Summer's Fun (The Boys of Ocean Beach 2)

With the way he looks at me, I almost believe it. “Only a boy that spent his life in a group that’s the focus of attention would assume that.”

“You’re beautiful, exciting, and new. You also have a famous mother. So yeah, people are definitely going to notice you, especially here. But we’ve got your back—always—if you want to keep things on the DL or if you want to flaunt it in public. It’s your choice. Always.”

In the distance, Justin catches a wave of his own and it’s hard not to notice how free he seems out there—not a care in the world. He’s learned to let go, just like the others have. I want to learn that, too.

“I’m tired of hiding,” I say, thinking of that year with Mason and even the evasiveness I had at Vanderbilt. “But I’m just not ready for everything to be out there, you know?”

“I know.”

Three boys make their way toward us, coasting on the waves. I take Pete’s hand and drag him into the water, feeling the dark water cover me like a blanket. Even though the water scares me, once the waves have swallowed us and I know no one can see, I relax into the fluidity of the ocean, of my boys and what we mean to one another.

The question of freedom and secrecy is still on my mind as I lean against the car in the parking lot behind Books by the Beach the next day. Nick’s weight is against me, his mouth warm and demanding. He’d been waiting by the car when I came out, suddenly overwhelmed by how my body had reacted.

I’d surprised him, I know, when I pulled him close and kissed his neck. My heart hammered not just from his nearness, but from the publicness of it all. I’m participating in PDA—something I never thought I’d do.

“What’s this all about?” he says, his voice deep and husky. “Yesterday, literally yesterday, you said you wanted to keep all this private.”

“I know.” He makes my brain fuzzy. They all do. “Hormones are complicated, ridiculous things.”

“I mean, I’m not going to complain.”

“I just…I think no PDA may be a hard rule. So, I think something in the middle may be better—it’s just a new thing I want to try.” I pull him by the waistband, and when his hips meet mine I feel the hard length between his legs.

“Well, this new thing is killing me.” He grimaces and shifts.

“We could go back to the office?”

The grimace appears again. “We have an appointment, remember? At the frame shop.”

I slouch against the car. “Oh right.”

“I mean, we could reschedule?” His eyes bore into mine, the appointment increasingly becoming less important. He presses his hips against me with a little more force, letting me know what he’s thinking. I’m thinking it too, until I hear laugher on the street that cuts off abruptly. We both glance over and see Isabel and Jessica.

I tense and Nick, knowing how I’m struggling, releases me, but it’s probably too late.

“Hey Summer! Hey Nick!” I hear Jessica shout. We both wave innocently and there’s no mistaking the narrowing of Isabel’s eyes as she takes in our position. They flick lower and I look where she’s looking, and shit.

There’s no mistaking Nick’s tented pants.

They keep walking and when they’re gone, he raises an eyebrow.

“I can’t believe they saw that,” I groan.

“You make me hard, what can I say.”

“Oh my god. I thought you would have some decorum.”

He laughs. “Did you just say decorum? God, you are flustered.”

“I’m not flustered.”

“You’re cute when you’re panicky.”

“I’m not panicky.” I’m totally sweating and more than a little bit aroused. My heart hammers in my chest and it’s lost between the fear of being caught and what I’m starting to recognize as the thrill of getting caught.

Maybe I’m the one with the problem.

Despite my conflict, I make eye contact with Nick and bite my lip. Without another word I get into the passenger seat of his truck. It’s an older truck, with a bench seat and wide, circular steering wheel. When I get in, I slide over and run my hand down his leg, coming back up until I feel the hard, bulge in his pants.