Summer Love at the Beach (Summer Instalove)

She nodded. “Mitch, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that creepy woman clung to you, and I’m sorry I

freaked out. I just…I was so upset.”

“I know,” I said, stroking the back of her hand with my thumb. “I’m so sorry it happened. I

thought she’d given up. But after I filed a police report today, she won’t be back.”

Becca was biting that pouty bottom lip again, driving me crazy. “I’m sorry I shut you out and didn’t listen. I’ll try not to do that again.”

“Sweetie, it’s going to take a little time for us to settle in and get comfortable talking about uncomfortable things. That’s okay. But if we ever get too freaked out to talk, we promise to

talk the next day, okay?”

Becca nodded eagerly, then finally gave me a real, hopeful smile. Staring into those

beautiful eyes, my lungs finally unclenched enough to take a full breath as I realized she still

trusted me. As I slid my arms around her and she snuggled against me, I knew that we were going to be all right.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

* Becca *

It had been nearly a week since we had first snuggled naked in Mitch’s bed. Days full of

long walks and conversation, nights filled with dinners from elaborate to fun, and wistful

goodnight kisses when I forced myself to go back to Brendan’s.

We had long makeout sessions on Mitch’s couch, and even out on the bench in his yard in

the evenings. Every time was more exciting than the last, as we learned more about each

other.

Tonight I’d left a note on my bed saying that if I wasn’t there, I was staying over at Mitch’s. I knew that Brendan would either be discreet enough to not bring it up, or too embarrassed

to want to discuss things like sleepovers with his younger sister.

After another wonderful dinner, Mitch cleared the plates while I took care of the cutlery and glasses. Once the dishwasher was loaded, he took my hand. “Did you want to come

outside and watch the moon over the water?” His lips skimmed across the top of my hair. “I

might need to pull you into my lap to snuggle you properly.”

A long, slow exhale did nothing to calm my racing pulse, but I spoke anyway. “I bet we

could see a bit of moonlight from your bedroom.”

His arms tightened around me in a flash, as I felt something run through him. “I suppose that would be okay,” he murmured.

I spun on my heel, tossing my head so that my hair smacked him lightly across the chin as I

flounced upstairs.

“You naughty little…”

He chased me, but I was already on the upstairs landing. Darting into his bedroom, I