday next month do you think—”

“Wait. Hold on… no way. There’s no way, Cindy Andrews is ever getting near my man.”

“Tessa, you haven’t asked me to meet your parents and you were about to give Barron the invite? I’m hurt.” Ryan says with mock devastation.

“Are we already at the parent meet and greet stage?”

“Touché, chérie.”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, I forgot it was my last girlfriend who spoke French.”

“What? I smack him on the arm.”

“Is JD joining us?” I ask to no one in particular.

Barron picks up his low-ball glass, “No. And that’s why I am having a few tonight. Her Majesty is in good hands with him.”

“That’s moving awfully fast. Didn’t you guys just meet a few weeks ago?”

“I’ve seen him around the yacht club. He has an excellent rep. I was thinking of hiring him at Foster sailing. He’s very knowledgeable and would be a great fit in a sales role.”

“Ask him. It sounds better than being the dockmaster at SYC. Oh, before I forget, can I take a selfie with you? I’ll have it framed and give it to my mom on her birthday. She’ll flip out like a thirteen-year-old meeting Justin Bieber.”

“Sure. I’d love to be your mom’s cougar fantasy.”

“Gross,” I roll my eyes as we pose.

“Here, I’ll take a few more.” Ryan takes my phone and I feel like we’re taking the glamourous prom photos I never took.

Jen comes back and asks us to sit for dinner. We dine on the fresh tuna that Barron and Ryan caught. It’s cooked in a white wine and truffle sauce over risotto. I help myself to plenty of ice water wanting to keep a clear head for later.

“Shall we head up to the sundeck to catch the fireworks?” Barron asks. He reminds us to take off our shoes. Barefoot, I follow him out into the second Block Island night of the weekend.

“This is a great song. I love Collie Budzz.”

“Me too. All his songs are on my summer playlist.” Barron answers as Gabby and I dance our way up to the sundeck to, She gimme love.

Ryan takes my hand and swings me around, carrying me the rest of the way up. He lets me go only because I want to dance.

I turn in a circle taking everything in.

It’s surreal.

The gorgeous men who are our dates stand against the top deck rail. The sea behind them is crammed with sailboats, power boats, even a few canoes.

They all compete for spots to see the show.

And Her Majesty reigns over them all.

I lean back into Ryan, feeling like Kate on the Titanic, invincible and full of conviction that I’ve found something special.

He holds me tight, his arms keeping me warm as the first firework shoots up into the sky. Then he whispers, “Happy Fourth of July, Tessa.”

“Happy Fourth, Ryan,” I answer, placing my arms over his. We watch the display until the last burst of color rains down around us.

“I feel like dancing,” Gabby announces taking the controller from Barron hitting a few buttons. “I love your taste in music, but I’m hijacking your playlist,” she tells him.

“Nice,” I tell her when Dangerous Woman blares out across the deck. The sound system on this yacht would put an entire Best Buy store to shame. The fireworks might be over, but people are still celebrating, launching their own small rockets off into the night.

“Here we go,” I tell Gabby and start dancing to the beat. We sexily sashay across the deck in our fancy gowns singing along with Ariana Grande. It’s only when the honking air horns blow that I realize we have more than Barron and Ryan as an audience. Raising my hand, I wave to them all, taking a short bow. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Gabby using the deck railings like a stripper pole.

“Don’t fall overboard!” I yell.

Seriously, she has no shame or fear. She’s hoisted herself up on the top rail. Her dress is hiked around her waist and does a split with both legs spread out horizontally.

“Christ,” Barron mutters. His cheeks are flushed from drinking and her display. He looks away, forcefully placing his drink down. He grabs her right off the rail, carrying her fireman-style down the stairs and I’m guessing straight to the master stateroom.

Unlike Barron… Ryan places his drink down slowly. He strolls towards me very deliberately. But he stops to pick up the remote and change the song. His selection surprises me when the slower beat of Pillow Talk comes on.

“This song reminds me of you.”

He softly sings every line against my temple while holding me close. Smoke from the last embers of the fireworks blow across the bow. The wind changes direction and the night air becomes thick with it. He stops dancing, pulls back and stares intensely into my eyes. Before I can blink, he pounces.

One minute we’re swaying in the smoky wind, the next he’s taking what’s his.

He kisses me mindlessly.

Recklessly.

The hoots from bystanders accompanied by air horns all fade into white noise. All I hear is my own low moans and the sound of his kiss against my lips. He picks me up, carrying me below deck. I know where we are going, and I can’t wait to get there.

Cool air hits my skin as he opens the cabin door. I try not to think about how many other girls have been in here with him. The only light in the room comes from the small lamp on the bedside table.

He yanks off his bow tie.

I stand, unable to move.

All my bravado is gone.

He methodically unfastens every button from his shirt, revealing his muscled, tan chest. He tosses it to the floor, holding out a hand to me.

“We don’t have to do anything but kiss.”

I arch an eyebrow, “As if we could stop at just kissing.”

I stare at it his hand for a few more seconds.

This is my point of no return. His eyes burn dark and hot. Acting on pure instinct, I place my hand in his. He jerks me flush against his body, taking one hand to push my hair slowly over my left shoulder.

Bending down he slowly kisses the crook of my neck while unzipping my dress.

It falls to the floor.

I step out only wearing my white lace thong. He inhales sharply, and I fall back on the bed. He climbs over me. I grab his belt buckle boldly, unfastening it and push his pants down. I jerk back in shock not expecting this.

“You were going commando all night, under your tux?”

He laughs, opening the nightstand drawer taking out a condom. Climbing back over me he strips my panties off. Kissing his way up my body, his tongue draws circles on my stomach. He pulls himself up on his elbows and sucks one nipple deeply while playing with the other one.

My body is on fire.

I writhe on the bed arching my hips needing more where it burns. He smiles against my skin and moves a hand down to relieve my ache.

“You’re so ready.”

“Will it hurt?” I whisper into his hair.

“It might. I’ll go slow. As slow as I can. I promise to make this very special for you.”

He takes his time and finds every sweet spot on my body. We both learn how I like to be touched.

Caressed.

Loved.

I’m lost in his arms. Time slips away and when he kisses me deeply and asks if I’m sure one more time before sliding his body in to mine.

When he’s finally all the way inside me, he stills and lets out a hiss, “You are so tight, baby. It feels so good.” Leaning on his elbow, he takes his free hand and laces our fingers together. He slowly moves inside me. Our hearts are as entwined as our hands. And he never lets go.

I relish the feeling of having him fully planted inside me. It burned when he pressed through my virginity barrier but a few minutes after, all I felt was extreme pleasure.

Now, he moves in and out in a rhythm, as my free hand grips his biceps. I feel like a glorious woman—instead of a girl who still lives at home with her parents. This is… incredible. He’s thick and long and hits some secret spot deep inside me with every thrust. He looks me in the eyes every other pump. He kisses my lips…my nipples…my neck…my ear. He touches me everywhere at the same time. He’s constantly working, to be everywhere at once. He makes love like it’s the art form it’s supposed to be—until it’s too much. I let myself ride the wave. I feel my inner muscles clutch and spasm around him.

“Damn, baby, I feel you coming.”

I pull his head back so I can watch his face. I want to see the pleasure my body is giving his. The skin over his cheek bones are tight, he pulls his lower lip back between his teeth.

“Fuck baby.”

The look on his face is pure ecstasy. He bends his head down to pull my nipple into his mouth. I can feel his strong spasms inside me even through the condom he’s wearing. It goes on and on and makes me come again.

Sweaty and breathless, he rests the top of his forehead against mine.

After a few minutes, he pulls out to take care of the condom. My eyes follow his powerful body as he walks into the bathroom. I snuggle against the thick mattress without any regrets because that was amazing.

I’m glad I waited.

Today was a day that I’ll remember for my rest of my life. It’s was the type of day that you always dream about, but never experience. Right now, I’m living a life straight out of the Harlequin novels that I find stashed under my mom’s bed and I never want to give it up.

***

The light streaming through the porthole lands on my face. Groaning, I roll over and feel the gently swaying of the boat under me. Stretching, I feel the ache between my thighs, reminding me that last night wasn’t a dream after all. But I’m disappointed he’s gone.

I pick up my phone, not believing it’s already mid-morning. I shower and get dressed in my denim cut offs and a Newport, Rhode Island tank. Picking up the ship’s phone, I place my own coffee order. Then, I walk up the stairs and out to the main deck. It’s a new morning on the Majesty and I know whatever happens, I’ll never forget last night.

“Where have you been JD?”

He grins and sips his iced coffee. With his baseball cap on backward and a pair of Ray-Bans, he looks happy despite being ditched for two days.

“More importantly, how has your weekend been so far?”

I smack his arm, “I never kiss and tell. I’m sorry we ended up spending the entire weekend onboard, it wasn’t the original plan.”

“It’s fine. I hardly had a pity party. Cruising on this baby for two days was like heaven for me, especially when Barron let me drive her.”

“Where are Barron and Ryan anyway?”

“They’re up on the bridge looking at the navigation system…Gabby’s still in bed.”

We both share an amused look.

I stretch out on a chaise lounge with my latte and sigh, “I can’t believe I have to go back to work tomorrow. I want this weekend to last forever.”

“It was that good, huh?”

“A total dream.”

“Lucky girl. I’m happy for you, Tess, I just hope it lasts.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“I’ve always looked out for you. I told you the complete story of these guys. Don’t get me wrong—they’ve both been gracious hosts this weekend. But you know their legendary history. As much as Barron’s dad has been on his ass—I just don’t see Barron Foster giving up his party lifestyle so quickly or letting his number one wingman go without a fight. Just watch your back.”

My happiness takes a nosedive, because I know he’s right.

Things are never this perfect for me, ever. I’ve never been the girl to win in the end, but that never stops me from trying.

“Hey beautiful,” Ryan and Barron walk down the stairs from the top deck. I avoid his eyes, and sip my drink. He comes over to me, bending down to give me a quick kiss.

“Everything okay?” I shrug, still not meeting his gaze.

“Just feeling a little shy,” I answer, feeling my cheeks burn.

I still feel him inside me, probably will for days.

My first impression of him was spot on. Ryan Stone is the king of alpha males…and he is way too much for me to handle.

“Don’t be. Last night was special, for me too,” he whispers into my hair.

I want to believe him.

Finally looking him in the eye, I give a small nod agreeing, “Yes, it was.”

Jen approaches, announcing brunch will be served at noon and puts out a fresh carafe of coffee.

“I have some bad news for you and Gabby,” Barron tells me, coming over.

“What’s that?”

“I just called the harbormaster in New London. There’s too much traffic for them to accommodate docking the Majesty. A cruise ship is scheduled to come into port later and the ferries are making full runs between Block and Port Jeff. There’s no room for us at the pier. I’m sorry. You girls are going to have to take one of the ferries back home. I’ll take you ashore soon to catch the 3:15.”

What the hell? It’s not even noon yet and he’s kicking us off?

“Barron, that’s so sweet of you, but we still have our tickets for the 7:15 tonight. Don’t worry, we can go back to Dex’s or hang at Back Beach, since it’s not even ten yet.” My face is red, and I know he can tell I’m pissed. It’s obvious he’s trying to dump us now that his weekend is over. “I’ll go get Gabby.”

I move to excuse myself, but Ryan grabs my arm. He’s glaring at Barron who just walks back up to the top deck not caring.

Guess we’ve been dismissed.

“Tessa, I want to spend more time with you. I don’t care if Barron wants to blow off Gabby, things are different with us.”

“Really?” I mutter.

“Yes. I need to be in New York for a meeting tomorrow, so I couldn’t go back with you even if I wanted to. Barron told me he would take the Majesty to Long Island and I could commute into the city from there.

I’m sorry. I don’t want the weekend to end like this. I have no idea what’s gotten into him. Come on, will you spend the day with me until your ferry leaves?”

“I’d like that. I was hoping to get a workout in. Are you up for a loop around New Harbor?”

“What’s that? Three miles?”

“Five.” I answer with my eyebrow raised.

“That’s nothing, sweetheart. I was captain of the lacrosse team.”

“So? You’re an old man now.” I tease.

“You didn’t think so last night.”

“Oh, my God, stop,” I say, smacking his arm.

“Your cheeks are bright red, I think you need sunscreen,” Ryan laughs.

***

We jog side by side in silence. I’m not a talker when I run, focusing on my breathing instead. Our sneakers pound the hot pavement. Thank god for the sea breeze that blows across my sweaty skin.

