Chapter 4

Four

KARA

A day at the beach is exactly what the doctor ordered. I’m relaxed and happy with the warmth melting my body into a pile of relaxed goo. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I swear all the guys look extra hot today. I need to remember that these guys are friends, not food. At the same time, I’m really hoping that they all notice me in this new suit. I grabbed it a week before we left, and it’s worth every penny.

It’s red with white polka dots, and a high-waisted bottom with a balconette top that pushes the girls nice and high. So far, none of the guys have seen it, since I have my cover up on, but I’m excited to see what the reactions are when it comes off. I take another deep breath and let myself relax a little more in the heat, smiling at how good it feels to just be for a little while. I can see the beach starting to fill up, and when I sit up, I realize I’ve got sweat trickling down my chest between my boobs. Nobody likes that feeling.

I stand up, deciding that now’s the time to hit the water. I put my hands on my hips and look at all the guys. They’re watching me now, and I decide it’s the perfect moment to reveal this new suit. Without taking time to second guess myself, I reach down and whip off my cover-up, letting the guys get their fill. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure I see four tents making an appearance on the beach.

Smiling, I declare, “Last one to the water is a rotten egg!”

My feet move and I race to the water as fast as they can carry me. They guys shout behind me and catch up quickly, most of them hitting the water at the same time I do. I feel arms band around me from behind and laugh when Dan growls playfully in my ear. We make it a few more steps before he lets me go and we all dive into the water and splash around a bit. Flynn’s holding the beach ball and starts tossing it back and forth with Zeke and Troy. Dan and I join in when we see what’s going on and soon we’re in a small circle, tossing the ball back and forth in the water.

We start to let other people into the circle, making the game bigger, when I notice a total jock head slide in next to me. He’s even wearing his sunglasses on the back of his head. That’s clearly a massive red flag, only absolute douche bags wear their sunglasses that way. We’re just playing in the water, though, not on a date, so I look over the red flag. I’m not sure if he realizes this, though. The guys are all here so I’m sure it will be fine. I’m not in real danger, just the danger of being annoyed to death. Jock looks over at me and gives me a once over before pulling the cringiest move ever. He tilts his head back quickly in greeting.

I give him a flat, close-lipped smile and turn back to the game. The ball splashes in front of me and I squeal before grabbing it to lob back.

“Gettin’ wet over there, sweet thing?” he asks.

“One, that’s a creepy line. Please never use it again. Two, I’m not interested.”

I can feel his eyes on me even though I’m steadfastly ignoring him.

“Aww c’mon. I’m just tryin’ to be friendly. I’m sorry.”

I glance over at him quickly and nod quickly, letting it go.

Maybe he didn’t mean to be creepy. And maybe I didn’t buy this swimsuit hoping to spark the guys’ interest.

Yeah. Right.

The ball continues to make its way around the circle when this guy makes a second pass. “You here with your girlfriends? I got some friends with me. We could all hang out later.”

“No, I came with some friends, but we’re not going to hang out later. Sorry.”

“You sure? We’ll show you a real good time. We’re nice guys.”

“I’m sure you are, but I’m not interested,” I insist. I am not sure he’s a nice guy, but I don’t want to escalate this.

“You look good in that suit, sweet thing.”

I’m so done.

He is creeping me out to no end and I can’t handle standing next to him anymore. I turn to face him fully, placing my hands fisted and set on my hips.

“Back. Off. I am not interested, and you’re making me uncomfortable.”

I need to get away from this guy, so I turn and start heading back to the blanket, letting my guys know I’m done. Hopefully, this guy will try to pick up some other chick. I’m so over this. My legs work to trudge through the hip-high water until it’s shallow and I finally make it back to the sand. In my periphery I can see Dan following suit, so at least I’ll have someone to sit with. My heart warms at the reminder of how observant he is and how much he cares.

