Summer Love at the Beach (Summer Instalove)

this a lucky charm?”

“Um…” I took a breath, not wanting to get so heavy on what was essentially our first date,

but at the same time wanting to get it out of the way. “My father was never around, and my

mother died several years ago. It was a bus crash when she was on holiday in Mexico. She

had given me this necklace the week before she left. She had bought it for herself, but

realized it looked better on me since my skin is rosier.”

“Oh, sweetie – I’m so sorry.”

His arm tightened around me for a moment. “Thanks. I’ve come to terms with it, but every

now and then I wish that I could ask her a few questions.”

“I’m glad you have your brother, at least.”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “I also have four close girlfriends, who are basically my sisters. They

keep me in line.”

Looking up, Mitch was grinning. “Are you going to tell them about me?”

I grinned back. “Maybe.”

“Send them a photo,” he laughed.

“Actually, that’s a great idea.”

Pulling out my phone, we exchanged numbers, then I tucked my head against his shoulder

and took a selfie. I looked a bit flushed, but Mitch was gorgeous, his dark eyes so intense

in the dim light. It was obvious from our body language that we were already close.

Holding my phone so that he could watch me typing, I sent the photo to the four of them at

once with the caption, “Totally boring out here at the beach. Nothing but seagulls and sand.”

I loved the sound of his laugh. “Tell me you’re going to send that and not answer a single

one of their questions until tomorrow.”

“Yup. That’s what they always do to me,” I said.

“Do you all send each other photos with your boyfriends, trying to outdo each other?” he

asked.

I shook my head, feeling my hair becoming tousled in the slight breeze as I tried to smooth

it back. “ No, before the summer only one of us had a boyfriend. And it didn’t last long. And it wasn’t me,” I added quickly.

“I honestly find that hard to believe,” he said, as his huge hand settled on my knee, his

fingers sliding back and forth lazily across my skin. “You are truly beautiful, Becca. I can’t believe that you wouldn’t have men falling all over you.”