Each house we pass by is prettier than the next. Old, Victorian colonials line the small streets. We pass rows of blue hydrangeas and white picket fences that adorn lush green lawns. I take a deep breath, inhaling the smell of the wild roses that grow along the seawall as we pass by the beach.

“I always sprint the last quarter mile. Are you ready?” I pick up my pace to get a head start.

“Bring it.”

Ryan barely pants, while I’m a hot, sticky mess.

As we sprint down the beach, the sand makes my calves work harder. My legs feel like jelly, and I barely stop myself from falling over. Running in full sun in July probably wasn’t the smartest idea.

Pulling up my tank to wipe my face, I feel Ryan’s finger tracing the line of sweat that trails down my stomach and under my shorts. My eyes follow his finger as he slowly lifts it to his mouth.

“Tastes good, but the salt from your skin just makes me thirstier.”

Before I know what’s happening, he kneels in front of me in the sand. His tongue licks in a circular pattern cleaning the sweat from my torso to just below my navel. He starts to dip down into my shorts, but I grab his head before he can continue.

“Water. I need water.” I firmly step back to adjust my clothes.

“Yeah, you do. Your face is red again.”

“Ryan Stone, you’re such a dirty pervert. There’s little kids down the beach making sandcastles.”

“We should’ve stayed in my cabin all day. I could’ve given you a real workout.”

“Pervert,” I roll my eyes and smack his arm then turn away and walk toward town. But I’m hit from behind.

The sand rushes my face; I’m about to eat dirt.

Did he just tackle me?

I’m down in the sand, being tickled everywhere he can get his hands.

“Yep, this old man still has some moves.” He presses me down into the hot sand. It sticks to my sweaty skin, coating the backs of my arms and legs, but when his lips meet mine—I don’t care.

When it’s just too much and it needs to stop before we get in trouble, I gently push him back. He grins and rolls off.

We walk back to town hand in hand, neither of us feeling the need to talk, but just enjoying the moment. Once we reach the street, we cross over into the main square. A crowd of tourists mill around the little nook of shops in the cobblestone courtyard where Sadie has her fudge shop.

“I need to stop here for a minute.”

I lead him into the small candy store. Sadie’s eyes light up when she sees me. She comes around the counter for a hug and I put my hands up trying to stop her, but she hugs my post-workout, sweat-stained self anyway.

“Tessa, dear, I’m so happy to see you! Let me fix you up a nice box of chocolate walnut fudge, I know it’s your favorite.”

Ryan grabs a few bottles of water from the cooler and winks at me, handing me a twenty, he goes outside to sit on the small patio.

“What’s new with you, dear?”

“Well, I just was promoted at work. I’m an assistant manager at the inn and I got an early acceptance to Yale.”

“Congratulations, honey, you deserve everything good in life.”

Sadie takes out a block of fudge and starts cutting it into small squares.

The smell of fudge and licorice is comforting. I notice she’s moving slower this year; someday soon this shop will probably close for good.

“Who is the nice young man who came in with you?”

“Oh—that’s Ryan.”

“Is he your boyfriend, dear?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m working on it.”

“Be careful with a boy like that. But if it works out…you’ll be one lucky young lady.”

“Don’t I know it,” I sigh and take the small box of fudge from her. I try to hand over money, but she just smiles and pushes my hand away.

“It’s on the house, dear. Now go get your young man before some cougar comes along and tries to snare him. There was a whole pack out last night celebrating a divorce party. Can you believe that? A divorce party? Goodness, what is the world coming to these days?”

I don't know what to say in response but I'm so glad that I stopped in to see her.

“Have a great rest of the summer, Sadie. I’ll see you next year,” I tell her warmly, going around the counter to give her a quick hug.

I sit down on a bench next to Ryan and he hands me a bottle of water and tries to take my fudge.

“No. No! I’m saving this for when I get home. I only share my sweets with my dad. It’s become a small tradition of ours.”

His face falls, I mentally kick myself for bringing up my father when he doesn’t have a relationship with his.

“Sorry.” I shrug not knowing what else to say.

“That’s okay you can make it up to me later. Come on, let’s go.”

He takes my hand and leads me across the main street, under a small arch that cuts through to the wharf.

My eyes scan the busy docks where I arrived two days ago. Glancing at the handsome man by my side, I feel incredibly lucky by the turn of events.

He ducks into a souvenir shop and browses through all the knick-knacks finally picking up a ceramic lighthouse figurine. “This is Southeast Light. I’m going to get two, so we can always remember our time here together.”

“Thank you. I’ll never forget this weekend.”

After he pays, he lifts my hand to his lips before tucking it into his. We stroll back through town, toward the beach where we left the Zodiac. The island is so laid back. Time seems to slow here. I wish for once that I could make the world stop. I’d freeze this moment and live a thousand days the same, because this entire weekend has been perfect.

He’s been perfect.

He’s a drug that’s in my system. In a few hours, it’ll be back to reality for me and I know nothing will be the same.

***

Stepping out of my sweat-soaked clothes, I step into the opulent shower in Ryan’s stateroom. The shower is made of three sides of glass. Along the back wall is a small alcove with a bench; above it a stunning piece of art.

A beautiful mermaid with titian hair reclines topless on a rock. She might be made from mosaic tile, but her stare is uncanny. She stares at me with slanted iris eyes. Bright turquoise tiles cover the lower three feet of the wall, like the Mediterranean ocean’s beneath her. Pushing a button on the wall, I sigh when water from the rain-head pours down my back.

The glass door opens.

A large, tan hand wraps around my waist. Another pulls my heavy, wet hair aside. I feel his teeth next, taking a nip from the side of my neck.

He pushes his hips into mine and grabs the bottle of BVLGARI shower gel.

The smell of it alone turns me on.

Ryan fills his hands with the soap and lathers my body.

I can’t move.

I’m frozen.

My senses overload with the feel of his hands on my skin combined with the heady fragrance of the luxury brand of shower gel. He turns me around to face him; my skin slides effortlessly against his.

I reach up pulling his head down. My lips grab his; my tongue slides into his mouth. He grabs my right thigh, hooking it around his leg. One arm reaches behind my head to support us; his other kneads my left breast. He bends down taking a nipple into his mouth to suckle on it.

Groaning, I grind myself into his hard body.

“I want you so much.”

“I’m burning for you,” I whisper.

He then puts me down and turns me around to face the wall. I put one knee on the bench to support myself, locking eyes with the flame-haired mermaid as he does wild things to my body.

I rest my hand on her hair, bracing myself on the smooth stone. She stares back at me as if she knows…this seductress of the sea—what the power of ecstasy can do. Moaning against the tiles, I tell her to shut up. My lips almost kiss hers as I fall apart in his naughty embrace.

***

“When will I see you again?” I wrap myself in a warm towel.

“Next weekend. I can be in Sea Crest by seven. Maybe, we can do-over our dinner date?”

“I’d love that. I’m going to check in with Gabby and see if she’s ready to go.”

“Alright, I need to look over some documents for work. I’ll be up on the bridge with Barron. Come find me when you’re ready. I’ll take you back to shore,” he tugs  the end of my towel, pulling me in for a quick kiss.

I throw on my denim shorts and a T-shirt, reluctantly packing up.

Knocking lightly on the door to the master stateroom, I slowly turn the brass handle. A modern, king-size bed sits front and center with rumpled sheets. Pillows litter the floor.

Stepping over discarded clothing, I make my way to the bathroom where Gabby’s blow drying her hair with a plush terry towel wrapped around her curves.

“Hey girlie, what’s going on?” She shuts off the dryer.

“Did you and Barron have an argument?” I climb onto the marble counter and sit.

“No. Why would you ask that?”

“When I saw him on deck this morning, he was a little abrupt—telling me we had to get off the yacht soon to catch a ferry home.”

“So? The Majesty isn’t our personal charter boat.”

“I know. But after this weekend, aren’t you a little hurt?”

“Barron’s been very sweet to me. He told me last night he wants to be exclusive and see where this goes.”

“Isn’t that a little fast?”

“Are you serious? Didn’t you just do the same thing with Ryan? At least I’ve seen Barron every day at work for months.”

“Point taken. Look, I’m happy for you. I just hope Barron knows how lucky he is to have a girl like you.”

Getting off the counter, I give her a tight hug. “Hurry up and get some clothes on. I’m starving and brunch is ready. At least Barron’ s willing to feed us before he dumps us back on Block.”

“Shut up!” Gabby smacks my butt with her hairbrush.

***

“Bye, sweetheart,” Ryan kisses the top of my head as he holds me tight. I approach the dock worker and hand her my ticket. I’m so forlorn this weekend is over and that it’s time to board the ferry home. I pause, holding up the line of about a hundred people behind me. Turning to Ryan, I throw myself tighter into his embrace.

“I don’t want to leave you.”

“It’s okay. Next weekend will be here before you even know it.”

He moves back and lets me go.

But I can’t bear this.

Dammit, Gabby is right. I always fall too fast and this time’s no different. I grab his hand, not caring at the annoyed glances from the group of people behind me.

All I want is one more kiss.

I thrust my tongue in and out of his mouth while raking my nails into the hair behind his head. He hoists me off the ground. I wrap my legs around him, digging them into his back. I’ve never been this physically aggressive with a guy before.

“Get a room,” someone in the crowd hollers. More voices chime in, hooting and whistling.

“Honey—you’re holding up the line!”

“Mama?”

“Shhh, baby, don’t look… see those pretty boats over there?”

I hear the same woman scream, “Stop traumatizing my five-year-old. Block is still a family place…get some dignity!”

Still wrapped around Ry, I eye the angry mom over his shoulder. “Sorry ma’am, but he’s just so irresistible.”

Still glaring at me she responds, “Well, if my husband looked like that, I’d probably be pregnant all the time!”

The crowded line laughs hysterically; I guess I’m forgiven for making them all wait. A crew member from ferry walks down the line and hisses, “Nice show. Now board.” She inspects my ticket stub, ushering me through.

I reluctantly put one foot in front of the other while looking over my shoulder. Ry’s standing on the other side of the thick rope which separates us from the rest of the wharf. The collar of his pink golf shirt’s popped and his lips are still wet from my kiss. His hands are fisted in the front pockets of his navy-blue cargo shorts.

My knees go weak.

He looks over the swell of people between us, “I’ll see you next weekend!”

With his dark hair blowing across his forehead and curling at his neck with eyes just as dark—he looks every inch a guy who could keep a girl pregnant all the time…yikes.

“Come on Tessa,” JD grabs my elbow, pulling me away.

He doesn’t let go until I’ve walked up the ramp and have both feet on the ferry.

Gabby doesn’t say a thing.

I can tell she’s disappointed that Barron didn’t see her off, choosing to stay aboard the Majesty instead. But she’d die before ever admitting it.

The ferry’s engines start up and she blows her horn. I stand at the aft rail, staring at Block Island until it disappears on the horizon.

The ferry speeds towards home, taking me further and further away. But this year, I know that I left a bigger piece of my heart behind.

Maybe the whole damn thing.

The lighthouse figurine Ryan gave me is tucked inside the front pocket of my hoodie. I reach inside and hold it in my palm.

“What’s up with you and Ryan?” JD asks. His aviators shield his eyes, but the tone of his voice seems off.

“He was amazing, incredibly sweet and sensitive. The complete opposite from how he was when we first met.”

“Are you together?”

“Uh, I think so. We better be… but we never discussed it.”

“How convenient.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Nothing. It’s just—Barron and I had a few talks up on the bridge while navigating the Majesty. He seemed to think Ryan isn’t that serious about being in a relationship right now. He mentioned something about Ryan being up for something big in the fall besides HSB. And that he’s been pretty focused on that.”

“So? I’m hardly in the way of his goals when we live two hours apart.”

“Exactly. Remember what Kyle did? Ryan could have a girl when he gets to college and you in Sea Crest. I just don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

“I don’t think he would do that to me. We connected this weekend. He opened up about some very private things. He was so sweet and playful, but in bed he was—”

Ripping off his sunglasses, his eyes glare at me incredulously, “What? You slept with him?  Please tell me you didn’t give him…You idiot! Guess who he fucked after you walked out on him at S&P that night? He called up Emily, yep, banged her all night in the same cabin where he just had you.

The next night when you and Gabby went over to the Hill’s Head and Carter posted that pic of you online, it was payback for Ryan ditching her to hang out with you. Barron spent the night consoling her—naked in the hot tub. He told me all about it. Gabby was just the next one he had there.”

Holy shit! What the heck?

Hot tears run down my face. My throat’s closing. I try to calm down, but it’s too late. I gasp, gulping big breaths, but not getting any air.

Panicked and scared at the thought I’m being played again, I rush to the stern of the top deck, dry heaving over the side.

“Tessa? Are you okay? Do you have your pills?”

Gabby rushes up to me and holds the hair back from my face as it rips in the wind. I’m not able to answer. I’m focusing on just breathing in and out.

After five minutes, I’m trembling but I’m able to rasp, “It’s just—JD said some things. I got upset.”

Turning back from the rail, I’m stunned when Gabby marches over to him getting right in his face, “What the fuck, JD? Can’t you just leave her alone? She hasn’t had a panic attack since prom. What the hell did you say?”

“The hard truth.”

“And what’s that JD? I’m sorry your weekend fling was a dud, but back the hell off of her!”

“That’s the whole point Gabby. The two of you were just another weekend fling. Don’t kid yourselves. Do you know how many girls Barron and Ryan have been seen with at the yacht club? I’ve heard them myself chatting away about their own magical weekends on the Majesty.

“Look at the two of you, so easily charmed by the same bullshit Barron and Ryan always pull. I thought you both were better than that.”

He storms inside the cabin of the ferry, slamming the door.

“Fuck,” I mutter, when I’m finally able to speak.

Looking down, I notice a speck of blood on my sandal. Confused for a second, I don’t understand what happened, until I feel stickiness inside my hand.

Opening my palm, the lighthouse figurine lays broken.

A small jagged cut bleeds where the pointed tip of the lighthouse dug in. Just when I thought I had gotten off the roller coaster ride with Ryan—I realize he had me on it the whole time.

CHAPTER FOUR

RYAN

I watch from the pier until the ferry is a speck on the horizon. That girl stole my heart and I don’t even want it back. This weekend was incredible. The gift she gave me I’ll treasure. I’ll kill any other guy who tries to take her from me. There’s no way I can leave for the UK now. I’m sticking with Harvard where she’ll only be a two-hour drive away instead of a plane ride.

I whistle as I leisurely walk back to the Zodiac.

My cell buzzes with a text. I smile hoping it’s Tess.

But it isn’t.

It’s him—my fucking father.

Call home. It’s about Cody. If we don’t hear from you… we’ll decide what’s best for the pony.

Just like that—my perfect weekend is over. Why does he ruin everything good in my life? I loathe him. I’ll never forgive my father for the rest of his life.

Taking a deep breathe I hit call and raise the phone to my ear.

“Son.”

“Don’t call me that,” I spit out.

He inhales sharply but knows better than to bait me.

“Your mother and I think it’s best if we sell Cody. The pony is a reminder—”

“Good!” I roar. “You need to be reminded of what you’ve done…that she’s gone!” My booming voice causes people to turn and stare. The tip of my sandal kicks a pebble; my eyes watch it sail into the harbor with a thunk.

“Listen Ryan, your mother and I think it’s best. I don’t even know why she wanted me to call you anyway.”

“Because she trusts me. Not you. I know best would Abbs would want. Don’t you dare touch that pony!”

“The barn bill is due by the end of the month. Are you good for it or should I send it to your new family…the Fosters?”

“Fuck you!” I snarl. He knows damn well I’m not living off one cent of his money. I just signed a student loan for HSB. I’ve already asked so much of Charles and Barron. I can’t ask them to take on my dead sister’s beloved pony.

“I’ll tell your mother to be expecting your call.”  He disconnects and I’m furious that he did so first.

I jump into the Zodiac and rev the engine, leaving a trail of wake behind me as I throttle it down to full power and zoom over the harbor to the yacht.

My face is a thunder cloud as I throw Barron the line and he ties it off.

“What happened? Tessa dump you already?”

“My father.”

“Shit. No more explanations needed. Is he here on Block?”

“No. He wants to sell Abby’s horse.”

“I’m sorry. But could he be right?”

I breathe out hard. “She loved Cody. How can I…? It’s the last piece of her left, Barron. And they just want to get rid of it. They are surviving by pretending she never existed. It’s fucked up.”

“I know. I didn’t want to mention this…but they sold the house. Your mother called Charles in case you ever decided to surprise them and go home.”

“There’s no going back is there?”

“No. There isn’t. I’m sorry. Ry. We’ll figure something out.”

“He gave me three weeks.”

“Well shit, there’s a stable at Hills Head. It hasn’t been used since we’ve owned the place, but I’m sure we could get it ready.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Charles will love that. First, I move in and then a pony?”

“A pony is kind of like a dog, right?”

“I guess. They shit a lot more though.”

He shakes his head and I follow him up the stairs all the way to the bridge.

“I’m serious,” he says, pulling up anchor and calling out to his deckhand on the radio to secure it. When it’s up, he blows the horn and throttles down. We’re off and soon everything here will be just a memory.

We don’t speak much, both of us lost in thought as we cruise down the Atlantic towards The Hamptons.

Jen brings us dinner and we chew for a bit in silence but then I need to ask. “What was up today? You could’ve seen the girls off.”

“I was busy. I needed to double check the weather and offshore activity.”

“Bull.”

His face turns red. “I needed some space to breathe.”

“I get it. That’s how I felt when I was with B. She was a total stage five clinger by the end. But you and Gabby are still new. What’s up?”

“She’s not a clinger. She’s just…I mean… she’s just a lot to handle.”

“So? You seemed to be doing just fine.”

“And that’s the problem,” he mutters under his breath.

“Bro? What’s going on? You can talk to me. Hell, you’ve helped me get my shit together this year. If I ever need to return the favor—”

“I’m fine.” He drops his fork and checks the digital screens.

“Okay.”

“But you’re serious about Cody, right?”

“I already texted the house manager. She’s going to get the stable ready. But shit, what the hell are we going to do with a pony?”

“Give pony rides?”

“Can you picture my next party? We’ll get a gold harness and have someone braid it’s mane and tail. Cody will be the new king.”

“You ready to give up that title?”

“Never,” he grins. “I’m just glad you never wanted it.”

“Social bullshit was never my scene.”

“I can’t escape it. People will see what they want and judge accordingly. I guess it just comes with having the Foster name in Sea Crest.”

“Just ignore all that bullshit man. I always just assumed you liked the attention.”

“Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t.”

“We’ll be out of there in the fall anyway.”

“You’ve decided not to ditch me?”

“Are you really going to live in the dorms?”

“Fuck no. I just signed a lease in Cambridge. It’s completely re-done. Brick with ivy scaling the outside walls.”

“Only the best for you, Barrie…” His face turns red. “I can’t believe you let her call you that.”

“She’s fiery. I just do whatever she tells me.”

“Even in the bedroom?”

He turns redder.

“Go call you girl and leave me alone.”

“I miss her already.”

“You’ve got it bad.”

“I do.”

He shakes his head as I use the ship’s satellite phone to dial her number.

It goes straight to voicemail. Maybe she’s still on the ferry. I’ll wait a bit and try her again.

I get my laptop and set up inside the main salon. I work on analyzing my next deal then Google how to care for ponies. Damn, they are a lot of work. But I know Abby would want me to take good care of Cody. I’ll never stop looking out for my baby sister.

Ever.

Instead of calling, I send my mom an email letting her know I will be taking Cody and sending a trailer to get him in a few weeks.

Barron blows the ship’s horn, announcing our arrival into East Hampton. I log off and stretch. My cell has signal and I try my girl.

It rings twice then switches to voicemail. So, I send her a quick text and wait a few minutes.

Nothing.

I open Instagram, I never use it but have an account. I check Tessa’s page. Earlier, she had posted a pic of us with the fireworks behind us while we kiss.

It’s gone.

Deleted.

“What the fuck?”

I race up the steps to the bridge. “Barron! Have you talked to Gabby?”

“No. I’ll call her tomorrow. What’s up?”

“I’m not sure but I don’t think it’s good. Something’s wrong.”

“Like I said before…nothing lasts forever.”

“Forever? How about twenty-four hours?”

He shrugs, “High school girls equal drama. You know that.”

“Not this one.”

Barron rolls his eyes.

“I need to get off the boat. I’m going for a walk as soon as we dock.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going out. Don’t wait up.”

“Don’t. For fuck’s sake don’t cheat on her.”

He shrugs, “Relax. I’m just going to be seen and meet up with a few people.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose feeling a headache coming on. Dealing with my parents and being reminded about Cody is ripping a wound wide open. I feel like I’m bleeding out and I need Tess. I need her to be my anchor in this shitstorm. But I can’t reach her and it’s killing me.

I put my aviators on to hide my wild eyes and walk down the docks to the road. The party never stops, not even for a Sunday night. The Hamptons is always packed. Every restaurant is full and every bar—overflowing.

I text Tess again:

Baby? Where are you?

No response.

Tess? I’m going out of my mind worrying. What’s going on?

I text Barron next:

Bro. I need Gabby and JD’s number stat.

He shares both contacts with me and I fire off a text to Gabby first.

Gabby. It’s Ryan. What the fuck is going on? Where is Tess?

She ignores me too. So, I text JD.

Dude. Is everything okay?

He writes back…

No. Stay away from Tess you douchebag. She doesn’t need you.

Well fuck, what if I need her?

What in the hell happened? Everything was fine when she left Block.

He writes…

She knows the truth. About Emily and what happened after your “date.” She knows what a dirtbag you are. She’s done.

The hell she is. I type back, angrily shoving my phone in the pocket of my board shorts.

There’s no way I’m letting Tessa slip through my fingers. I can’t stop thinking about the girl. She’s special and I need something special in my life after the hell I’ve been through.

CHAPTER FIVE

TESSA

“Earth to Tessa…are you going to answer that?”

I stare blankly at Anna.

She rolls her eyes at me, reaching across to pick up the reservations line.

I’m a complete mess.

The rest of the ferry ride back yesterday was a complete blur. I mumbled hello to my parents, then shut myself in my room for the remainder of the night.

Ryan called and texted, but my pain and humiliation is too raw. I don’t even want to talk to him. I probably wouldn’t get through it without crying anyway.

I’m on my third cup of coffee, but my eyes still feel heavy.

My body’s sluggish and slow.

I finger a limp lock of hair that hangs dully over my shoulder. I’m disgusted at myself for falling apart so quickly. I was in such as funk this morning, that I forgot to shower. I haven’t showered since being with Ryan on The Majesty, since I cried myself to sleep last night.

I choke back a few tears and scramble inside the back office before any guests witness the state, I’m in.

Anna finishes a call and stands in the doorway staring at me with a look of pity and anger. “It’s him, isn’t it?”

I nod my head and cry softly into my hands.

“I did warn you.”

I cry harder.

“What did he do?” Her arms are crossed and she’s not budging.

“I don’t, I can’t—talk about it. No offense, Anna, but I just can’t. Especially to you.”

She hands me a box of tissues and walks out, doing the work I should be handling. My phone rings in my purse and I open my bag.

It’s him.

Again.

I swipe the screen sending him to voicemail. I only have two more hours until my shift’s over.

I can do this.

Fixing my makeup and brushing my hair back into a ponytail, I do the best I can with the hot mess I’ve become.

There’s a small line of guests waiting for help and I dive right in. “Right here on the map is the Sea Crest Seaport. It’s just a short walk down River Street, which is right out front by the flagpole,” I take my pen and put a star on the tourist map marking the couple’s destination.

A sudden screeching of tires interrupts my train of thought as a car door slams amid honking horns outside the front entrance. Snapping my head up to see what caused all the commotion, the front door slams open.

Ryan stalks inside wearing a charcoal gray suit with a  pressed white shirt. He’s every inch the boardroom tycoon and looks hot as hell. And I’m so stupid for even having that thought.

He doesn’t say a word, but the air around him radiates with anger.

“I think I’m going to swoon,” one of the female tourists says putting a hand over her heart.

“Well, I think I’m going to vomit,” I reply, quickly skirting around the counter to stop him from causing a scene and getting me fired.

“Could you please step aside while I help these guests.”

“No. I need to talk to you, right now!”

“I’m working. I need you to leave.”

“Not a chance, sweet cheeks.”

Ignoring him, I turn back to the two middle-aged women waiting for help.

“Don’t mind us,” the lady tells me, “this is more entertaining than the reality show we were watching in our room.”

Anna walks in from the back hallway where she was checking on housekeeping.

Shit, this is going to be explosive.

I feel another panic attack coming on, and I move quickly to sit on the chaise lounge by the window. Putting my head between my knees, I breathe in and out.

In and out.

“Tessa?”

Ryan perches in front of me trying to lift my head up. I put one hand out in a gesture for him to stop.

“I’m okay… I just need space.”

Anna walks over with a bottle of water, getting me to take a few sips.

My chest still feels tight, like a fist clenching around my lungs choking and choking, and my heart races in fear of the sensation.

“Call her a paramedic.”

Great, the nosy guest is still here.

“No. I’m fine, really. I just suffer from occasional panic attacks. I’m truly sorry. Anna, could you please send a bottle of wine up to their room, compliments of the house?”

“Sure.”

She gets up to complete the task, giving Ryan the stink eye.

“That isn’t necessary. I hope you feel better soon. My, this is an exciting little town, isn’t it, Sandra?”

Her companion nods wide-eyed in agreement as they pick up their map.

“You don’t know the half of it,” I tell them as they walk out.

I finally look Ryan in the eye. I know he’s still fuming but he seems to have control over his emotions…for now.

“We need to talk.”

“What are you even doing here? I thought you were working in New York City today?”

“I was. I left work three hours early, rented a car and drove up here to see you. I had no choice since you’ve been ignoring me. What the hell happened?”

He pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes, trying to rein in the fury simmering under the surface.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes, trying to get the knot in my lungs to lessen.

“Anna, can you manage for a little while on your own?”

“Sure,” she answers, slamming down the lobby phone.

“Let’s go. I could use some fresh air. We can talk on our way to the docks.”

I brush by him going into the office. Grabbing my purse, I open it and take out my prescription bottle of Xanax.

My doctor prescribed it when my attacks started up again last year, I threw it in my bag this morning in case another episode occurred.

The one I had yesterday was the worst one yet. I twist the top off, but Ryan grabs the bottle from me. He inspects the prescription before handing it back.

“I’m going to need my meds if I’m going to get through the conversation you want to have,” I tell him, swallowing a pill.

Walking out of the lobby, he opens the door for me, shutting it quietly behind us.

Even though we walk down Main Street side by side, there’s an ocean between us.

Crossing over the drawbridge in silence, I stare at the boats in the channel waiting in line for the bridge to open. I can’t believe this time yesterday I was wrapped up in his arms, as close as two people can be. Now, it feels like that moment never happened.

The tightening in my chest is slowly lessening. I find one thing to focus on and clear the emotions from my mind.

In front of us is the Sea Crest Wharf, I don’t take my eyes off it.

Breathe in and out, in and out.

I turn left on the dock, waving to the crew of the Argale, who are prepping the boat for the sunset sail.

He silently follows. One hand is tucked in the front pocket of his trousers the other is carrying his sport coat.

I stop at the end of the dock, with nowhere to go. I turn around to face him.

“You wanted to talk?”

He studies me, taking his time answering.

His left cheek tics and his left hand is curled into a fist at his side.

“What the fuck is going on? I never pegged you as the type who likes to play games, but maybe I was wrong.”

“That’s rich. You’re accusing me of playing games? Were you with Emily, after our date?”

His head snaps back.

Boom, I fired a direct hit.

“What the hell does that have to do with anything?”

“Everything!”

Taking a deep breath, I let every thought—every emotion pour out of me. “For one moment, I was on top of the world. You made me feel invincible. For one day I was completely happy. Do you know how it felt when my best friend shamed me for thinking any of it was real? It reminded me how naïve I was when we first met. Did you even realize how excited I was for our date that night? Then you were a complete ass—no surprise, by the way…but to go back to the boat—to her after I left? You disgust me.”

“It wasn’t like that.”

“Oh, please. How many other girls have there been since we met? In that bed—in that cabin?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes—God, I can’t seem to stop crying ever since I met you.”

I turn away, wiping my cheeks.

My make-up is a mess and my hair’s limp.

This man has thrown me off my axis and I didn’t even know he existed a month ago.

Ryan sighs, clearly exasperated at the situation.

“I never planned on it. I was angry at myself for being such a dick and for ruining our night. I wanted you so very badly—I was keyed up. Patience has never been my thing. I was so pissed when you walked out on me, but it was also a huge turn on. Obviously, I didn’t go back to the hotel. I never even turned the key in the lock. Truthfully—I didn’t want to be alone.

Barron was over at SYC with some girls, thinking I’d be out all night. When I texted, things had gone south with you—he told me to get over to the club.

I figured hanging out at the yacht club was better than sitting in the dark drinking alone. She was all over me. I’d be lying if I told you she didn’t stroke my ego. Having her want me, when you had just walked out felt good.

I took her back to The Majesty for an after party and we messed around. But I didn’t want her. It was your face I saw…then I sent her home.”

He ends with a shrug like it was no big deal.

I feel my lunch churning in my stomach. I throw up the chicken salad that I had over the side of the pier.

The only one’s celebrating are the seagulls flying overhead; overjoyed at my retching as they swoop down.

“Oh, my God. I feel like I just got hit by a dump truck,” I say wiping my hand across my mouth. I’m repulsed and shocked he admitted everything.

“You wanted honesty,” he says while leaning against a pillar.

“Gee thanks. I am never going in that hot tub.”

“It’s your turn to be honest. What happened after you boarded the ferry?”

I sit down feeling wiped out.

My legs dangle over the side of the pier and I softly recount everything.

“JD and Barron really bonded this weekend. Barron had no problem bragging about the sex-capades both of you have had so far, this summer. When JD filled me in, I had a major panic attack. I felt stupid and hurt. My first panic attack happened when I was five. I was playing hide and seek at my cousin’s house. I turned the lock inside the bathroom, but it got stuck and wouldn’t open.

The light switch was on the outside of the bathroom door and my older cousin thought it would be funny to leave me in the dark.

Her parents weren’t home. I screamed, kicked, and pounded that door for a good hour. Even though I was in a bathroom, I wet my pants in fear.

I hate the dark. To this day, I still need a night light to sleep.

When my uncle came home, he had to get his tool set out to take the knob off the door. The worst part was that he spanked me. You know, for scraping his door and ‘trashing’ the bathroom. I’ve never been the same since. When I get scared or overwhelmed, I have major anxiety attacks.”

“Baby…” He moves to comfort me, but I hold my palm out. I’m not done.

“They started up again when I found out Kyle cheated on me. It was probably a combination of that and my grandfather dying around the same time. I thought I was being humiliated again and I couldn’t handle it. You just saw what happens to me. Maybe we should just end this right now. To be frank, nothing good has happened to me since the night I met you. I’ve been physically hurt, publicly shamed, and now my panic attacks are coming back.”

“We’re just beginning. I won’t let you even try to stop it. Come here.” He offers me a hand and I take it. He holds me close and whispers. “Look at us, two imperfect people. But together—this feels perfect. I want to be with you. Only you—I’m not a guy who quits easily and I could see us being together for the long haul.”

I pull back not actually believing he feels this way.

“Really?”

“I know it’s fast. But it’s true.”

“I’m falling for you, too.”

He kisses me on the top of the head, “Let’s go. I need to have a talk with Barron before I head back to work. He needs to know to watch his mouth around you and your friend. But Tessa, please—next time, don’t ignore me. I need to be able to get a hold of you. I need you to trust me. Let’s talk things out before you spin out of control.”

“Okay,” I whisper, ducking my face into the crook of his neck.

I inhale his scent, so thankful that he’s still mine.

“Do you have to go, so soon?

“Yeah, I need to finish some work and send out a few emails. I dropped everything to drive up here. It’s another two hours north to my dorm. I was planning on coming down Friday night after work. It will be late, but if you can—spend the night with me?”

“Okay.”

He takes my hand and walks me back to work.

Anna doesn’t say a word. She pecks the keyboard hard with her nails and doesn’t look up from behind the front desk.

“Can I have a minute?” Ryan asks.

I’m shocked by his request. She looks up at the two of us holding hands and her mouth puckers.

“Seriously?”

“Yes. Take a quick walk with me out back,” he gestures with his hand.

“No. We can do this right here. There are no guests around,” she answers, throwing a pen across the counter.

“That wasn’t professional.” I tell her picking up the pen she flung.

“You’re one to talk, boss.” She spits back but follows Ryan out the lobby door.

They’ve been gone a full ten minutes. I pace around the lobby, only stopping to rearrange the glossy magazines that already sit perfectly on a side table. Taking out some Windex, I wipe away imaginary smears on the front windows. I’m relieved when they both come back intact.

“I need to go. I’m sorry. I’ll call you later tonight, okay, baby?”

“Okay,” I smile at him. He bends down and presses his lips firmly on mine.

He walks out and into a silver Suburban and my eyes track the car until it disappears.

“You’re hopeless,” Anna says.

“Hopelessly optimistic,” I reply, punching out my timecard, leaving her gaping at me as I walk out the door.

CHAPTER SIX

RYAN

I punch in the code that opens the back gate to Foster Sailing. Charles has tight security but as soon as the guard jogging toward my SUV sees it’s me, he slows down.

My dress shoes hit the hot July pavement as I exit my rental and stalk toward the door. After punching in another four-digit code, I practically rip the door off its hinges as I throw it open.

It takes my eyes a few seconds to adjust in the dim light.

“What in the hell do you think you’re doing here?”

Gabby stands around the corner with a hand on her curvy hip, holding a bunch of files under her arm.

Ignoring her, I head straight for Barron’s office. I’m steps away from his door when Gabby beats me there and presses her back against it. She folds her arms over her chest and wags a finger at me. “No assholes allowed inside.”

“Then Barron better get his ass out here.”

“Stay away from Tessa,” she warns.

“Like hell, I’ll stay away from my girl.”

“She’s my girl,” Gabby challenges. “We’ve been best friends for years and I won’t see some summer playboy break her again.”

The corners of my mouth lift. I give her my best panty-melting, cocky-ass smirk.

She huffs.

“It’s not working on you is it?”

“Nope.”

“I just saw Tess. We…worked things out. I’m sticking around so you better get used to it.”

She eyes me suspiciously. Then stands on her tippy toes and moves into my personal space. “You better. Or I’ll break your little gringo—”

“She said I was little, eh?”

Gabby rolls her eyes just as Barron opens his door and eyes the two of us.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing,” Gabby replies sweetly, patting my pecs with her palm. “Just having a little chat with Ryan.”

Barron raises his eyebrows.

“Actually, we need to have a chat, bro.”

Barron steps back and sweeps his hand out, indicating I should enter his office. He follows behind and my eyes narrow when I turn around.

“Alone, Gabby,” I demand.

“No.”

“Gabby.” Barron commands, in a sharp but low tone. His blue eyes are direct as they also demand she leaves.

“Fine,” she huffs, “but only because it’s so sexy when you take that bossy tone with me.”

His face reddens and I file that tidbit of info away so I can give him shit about it later.

“What’s up?”

“What exactly did you say to JD last weekend?”

He sits in his overstuffed office chair and puts a finger to his chin. “The truth.”

“Who’s truth?”

“Both of ours. She’s a nice girl, Ryan and I’ve seen firsthand who you’ve become.”

I shake my head and fold my arms over my chest. “I never thought you’d stab me in the back. You knew how much I liked her…she’s good for me, bro. I don’t itch to hold anything but her.”

“You can’t use a relationship as a crutch to prop yourself up.”

“Are you trying to sabotage the only thing good I’ve had in months? You know I’m not in that dark pit anymore and I’m not ever going back.”

“I hope that’s true. But she’s seventeen. Hardly experienced enough to handle you during your dark days if you slip up. Christ, Ry, think with your head instead of your dick.”

“I can handle myself. Stay out of my love life from now on. I mean it.”

I turn to jerk the door to his office open.

“Bro, wait. I was jealous ok. I’m not feeling Gabby the same way you are Tess. Sure, I like her, but I’m hardly falling in love.”

I turn with a grin, “Well that’s a damn shame because I feel on top of the world when I’m with my girl. Just don’t sabotage what I have going with her. B, Emily, and Carter are already doing enough of that.”

“I’m sorry, bro. Truly. Are we good?”

“Yeah, we’re good. I’ll see you Friday. Oh, and I’ll be bringing the pony with me one of these days.”

“Fine. I’ll handle logistics.”

With a half wave I leave his office. Gabby gives me the evil eye from her desk. I saunter over and sit on the corner. “You’re loyal to my girl. I appreciate that. Especially since I can’t be here during the week. Do me a favor and keep her ex in line.”

“Why don’t you do me a favor Mr. Hotshot and stop playing with Tess.”

“I’m not playing—I’m falling in love.”

She stares suspiciously. “You better not break her heart. Or I’ll plant the tip of my heel—”

I raise my hand silencing her. “The only heart you should be worried about is your own.”

A stain spreads across both her cheekbones. “My heart’s just fine,” she finally snaps.

“Look. I’m glad Tess had a friend like you, having her back, okay? I just want her to give us a chance. That’s it.”

She shrugs as she answers the ringing phone on her desk, flipping me the bird as I walk out.

Barron has his hands full with that one. I shake my head and text Tess as I walk back to my rental.

Miss you already babe. Can’t wait for the weekend.

She types back:

Me too. I’m sorry. I should have trusted you.

It’s okay, babe. My track record hasn’t been that great. But I swear It’s only you.

My heart picks up speed as I remember our night together. How she felt in my arms; all golden skin and hair moving under me. My hands clench on the wheel. I’ll never get enough of this girl. Thoughts of us fill my head, making the drive north seem faster than it was.

After returning the rental and hopping on the T to take make into Cambridge, I walk up from the underground transit and enter campus. It’s just past twilight and a few stars spread across the sky. The city of Boston is lit behind me. God, I miss Abbs so much I feel it every time I breath. I lost her but found Tessa. I just wish I could have them both.

But life’s sick and twisted like that. Leaving your heart, a tangled-up mess and your head trying to balance all the shit coming your way.

“Ry?”

She catches me off guard, sitting on the floor down the wall waiting for me to enter my dorm room.

“B? Why are you here?”

“Is it true?” She sniffles.

“I follow Barron on Instagram. I saw the pictures of you and that Sea Crest girl on Block. Are you with…her?” I unlock my room without even looking at her.

“B—don’t do this to yourself. What we had… it’s been over a long time. We both know that.”

“It wasn’t for me. It still isn’t,” she whispers huskily.

I hang my head. I’m tired as fuck and worn out from my workday and from thinking I had lost Tess.

“What do you want from me. What else can I say?” I take my suit jacket off and hang it up.

“You. I want you back.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

Her face changes, morphs into something twisted and ugly. I catch her hands as she raises it. “She’s a dirty, townie slut. I bet she spread her legs for you…what? After ten seconds?”

I feel my jaw tighten. “Don’t talk about her like that. You’re embarrassing yourself, B. Cut your losses and just leave. How did you even find me, anyway?”

“It wasn’t hard,” she shrugs, “what does the Sea Crest girl have, that I don’t?”

“My heart, B. She has my heart.”

An eerie sound halfway between a scream and a wail comes from her. She beats the wooden door with her fists. “Two years, Ry. We had two years and you just moved on like it was nothing? I thought I had your heart.”

“It’s been seven months. But I was over it before then, I can’t re-hash this. I won’t. And your behavior is souring any fond memories I had of those two years. Look B, I’m only saying this one more time. I did love you—I did. But I was a boy—a kid. We had something but it’s over now. You need to move on.”

She grabs the shoulder strap of her purse tightly and looks at me one last time as her shaking hand rests on the doorknob. “You’re going to ruin that girl. Just like you ruined me.”

“Fuck!” My fist meets the drywall and goes right through. B’s words are ringing in my head. Sure, I know she said them out of spite, but she struck a nerve. One of my worst fears is that I might mess up Tess. I’m not as confident as I’d like to be that my demons are under control. But one thing I do know for sure is that my feelings for her already run deeper than anything I felt for B.

I’m loving Tess with the heart of a man, not a boy’s. Sometimes it scares the shit out of me just how hard I’m falling. But I can’t stop it. It’s like the tide. All I can do is hope it lasts.

CHAPTER SEVEN

TESSA

The rest of the week passes by quickly. Ryan and I text or call one another constantly. The only cloud on my horizon is JD. I haven’t spoken to him since the disastrous ferry ride and I miss him. We’ve never gone this long without talking, but I’m not ready to make the first move. I know he’s going to be pissed I didn’t take his advice.

My phone lights up with a text from Gabby, letting me know she just got off work and will be here in five.

Barron’s invited her to his house Saturday night for dinner because he’s ready to tell his father they’re together.

She freaked out, partly in excitement and partly in fear that Mr. Foster won’t approve so she wants back up.

It’s turned into a double date with Ryan and I attending. I can’t wait to meet Charles Foster. He’s as infamous as his son, probably more.

I’m also curious to see his reaction when he finds out that Gabby’s in a relationship with Barron; his purebred son and only heir.

From what I’ve heard, Mr. Foster is uptight and formal—a real stuffed shirt and Gabby’s…well she’s Gabby.

There’s nothing prim and proper about her.

“You ready, chica?”

“Yep, just let me grab my purse.”

I walk into the back office where Anna’s printing up new flyers for the hotel. She barely talks to me now, unless it’s about work.

It’s awkward.

Picking up my handbag I clock out not even bothering to say goodbye.

***

The second-hand boutique is about a mile from the inn, but after spending all day inside the small lobby, I’m eager to get outside and walk.

“I hope we can find something suitable for dinner at the Hill’s Head House. Are you ready for this?”

“I’m only nervous because Charles is my boss. Barron’s so considerate. He wants to tell his father first before we go public with our relationship.”

“There will be a lot of broken hearts in Sea Crest when word gets out,” I exclaim, putting the back of my hand against my head, “why do they call it Hill’s Head House, anyway?”

“Oh, because you know…it’s just the family summer home. They have a small sales office in South Beach and spend winter breaks there.”

“Must be nice.”

“I know.”

We turn the corner by the train station, it’s five-thirty and an Amtrak from Manhattan just pulled in. Tourists are lugging suitcases while looking confused, probably wondering where the heck town is.

I feel bad for them; all sweaty and tired from the long ride and now they are standing in the humid air looking lost.

“You want to go that way about a quarter mile,” I tell the crowd with a smile pointing behind us. A few wave back in appreciation while others groan that they have to lug suitcases down the street.

“You’re too sweet. I would’ve just let them swelter.”

“You’re so jaded even though I have more reason to be than you.”

“You’re loca and I love you, but you are so clueless at how easy life is for you.”

“That’s not true.”

“When I first met you—I called you skinny bitch in my head. I only became your friend because you were the only other girl in the cafeteria no one would sit with.”

“Are you serious? You never told me this before.”

“Sí, but I’m so glad we were both losers, look at us now,” she says playfully, hooking her arm in mine. “Chica, you don’t have a mean bone in your body. It’s what I love about you. I’ve always admired your ability to see the good in life.”

“We balance each other out then because you are such a pessimist. Promise me we’ll always be there for one another.”

“Sí. Su mi Hermana.”

“You’re my sister, too,” I reply, teary-eyed. Jesus, this was supposed to be a shopping trip.”

“Vamos.”

She leads me across the street, and we enter the second-hand boutique.

My wallet is thick with the money I took out of the ATM machine when I was on lunch break.

We browse through the racks, but nothing’s standing out to me. I see a few Lily Pulitzer dresses I could afford, but the thought of dressing like Emily, ruins them.

I find a pair of Tory Burch flip flops in excellent condition for thirty bucks and snatch them off the counter.

“What do you think?” Gabby holds up a dark rose-colored dress with a v-neckline that has ruffles around the edges.

“It’s perfect.”

The color of the dress complements her hair and eyes.

“It’s Marc Jacobs and on sale for $225.”

She goes into the dressing room and tries it on.

I finger through the dresses on the racks and find a soft peach peplum dress. It’s perfect for a dinner party, but I could also wear it to Yale if I decide to pledge to a sorority. I check the tag, its $250, but the label says Carolina Herrera.

I turn in the full-length mirror and seeing Gabby reflected in the glass behind me. “Tess, you look great, with your blonde hair and summer tan, that dress is it.”

“Thanks, you look beautiful, too.”

We get dressed again and head to the register to pay. I reluctantly put down the Tory Burch sandals, not having enough money for them and the dress. I take out my cash and count the bills while Gabby rolls her eyes. “Cash? Just use your debit card.”

“Ha, no—I wish. My dad taught me how to budget. He says only take out a certain amount of cash and spend that amount. That way you never go over, it’s easy to overspend if you just swipe.”

“Huh, that’s a great tip.”

“Here you go, sweetie,” the cashier says, handing me a twenty percent-off coupon.

“Oh, thank you.”

“Shoot, look at that rip,” the cashier exclaims.

Puzzled, Gabby and I stare at the dress but there’s no imperfection.

“That’ll be another twenty percent off since it’s damaged.”

She punches numbers into a calculator next to the register, “Okay, with the coupon and the discount for the tear it comes to $160. She picks up the flip flops putting them back next to the dress and rings me up.

“Thanks,” I smile gratefully.

She gives me a wink and I hand over my cash. I even have a few twenties left to put back in my pocket.

“It’s only 6:15. We have plenty of time to make the beach concert if you want to go,” Gabby says as we exit the shop.

“I don’t know. It’s just…going to East Beach used to be the highlight of my week every Thursday of the summer, and now we haven’t been back in four weeks. I don’t feel like running into the Pine Point crowd. It’s weird. I’ve lived here my whole life and never met any of them there before.”

“It’s not. Blaire went to prep school with Ryan in Boston but has an aunt that lives in Hills Head. That’s why she’s circling around…hoping Ryan takes her back. Anyway, Barron said he’s not going to the concert tonight but spending time with his dad. I thought we could go. We could sit in the back on a few beach chairs and eat dinner there without participating in the whole scene.”

“I’d like that. I guess I just need to get over it and hold my head high, and not let those people ruin my favorite summer tradition.”

“That’s my girl.”

My phone buzzes in my purse. I take it out hoping it’s him.

Hey Sweetie, working late thinking of you, Xoxoxo.

My fingers type back, Thinking of you too, about to return to the scene of the crime :)

Be good ☺ No one else sees that a** but me now. He writes.

Yes, Master!

Good. P.S. stay away from the crazy cop!

Will do. Call you before I go to bed. Xoxoxo.

I put my phone away with a sigh, “I hope Kyle’s not there.”

“Christo, I totally forgot about him. Don’t worry, I’ll tase his ass,” she says pulling out what appears to be a taser gun.

“Holy shit, where did you get that?”

“My mom bought it for me, you know, since I’m taking classes at the community college at night.”

“Put it away…you can’t tase, Kyle, as much as I’d love nothing more.”

“Well, I can always do it in my mind.”

I laugh with her, and we climb into my car parked behind the hotel.

“East Beach, here we come,” I say as we pull out onto Route 1, crossing the bridge.

I pull over at the Sea Crest Market and we pick up a few salads to go, in no time we’re at East and I pull up on a small clump of grass past the beach and put the car in park. Gabby grabs my beach chairs from the trunk, and we find a place to set up close to the road to the left of the stage.

“Oh, God,” I say.

“What?”

“The dune behind us is the very one I tried to hide behind last time I was here. You know, when I puked my guts out?”

She shakes her head at me and sits.

“Tessa.”

My whole body tenses.

“What in the hell do you want?” I slap my leg and put my food down, standing up to face him. He’s off duty, and I admit, dressed in his street clothes he looks like the boy I loved last summer. He has a heavy build, compact like a wrestler, but emanates an All-American boy charm when he turns it on.

“Can we talk for a minute?”

I raise my eyebrows at him. He needs a serious kick in the ass. I already gave him a kick in the balls.

“Kyle—”

“Tessa, please. I need to talk to you,” he interrupts.

I know he’s not going to leave me alone until I let him say what he needs. I feel eyes on me. Glancing around, I notice we’re gathering attention. I motion over toward an empty patch of sand by the road. The end of our relationship was hot gossip for some time, and I don’t need any of it starting back up. But Kyle won’t budge. His feet are firmly planted in the sand.

“Can’t you just leave it in the past? I’ve moved on. I see some forty-year-old women over there—maybe you should go chat them up and see if any of them are lonely housewives.” I sit back down and pretend he’s not standing in front of me.

“Are you seeing that preppy guy—Barron Foster’s friend?”

I pick at my salad and glance at Gabby mouthing, ‘what the hell?’

“Don’t be naïve, Tess. I can’t believe you think that guy is better for you than me.”

“Do you want another kick in the balls?”

“Okay, Kyle, it’s time for you to leave. Now!” Gabby yells.

She stands, invading his personal space so close the tips of her shoes almost touch his. With matching faces of frustration, they engage in a staring contest.

She wins.

As dense as he is—Kyle has enough sense to back down when facing off against her.

He gives me one last long look, before fading away into the crowd.

“I don’t get it. Why did he cheat on me, only to want me back?”

“Because he thought he could.”

“There you two are. You’ve been MIA all summer!” Minka and Kelly come over and join us. “What was that about?” Kelly asks, looking over in Kyle’s direction. “Damn, Tessa how do you do it? Kyle, Tyson, and now I hear you’ve snagged some Pine Point hunk?”

“He’s not Pine Point, he’s Harvard,” Gabby brags.

“What have you been up to?” I decided to change the subject from my love life.

“Hanging with Tank on his Uncle’s boat. We were also on Block but missed you. Ty was home from camp over the Fourth. He asked about you.”

I shrug. “We’re just friends.”

“Uh-huh. Just wait until summer’s over. You’re Harvard guy will be in Cambridge and you’ll be still stuck here at Sea Crest.”

I move my sunglasses down from my head to shield the hurt in my eyes. Kelly is such a frenemy. She knows exactly what her words are doing.

“Jealousy isn’t your color, Kel.” Gabby kicks a pile of sand in her direction. Kelly’s cheeks turn pink and her fingers clench around the aluminum water bottle that probably holds anything but water. “Did you hear who I’m seeing?”

Both Minka and Kelly inch forward. “I caught he biggest fish in Sea Crest…reeled that sucker right in.”

“You?”  Kelly starts snickering. “No way. If you mean who I think you do…I heard curvy, and Latin is not his type.”

“What does that supposed to mean?”

“Drop it,” Mink warns. “Let’s just catch up and have fun.”

“Sounds good to me.”

But the rest of the beach concert is weird. The vibe between the four of us is all wrong. I wished Ry was here and I could just sink back into his arms and drift off to the sound of the ocean. But I know all those days are still ahead.

***

“Ryan, you should’ve seen the look on Kyle’s face. Gabby intimidated the heck out of him. Even though she barely reached his shoulder he was terrified of her. Barron better not screw up with her. He has no idea the wrath that would rain down on his head.”

My window air-conditioning unit hums, drowning out my voice, keeping my parents blissfully unaware of my late-night phone calls.

Twining a few strands of hair around my finger I look up at the plastic stars glowing back down at me. The sound of his deep voice fills me with longing. I wish we could be together in person. This distance sucks.

“It angers me that Kyle’s always around, lurking in the background especially when I’m not there.”

“I know. I miss you so much. Trust me, you have nothing to worry about, Kyle’s a complete loser. I don’t have feelings for him anymore.”

“Good. I miss you. I’ll be there tomorrow night, just one more night, Tessa. You better get some sleep because I am going to keep you up all night long.”

I throw my sheet off, moving restlessly on my bed. My room’s freezing, and I’m burning up in my tank and boy short pajamas just thinking about him.

“What time will you get here?”

“Late, since I left the New York office early to see you on Monday. I can’t take off before five.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m glad you did.”

“I know. But I don’t have the luxury of doing it again. My internship review is next month, and I’m expecting a decent one. I can’t jeopardize that since it gets reported to HSB.”

“I understand. I’m sorry, Ry.”

“Don’t worry, baby doll, I’m good. But I can’t take off early for the rest of the summer. I’ll text you when I arrive in the Hill’s Head, meet me there.”

“Alright, but I still feel weird about it. Is Barron’s dad going to be there?”

“Don’t worry about Charles. He’s been seeing someone for a while and he’s never around on much the weekends. When he’s in town he’s at the SYC or out golfing. How do you think Barron’s gotten away with so much?”

“Umm, okay, I’ll see you then. Love—I mean, goodnight.” I stammer, smacking myself on the forehead.

“Goodnight baby doll,” he says, softly disconnecting.

CHAPTER EIGHT

TESSA

Pivoting in my heels, looking at my reflection in the mirror, I check for any flaws. The peplum dress flatters my figure. My hair’s plaited in a fishtail over one shoulder. I snuck into Mom’s room earlier to borrow her pearl drop earrings and matching necklace and I feel as ready as I’ll ever be for the formal dinner at the Hill’s Head house.

We spent the day on the Majesty, cruising out on the Sound. Then Barron and Ryan took us out on jet skis.

I couldn’t believe it when Barron had his crew attach a slide off the port side bow. We spent hours going down, landing in the water and swimming to the launch off the stern. It was a blast until Ryan mentioned a shark was sighted a few weeks back. Gabby started shrieking and announced she was never going back in.

Luxury yachting is something else.

I grab my gold-sequined clutch, hoping to finally get out of the house unnoticed. I lied to my parents last night and told them I was going to Gabby’s for an old-fashioned slumber party.

I open my door and tiptoe down the stairs, easing the screen door open trying to lessen the sound of squeaking hinges. It’s almost become a game at this point.

Will they or won’t they catch me leaving?

“Tessa? Where are you going so dressed up?” My dad asks as he sprays the plants in the front bed with the hose.

“Gabby invited me to a work dinner.”

“On a Saturday night? Uh-huh, nice try,” my mom says, poking her head up. She was weeding and was hidden by the hedge.

I sigh, no point delaying the inevitable. “Well, it’s kind of a double date.”

“Now, we’re getting somewhere. Keep talking.”

“Well, Gabby’s dating Barron Foster and I met someone through him.”

“Gabby and Barron Foster! The Barron Foster? My daughter’s best friend is dating the most eligible bachelor on the East Coast, and you didn’t tell me? Quick, Hal, I need some ice water before I faint!”

She takes off her gardening hat and starts fanning her face. “I think I’m getting heart palpitations. Hal, get me an aspirin, hurry!”

“And this is exactly why I haven’t told you. My God—Mom, you’re so embarrassing!”

“Now that’s a pair,” she nods in approval. “I can just see it now—their wedding will be the toast of the town. Gabby, the girl from Hemlock Hill, snagging Barron Foster! Hal—go back in and get me the cordless—I need to call Pat. She’s going to die!”

My poor dad hands her the ice water and pill then trots back toward the house.

“No! Barron and Gabby haven’t even told Charles yet. Can you please not gossip about my friends?”

“What’s the young man’s name you’re going out with?” Dad asks, stopping and turning around.

“Thanks for asking. At least someone cares about who I’m dating. His name is Ryan Stone.”

“Hold on. I need to Google him,” my mom says whipping off her gardening gloves, “Hal!” she shouts, “Forget the cordless, is the computer turned on?”

“Mom, please. Don’t do that.”

“As if you haven’t.”

“No, I haven’t. What’s there to find? I already know the basics.”

She waves her hand dismissing me and walks inside leaving me alone with my dad, in an incredibly awkward moment. We’re close, but I’ve never discussed dating or boys with him, ever.

“The garden looks great. I’ve never seen the yard look so good.”

“Um hmm,” he says gruffly.

Apparently, he feels just as weird. Mom briskly walks back out, letting the door bang behind her.

“Tessa! That boy is a looker.” She says, fanning herself with her sun hat, again.

“Thanks, I’m leaving now.”

“Are you wearing my pearls? The ones your father gave me for our twentieth anniversary? That cost him four paychecks!”

I freeze, shit, she doesn’t miss a thing.

“Never mind, just don’t lose them and ask first next time! Where are you going again?”

“I’ll be at the Fosters’ Hill’s Head House having dinner with Mr. Foster. Barron is planning on telling him that he and Gabby are a couple. Did you get it all…need a notepad? They want to make sure Charles is okay with it.”

“She’s such a bright girl. Mr. Foster should be very pleased.”

“We all hope so. I’ve got to go. I don’t want to be late.”

“Did you already sneak an overnight bag in your car, for another impromptu girl’s sleepover?”

“Yep.” I answer quickly, darting to my car.

“Are you being safe? I can get more condoms from the hospital,” she calls out.

She’s so loud—I’m sure the entire neighborhood heard.

“Oh my God! Mom, I’m leaving.”

“Text me, Tessa. I mean it or I’ll beat down Barron Foster’s door!”

I wave acknowledging her request and drive out into the twilight.

***

The Hill’s Head house is everything I’d thought it would be. The structure is a classic colonial, but the interior blows me away. In the front entryway, a curved staircase descends to a black-and-white-checked marble floor. A metal knight with a shield stands guard in the corner and potted palm trees scatter around the edges of the grand entrance.

“It’s the Foster family crest,” Ryan tells me, pointing to the shield designed with two lions and a few slash lines painted on the knight’s chest.

“Wow,” I mumble as he takes my hand and leads me through the hall to the kitchen. It’s all stainless-steel appliances with white marble counter tops. They stand out against gleaming espresso hardwood floors. When the inn was updated last year, I attended some of the design meetings. Otherwise, I would have no idea what I’m looking at.

The kitchen is a vast open space that leads to a solarium, equipped with a bar and billiard table. Ryan offers to make me a drink. Drawn to the view, I walk to the large windows stopping just short so my nose can’t mar the perfect glass. Beyond the glass Her Majesty sits on the water, all the world her throne.

I’m not the one facing a test tonight, but I’m nervous for Gabby. Having Mr. Foster’s blessing is something she wants very badly. Beyond her aura of confidence, deep down is still the girl who feels inferior. “Where are Barron and Gabby?”

“They’ll be down in a minute. Barron wanted to have a moment alone to prep for dinner. Charles should be here any minute, he was working on a contract for the San Francisco Yacht Club—they’re on Pacific Time. Listen, Charles Foster is a shrewd man. He’ll size you up in two seconds and draw his own conclusion. I’ll shield you the best I can. Even though Gabby’s the one on display tonight, I’m a bit on edge. Barron’s been trying very hard to please his dad. He screwed up last year, I can’t get into the details now before dinner—”

“I know all about it, Ry. JD heard some things at SYC.”

“Well, there’s a lot more to it that’s not public information.”

I raise my eyebrows, but before I can ask him to elaborate Gabby and Barron make their entrance.

Barron crosses over and kisses me on both cheeks, “Thank you for coming. You look stunning.”

“Thanks for having me. I hope tonight goes well for you both.” I reply with a smile.

“I’m a little nervous. I’ve never introduced a woman to Charles as my girlfriend before,” he confides.

“What? You never dated in high school?”

“Relationships have never been my thing,” he says with a small shrug, “guess I just needed someone like you, Gabby.”

He turns giving her a quick peck and her entire body glows with happiness.

“I can’t believe you refer to your father as Charles,” I tell him.

“You’ll understand why I refer to him as Charles…just wait five minutes.”

As if hearing his name, Charles Foster walks in. All of us straighten like students walking into the principal’s office.

He’s tall and stately, maintaining a strong, formidable build for a man in his late fifties. His salt and pepper hair is brushed stylishly, and his bright blue eyes briefly assess each one of us.

He has a navy-blue sports coat on over an open collar, pressed white shirt and khaki dress pants with expensive loafers on his feet.

“Good evening, sir.” Barron glances nervously at his father.

I glance sideways at Ryan and utter, “Sir?”

He elbows me quickly, and I take the hint to shut up.

Mr. Foster says nothing, but just walks past us all to a side table. He pours an amber colored liquid drink from a crystal decanter into a lowball glass.

Looking across at Barron, I finally see vulnerability in his eyes, instead of the cool indifference he usually displays.

“Shall we go to dinner?” Mr. Foster says, not even acknowledging me or Gabby.

Ryan was the only person Charles graced with a quick nod. With no choice but to follow him, we enter the formal dining room.

The only sound in this silent stone house, is the clicking of my stiletto heels gently tapping on the polished floors.

Gasping softly, I admire the elegance before us. Three hurricane lamps line the middle of the oval cherry table, their lit flames reflected in the glass lanterns. Fresh white lilies spring from cut crystal vases, their petals matching the white china laid out.

Paintings of regal schooners hang on the walls above the white-painted wainscoting. Standing at the back of the room is Jen, dressed in black pants and a white blouse, holding a pitcher of ice water. I move to sit down but Ryan grabs my elbow and shakes his head. He hisses, “Wait for Charles to sit first.”

This is so uncomfortable. What the hell did I let myself get dragged into? I hate this damn house. Charles finally sits and Ryan pulls my seat out indicating it’s acceptable for me to sit.

Mr. Foster leans back and stares at us one by one, making his way around the table. We’re all frozen not even touching our drinks as he appraises us.

“And you are?” he asks me gruffly.

“This is Tessa, my date,” Ryan informs him.

Charles doesn’t respond. His eyes cut over to Gabby.

“I’m surprised to see you here. You never mentioned that you would be dining at my home tonight” he says, pinning her to the seat with his hard gaze.

“Gabby’s my guest.” Barron responds putting his hand on top of hers.

I suck in my breath as Charles takes in this move. I’m fascinated at the father and son chess match and start to build a picture in my mind of how Barron grew up alone in this stark house.

No wonder, Ryan tries to spend every weekend with him.

“Which one of you has the guts to tell me what the hell’s going on? What mayhem did Barron get into now?” Charles asks knocking back his drink, downing it all.

“May I speak freely sir?” Gabby asks.

“The floor is yours, Ms. Rivera.” He says with a wink, “relax, everyone, it’s been a long day, have a drink or two. Come on, lay it on me. I’ll be fine as long as Barron didn’t get anyone pregnant or find a girl overdosed on the yacht.”

I giggle nervously and take a sip of my sparkly water.

“I respect you very much, Charles. In the short time, I’ve been at your company—I’ve fallen in love with the yachting industry. In fact, working for you has inspired me to get an MBA one day…,” she stops to take a breath looking nervously at him. He gestures with his hand for her to continue and get to her point.

“Here’s the thing, Charles—Barron and I are together.” She boldly states in signature Gabby Rivera style.

Charles throws down his napkin in disgust. “Barron, you needed this set up just to tell me that? Haven’t you got any balls, boy? Dragging Ryan and his date here to hold your hand? Man up already. You’re going off to Harvard, Charles scoffs.

“Sir—” Barron starts, but he can’t get a word in.

“It was my idea, Charles,” Gabby stands from the table pointing a finger at her own chest, “out of respect for you, I wanted to be the one to make sure it was alright. I can’t have you speaking to my man that way and I need you to apologize.”

She crosses her arms and taps her foot. I hope she doesn’t get fired. Gabby Rivera just stood her ground against the most formidable man I’ve ever met.

“Bravo. Ms. Rivera… Bravo! When you first came in for an interview, I saw something special in you. I’m right—always am. You’ve got some grit. You’re a real go-getter, the best hire my firm has had in a long time.”

We all let out the collective breath we were holding.

Charles slumps in his seat and moves a few fingers through his hair sighing, “My apologies, to both Gabby and Tessa. It’s been a long week and I didn’t anticipate having to go into the office today. Then my girlfriend, Elizabeth, cancelled on me this weekend and I’m used to the random girls the two of you always have around the house.”

He points to Barron and Ryan. “I’m sorry for being rude, Gabby. I thoroughly appreciate you wanting to be transparent regarding this. I wouldn’t expect any less from you. We’re a small company with fewer than forty people, without a formal human resource department. If the both of you can assure me to keep things professional at the office, I don’t have an issue. But things can’t get messy, especially when this doesn’t work out.”

“Excuse me?” Gabby asks.

“Barron has hardly set any precedents with having a successful relationship. You are a smart girl, Gabby. I hope your eyes are wide open regarding his past indiscretions.”

Barron’s eyes are stormy, he clenches the fork in his hand so tight, the veins pop out on his forearm. “Father I assure you; I have the utmost respect for Gabby.”

Jen returns to clear our plates and deliver the main course. The conversation is dropped, and the rest of the dinner is awkward, but talk of the upcoming regatta at the Sea Crest Yacht Club makes it go by faster.

Every summer the club sponsors a race from, Rhode Island, down to Sea Crest Lighthouse, and then out in the Long Island Sound.

JD always talked about it being the highlight of the year for SYC and its main event. I’ve always wanted to go, but you must be a member of the club to attend the white tent after-party under the stars.

JD.

All this talk of SYC and my mind instantly thinks of him. Neither one of us has broken the silence between us. The conversation drifts by me as they discuss the advantages of Foster’s new sail design and fabric in different wind conditions.

“Shall we head out to the patio for after dinner drinks?”

I come back to the present as Mr. Foster stands, effectively ending the meal.

Ryan escorts me outside to a courtyard off the solarium. In the middle of the flagstone patio is a square table carved from black granite with a fire burning in the center. The perimeter is made from glass and I set my water down on it. Standing at the stone wall, I look out into the ocean.

“Are you cold, baby?”

“No Ryan. I’m perfect.”

I can’t wait to be in his arms later.

“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t tempt me. We have all night.”

I can’t help it. Remembering, what we were like together. I want him now. I don’t want to wait. But Jen comes out holding a tray of drinks and we can’t leave yet. She serves Gabby first handing her a crystal cordial glass, then walks around giving me one.

“What’s this?” I ask her quietly taking a seat.

“Dessert wine. It’s from Portugal. They make the best,” she says with a wink. She crosses back around the fire to serve Mr. Foster a low ball with a dark colored liquid before serving Barron and Ryan.

“What are you drinking?” I ask him when he sits in the chair next to mine.

“Cognac.”

“Is that a whiskey?”

Ryan stares at me for a few seconds then lowers his drink, “It’s a brandy Tessa. Cognac is an after-dinner drink most men enjoy.

“Oh.”

“My parents don’t drink much, and we never attend fancy parties.”

“It’s fine, babe.”

But, for the first time—I feel like the girl from the wrong side of the river.

Bowing my head, I smooth out the fabric of my dress across my thighs eliminating invisible wrinkles.

“Hey,” Ryan says lifting my chin, “don’t worry sweetie. Barron has an incredible selection on the Majesty. I can give you a crash course from aperitifs to after-dinner drinks if you’d like.” I know your still in high school but it’s a cultured thing to be able to order drinks properly.

“Thanks. That would be very helpful. I’ve never been exposed to this type of life. It’s strange—I’ve grown up here, driving by the yacht club… this neighborhood a million times but never truly entering this world. It’s like being on the other side of a looking glass. Don’t get me wrong—I’m happy with my life. I never felt like anything was missing, but now I just feel clueless.”

“Well Ms. Andrews. We’ll have to change that, especially since you’re going to be my date to the SYC’s tent party in a few weeks.”

“I can’t wait. That’s the one and only thing I’ve always wanted to go to. Every summer, Gabby and I sit in her Jeep on River Road. We listen to the music float across the water while we watched couples dance under the tent on the other side. We would make up stories about them—fantasizing what it would be like to be there.”

“When we first met, I told you that you’re more real, and more precious than a million yacht club girls. Don’t ever feel like you’re missing out on something.” He leans over and kisses the top of my head.

The edge of our lust has come down a few pegs because there’ more depth here now; more emotion.

I won’t say the words, but I know that I’m already irrevocably and hopelessly in love with him.

I stare into the fire feeling utterly content, for this one perfect moment this man is mine, and I vow to do everything right to ensure I hold onto him.

***

Opening my eyes, I’m confused for a few seconds. But I quickly remember where I am and that it’s Sunday morning, so I snuggle deeper under the plush comforter. The vents above rain cold air on us. Sensing I’m awake, Ryan nuzzles the skin behind my ear with his nose.

“Tessa? Do me a favor and talk to Gabby. She’s your best friend, and you’re my girlfriend, so—”

“Wait. Back up and call me your girlfriend again.”

I’m fully awake now and roll over to face him.

“Yes. You are. I spend every minute texting, calling, or thinking about you,” he slides his hands in my hair, pulling me close for a long, hot kiss.

“What did you want to ask me?”

I need to know now before he makes me forget everything.

“Just talk to Gabby for me. I’ve never seen Barron want to be in a relationship with anyone. If he does screw up…tell her to go easy on him,” he says while sliding my T-shirt up over my head.

After priming me with his hands and mouth he reaches for the nightstand drawer and pulls out a condom.

“I’m clean. I get the birth control shot. I need to feel you in me.”

He moans again tossing the condom on the floor. Sliding between my thighs I feel his thick girth penetrate. It always feels so good every time he thrusts into me.

Every time, he touches me—I feel the electricity between us.

It’s hot and intense as Ryan drives into me slow, but forcefully. My body moves up the bed with each pump. He grabs my face to kiss me deep. His tongue moves in and out of my mouth with to the same rhythm, his body is moving into mine.

“Damn, Tessa, you make me so damn horny. I dream about taking you every night. And it’s just as good as I remember. Fuck. I fucking love you.”

He moans pulling out and empties himself on me, pulling out just to be safe. He reaches down between us and presses my clit with his finger.

It’s too much.

I swore to myself that I’d never have sex without a condom. But there’s something about Ryan that makes me do crazy things. I want to experience everything that he can give me.

Exhausted, we doze off in the aftermath until the sound of his buzzing on the nightstand wakes us. He slaps a hand out to find it.

“Goddammit!” He shouts reading the message and bounds out of bed and slams the door to the bathroom.

“What the hell just happened?” I whisper into the empty air he just occupied, that still smells of us.

I hastily put on a pair of shorts and throw on a tank top. Heading up to the sundeck I hope some fresh morning air will clear my head. No one else is up yet so I lie back on the plush lounger trying not to take what Ryan just did personally.

“Here you go.” I sit up and eagerly take the iced coffee Jen hands me.

“What are you…the coffee fairy? How did you know I needed this?”

“Ryan buzzed me from your stateroom and ordered it for you.”

I take a long sip through the straw, instantly feeling better about what just happened.

“Thanks, Jen.”

“No problem,” she says and heads back inside.

Looking out into the horizon I see nothing but open water. Sometime during the night, we left Hill’s Head.

“Good morning.” Barron says in greeting but doesn’t look me in the eye as he sits across from me.

I feel slightly uncomfortable around him.

Even though I’ve been spending a lot of time on his boat, we haven’t conversed much alone. He’s Ryan’s best friend and now Gabby’s boyfriend; I probably should make more of an effort to get to know him.

“Thanks for having me onboard… again.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s been my pleasure.”

“How do you think last night went with your dad? He’s a tough one, huh.”

“Yes, my father has high standards.”

“Well, I think Gabby passed with flying colors.”

“I wasn’t referring to her.”

“Ah, I thought he was unfairly harsh to you.”

“I deserve it. He has looked the other way too many times while I self-destructed.”

“Self-destructed? I never thought that. Even before we met, I knew who you were. It’s strange, we grew up only ten miles apart, but worlds away.”

“I went through a very rough patch last year. I went too far. I know you think I have everything, but sometimes my life feels empty.”

“Well, even though I have both my parents, I struggle with my mom. She runs hot and cold. Sometimes I walk on eggshells not knowing who she will be on any given day.”

He smiles, “I know what you mean. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you and Gabby. It’s comical…girls who have grown up with money turn out to be the gold diggers, not you or her. I feel like I can finally relax with you both. Ryan’s right—it’s refreshing.”

I smile at his compliment and grip the rail next to me as we roll over a large wave. It occurs to me that he is out chatting with me while The Majesty charges on.

“Who’s driving the boat? Do yachts have an auto-pilot or something?”

“This yacht does have an auto-pilot, but I hardly use it. It’ll chart a course but steering through changing waters is best done by hand, with an experienced captain.”

“So, who’s up there…Gabby?”

“JD.”

“W-what?”

“He boarded late last night, and then we got underway. Gabby told me what happened, and I feel terrible for my role in it. I am truly sorry if what I said to him contributed to your panic attack. It’s just that…Ryan—I’m not used to sharing him. He’s been a brother to me. I probably ran my mouth to JD out of jealousy.”

“The King of Sea Crest, jealous of me? Tessa Andrews? No worries I’ll make sure you and Ryan still get guy time.”

He shrugs and puts on a pair of aviators with reflective lenses, shielding his eyes from me as we continue talking.

“Yes, well, I wanted to facilitate you and Gabby making amends with JD. He’s a cool guy, and I don’t want what I did to spoil anyone’s summer.”

I get up, giving him a quick hug. He tenses, feeling uncomfortable by my show of gratitude.

“I’ve arranged a private lunch for you, JD, and Gabby while I take Ryan for some deep-sea fishing.”

“Guy time already?”

“Yep.”

“Where are we headed today?”

“Montauk.”

“I’ve never been. But I’ve always wanted to see it.”

“You’ll have a few hours when we dock. I rented a sport fishing boat for the day. Hopefully, Ryan will like it.”

“What are you planning on catching?”

“Sharks.”

I shudder and sit back, shaking my head. I’ll never understand men and their constant pursuit of an adrenaline rush.

“I better head back up to the bridge. Did you bring any work clothes? We can stay later on Long Island and cruise back overnight. Ryan was planning on leaving Hill’s Head at five A.M. to make it to his office on time.”

“I’ll figure something out,” I answer, not wanting to waste a second, I can spend here, onboard, living my summer of dreams.

“Before you go up there… do you mind if I have a word with JD?”

“Sure. Just don’t break anything.” He looks nervous.

“I’m not the one with the hot temper. That’s your girlfriend.”

His tan pales and he rakes a hand through his windblown hair. I pat his arm as I walk by and gingerly take the steps up to the bridge.

“JD?”

“Hey,” he turns quickly at me paused in the doorway before turning his gaze back to the sea. I sink into the Captain’s seat behind him as he checks the ship’s monitors. “So, you’re back with the guy, huh?”

I sigh. “I am. He’s…. amazing. I don’t regret anything we’ve done.”

He flushes and looks at me. “I was just… surprised that’s all. I’ve known you since our Pampers days. I just…I’m protective of you, okay?”

“I know. And I really appreciate that.”

“I’m sorry. I never meant my words to induce that panic attack.”

“I know. I wish I could control them.”

“Did you get meds?”

I nod. “So, Barron lets you Captain, huh?”

“Yeah,” he replies, sheepishly. “He’s pretty cool. We stay up late sometimes and talk about yachts. He even gave me a tour of the engine room. You’re in love with Ryan and I’m in love with her.” He gestures to the boat.

“Well, she is beautiful and sexy.”

“She is.”

“I just want you to be happy, okay?”

“I am.”

“Just make sure he treats you right, Tess.”

“He does.”

JD nods, “Good. Let me know if that ever changes and I’ll kick him in his Harvard ass.” I hop off the oversized chair and give him a hug. “Love ya’, Tess.”

“I love you, too.” I give him an extra squeeze and then head back below deck to check on Ry, knocking lightly on the door.

“Hey? Is everything okay?”

He looks up from his laptop. “I’m sorry about earlier, babe. It was my father. And never knock. This is our room.”

I cross the soft carpet to the bed and sit next to him. His arm pulls me against his chest. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really.”

“That’s fine. I understand.” My hand traces imaginary circles on his thigh.

“You’re one of the few good things in my life right now. You know that, right?” He closes his laptop. His browser was open to a horse care and feeding site. I’m puzzled but don’t ask. His lips find the top of my head.

“My parents want to sell Abby’s pony. It was a punch to the gut I didn’t see coming. Everything is still so raw.” His voice thickens.

I turn in his arms and kiss his lips feeling the salt from his tears in my mouth. My heart breaks wide open for him. “It’s okay,” I whisper against his lips. “You have me now and I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”

“Tess,” he groans against my lips. I slide my leg through his and push my hips forward. Our hands are heavy and slow as we touch one another. Our kisses are deep and thorough. When our clothes come off and we’re skin to skin, heart to heart, breath to breath—I never want it to end. I want to feel like this forever. Live in a bubble where the two of us are the only ones in the world. I know this is love. True love. I feel it in my bones. I saw it in his wild eyes when he looked at me that second night we met at Barron’s party.

Everyone around is jealous because they see it too. But I’m not going to fall for it again. I’m not going to let some privileged pretty girl’s broken heart steal anymore time away from me and Ry again. I trust this man moving with me as one. And I love him. Deeply. Foolishly. Irrevocably. Maybe it was fate that night on the beach. I’d like to think it was. Maybe Abby sent me to him to heal his mangled-up heart and make it love again.

***

Everything’s clicking into place. The past few Friday nights, Gabby picks me up after work and we drive into Hill’s Head joining Barron on board the Majesty. Ryan usually arrives around eight and we depart.

Barron takes us cruising around Long Island Sound for the weekend, stopping at Watch Hill, or Long Island. Other times we just moor offshore, and JD joins us when he can. I’m so relieved to have made up with him.

The SYC’s white tent gala is on the horizon and I don’t own anything suitable besides the gown Ryan bought for me on Block. I know it’s vain, but I want to wear something he hasn’t seen me in. It’s only Wednesday, so I still have time to find a formal gown.

Jogging up the front steps finishing my run, I rush straight into the kitchen for a glass of ice water.

“Do you have plans tonight?”

“No, Mom. I thought I’d stay in.”

“Well, thank you for finally gracing us with your presence,” she says snippily.

Rolling my eyes at her, I refill my glass.

“When will I get to meet the man, my daughter’s been spending all her time with?”

“Never.”

Trying to avoid her eyes, I open the fridge assessing my dinner options.

She slams the door shut and gets in my face waving a finger at me, “Are you embarrassed by us? Can’t bring your wealthy Boston boyfriend to our home?”

“Well…your collection of ceramic Siamese cats is mildly disturbing.”

“They are collectibles. Worth a lot of money, in fact, I saw some on—”

“Antiques Roadshow?” I finish for her.

“Hmmpff,” she says stomping her foot.

“I’m just teasing. Ryan can’t take any more time off. He’s coming this weekend but we’re going to be busy getting his sister’s pony settled in. Next weekend, he’s taking me to the White Tent Party.”

“Oh my,” she says putting a hand on her heart, “that is exciting. I hope you get photographed for Coast and Country. I can’t wait to bring the next issue to my Tai chi class and show all my friends.”

“I know. Gabby and I are going back to the second-hand boutique downtown to find gowns. Wait—since when are you taking a Tai chi class?”

“Oh, Tessa, it’s so relaxing. The meditation has been helping my nerves a lot.”

“Yeah, I can tell.”

“You girls can’t go back to that store in town for your dresses, though. Oh no— you can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“You’ll probably end up buying a gown that was worn last year. Where do you think all those designer clothes come from that you find in that store?”

“Good point, I never thought of that. What am I going to do? It’s three days away.”

“Call in sick tomorrow. I’ll take you and Gabby down to Fairfield County. The people there have more money than Hollywood. It’s full of investment bankers and their wives. There are more than a few consignment boutiques between Westport and Darien, and I promise the dresses will all be spectacular.”

“I can’t call in sick. Besides, Gabby and I can’t pay second-hand prices in Darien. Even at a discount it’ll still be too expensive.”

“Tessa, this qualifies as an emergency in my book. Since you’ve spent every weekend on Barron Foster’s love boat—you haven’t even spent any time with me.

Besides, I’ve been working some extra shifts. If my daughter and her best friend are going to the party of the year, they will go in style. I’d be happy to help you and Gabby pay for gowns.”

“Are you sure?” I stare at her in shock. She’s never been this generous before. I hope she sticks with Tai chi.

“Absolutely! Imagining you dancing away at that party…makes even me feel young again.”

“Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate it.”

“I never thought I’d ever hear you say those words,” she says, clapping her hands.

CHAPTER NINE

RYAN

True to his word, Barron had the forgotten stables at his estate ready for Cody in no time. I rented a small trailer and hooked it up to my Range Rover.

My heart is in my throat as I pull down the drive past the green pasture and white fence and park behind the barn.

Abbs loved it here.

No matter how much time passes, I just know it’ll never get easier for me to accept she’s gone.

The horses nicker as I enter the barn. My eyes adjust to the dimmer light as I walk past several stalls and round the corner.

“Hey, boy.”

Cody comes over to the open barn door secured with a rope. Goddamn it. Seeing the pony’s sad eyes make me feel like shit. His heart is broken too. But he’s been here, practically abandoned, with no little girl sneaking him mints and carrots.

My hand raises to stroke his soft face. “I’m sorry, boy. My heart’s broken, too. But don’t worry. I’ll make up for you being forgotten somehow, okay?”

“Mr. Stone.”

“Hello, Roy. It’s been a while.”

“It has. The barn hasn’t been the same without Abby. She was a ray of sunshine.”

“Nothing’s been the same without her,” I reply, touching my forehead to Cody’s.

“Are you sue you can take him on?”

“I wouldn’t be here, otherwise. I’ll take good care of him for her.”

“Alright then.” Roy, the stable manager picks up a halter and a lead rope. “Let me show you how to put this on. He’ll need ear plugs for the ride to Connecticut. I’ve packed up all his tack, his winter blankets…and here…”

I lift my head from Cody’s neck. I’m not even ashamed to let the old man see my tears. In his hand is a picture of Abby on Cody. Her smile is as bright as all the stars littering the heavens.

My hand shakes as I reach out to take it from him. “Thank you.”

He clears his own throat, “Her show ribbons are here too. She kept a trunk with her riding clothes and boots.”

“I’ll take the ribbons, but I just can’t bear to look at her clothes and boots. Things she’ll never wear again.”

“I understand son.”

I turn back to Cody and cry against his neck. Roy leaves me alone to grieve.

“It’ll never go away, will it, boy? Why? Why her? Why did that driver have to be on that road? At that time? Fuck, life is so unfair.”

In this moment of sad truth, I’m forced to admit; forced to see everything I’ve done. All the girls I’ve hurt. Every selfish thing I’ve done to distract myself from the harsh reality that Abby’s never coming back.

All I can do now is be better.

Live better.

Love better.

And all start with Cody and Tess.

I’ll be a man they can both depend on. Then in the fall, I’m going to kick ass at HSB, and nothing is going to hold me back.

“I’m ready, Roy!” I swipe my hand across my eyes and clear my throat. He comes back and shows me how to put Cody’s halter and lead rope on. Then he puts fuzzy earplugs in, and we lead Cody out of the barn and load him into the trailer.

“Alright boy, it’s time to go to your new life. Don’t worry, I’m going to mine in the fall. We’ll get through this together,” I pat his butt and shut the trailer door.

***

“He’s beautiful, Ry. He resembles a unicorn. They only thing missing is a horn.”

I smile wryly, “Abbs, thought so too.” She pets his nose and he nickers softly. I put his halter on just like Roy showed me and lead him out of his stall. “He likes it here. We don’t have any fences up yet, so we have to graze him on a lead rope.”

Together, Tess and I walk Cody out into the green grass and find a shaded spot under a huge oak tree.

The ocean breeze blows through, bringing the taste of salt with it. Cody starts grazing. I sit with my back against the trunk of the tree. Tess settles into the crook of my arm and together we just enjoy this peaceful moment.

“I can’t believe your summer will be over in a month.”

“Will you miss me?”

“You know I will,” she whispers.

“What about you? Are you ready for senior year?”

“I guess…I just wish we were closer in age.”

“I know it’s bothering you. But I’d never cheat on you. I swear it, Tessa.”

“So, we’ll last past August?”

“I never put an expiration date on us.”

“I want this to last, forever.”

I sigh and rest my chin on top of her head, “Me, too. But nothing lasts forever, Tess. I learned that the hard way. But no matter what happens in the future, we’ll always have this summer.”

“And it’s not over yet.”

“No, it’s not,” I agreed. With the end of Cody’s lead rope secured around my wrist, I roll over, pinning her under me.

“Fuck, I’m so lucky to have found you,” I breathe against her lips moments before capturing her mouth.

We make out under the tree for an hour. I stare at the sight of her sweet tits under the golden sun.

She’s beautiful, perfect and all mine.

Finally, we break apart and take Cody back inside.

“Are you going to keep him here when you go back to Boston in the fall?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I just knew I had to save him for Abby. I need to make sure whatever happens to him is something she would want.

Tess picks up a brush and starts smoothing over his coat.

There’s stables in Sea Crest. All the snooty girls at school ride there. I could call and ask if Cody would be a good fit?”

“Thanks. I just don’t want Cody ending up in some rich girls hands. He’s not a prize.”

“No. He’s a gift,” she murmurs.

My heart sputters. I’m so in love with this girl. It fucking terrifies me. I swore I’d never let anyone in again, but it’s almost as if our meeting was fated. I hope we can make it work next year but I know better than most, how life can change in an instant.

“Do you have a dress for the gala?”

“I do. My mom even helped me pick it out.”

I raises an eyebrow, “How did that go?”

“Surprisingly, well. She told me some stuff about her past that I never knew about.”

“Spilling her secrets, huh?”

“Tell me all of yours,” she giggles, tickling my rock-hard abs.

I pin her wrists above her head and push her against the wooden wall, “I don’t have any. Secrets are ugly. They are powerful and destructive. How about you tell me all yours…,” I break off, peppering hot kisses against her neck.

“I don’t have any either. I’m pretty much an open book.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, open up, baby!” I growl against her throat as my thighs pressed into hers.

“Ry!” She laughs, slapping my shoulder, “You’ll scare the pony!”

“Fine. Let’s take this inside.”

I held her in my arms all night, never letting go. Things were perfect. How could I know the secrets hiding in plain sight, that threatened to destroy my newfound happiness?

They were swirling around us.

And soon, we’d have to face them.

Whose secret has the power to destroy everything.

Will Tess and Ry weather the storm?

Find out in Sea Crest Secrets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T98V25G

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