As I hit the sand, I hear douche bag talking again. I continue to wave him off, but this guy is persistent. My temper is starting to get really short, and this guy doesn’t know how to take a fuckin’ hint. When I approach our area, he makes a particularly vulgar comment about my ass in this swimsuit, and I’ve had it. I turn to face him straight on again.

“I said ‘no’ and you need to back the fuck off. Now.”

“Sweet thing don’t be like that. I’m just tryin’ to be friendly. We can have a good time together, you know?” he responds.

As he talks, he rubs his hands together like a fuckin’ evil villain and licks his lips. I might be sick. Before I can throw up or tear into this creeper, I feel Dan’s presence as he walks over, then stands next to me. Here’s the thing about Dan and defending us when it’s needed. He will absolutely go to bat for any of us at any time, but he never puts us behind him. If we choose to stand behind him, he’ll let us, but he never pushes us back.

There was a time when we were bar hopping that a guy was starting to really scare me, so when Dan came to stand beside me, I stepped behind him. I wanted that wall of protection, and he’s willing to provide it. He’ll never force it, though. So now, as we stand together on the beach, I let him be next to me, showing this asshole that I’m not afraid of him, but I have people on my side.

Dan tells him that he needs to fuck off, but this guy doesn’t seem to get the message. He tries to make a pass at sharing me, but even if Dan and I were like that, I doubt Dan would ever go for it. After a few more exchanged words, Dan looks at me, silently asking for permission to deck this guy. I nod subtly and step back to be out of the way. One punch and Dan has this guy in the sand. Zeke, Flynn, and Troy make their appearance at this point, and I move to pack up our beach supplies.

Zeke and Flynn help me as we’re able to get everything packed up quickly, and just as we turn to grab Dan and go, I hear the douchebag howl in pain. We all turn and look because, obviously, we need to see what Dan did. Dan’s standing there, cool as a cucumber, hands on his hips, while douchebag has his hands over his face, blood running from his nose into the sand. Ew. Troy takes advantage of the moment to step over to Dan and feel up his bicep. I snort a little at Troy’s obvious pass, but Dan doesn’t mind. I’m pretty sure Dan is in love with him and Flynn.

Troy smiles at Dan as Dan’s arm slings around him and they turn to leave with us. My eyes widen when I see one of the douchebag’s friends grab his shoulder and sucker punch him.

Oh shit.

That’s not gonna be good for the friend.

Dan just shakes his head a bit, and, with no warning, jabs the guy’s face. I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a little turned on by that. Finally, we’re able to get away from the now two crying men on the beach.

When we get back to the campsite, I can’t help but fuss a little over Dan. I know he’s fine, he’s a fuckin’ beast, but he’s always so willing to go to bat for us I want to show my appreciation. I grab a towel and throw some of our extra ice in it before making Dan sit down so I can look at his head. There’s definitely going to be a bruise there, but no bump or split skin. I grab the makeshift ice pack and gently apply it to his cheekbone where the guy got him.

“You okay?” I ask softly.

The rest of the guys are putting supplies away or back where they go, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they listen in. Dan searches my face, concern radiating from him before he talks.

“Yeah, of course I’m okay. Wasn’t much of a hit. Are you okay?”

“What? I’m not the one who got punched!”

“Been punched harder by my little bro. This is nothing. I know he was harassing you. I should have stepped in sooner.”

“No, you did perfectly. I was hoping he would catch the hint, but clearly he never did.”

“You’re too good for him,” Dan says, eyes locked on mine.

I smile softly. “Thanks.”

We stand like that for a moment, just looking at each other, and Dan finally reaches up to pull my hand away from his head. He sets the ice pack on the picnic table and swallows. Dan isn’t someone who normally gets nervous, so my natural reaction is to be nervous also.

What’s going on? Is he upset about something? Does he want to go home?

“I was wondering. Uh, the ice pack was helpful, but I think some homeopathic therapy would be good,” he says, tripping on his words a little, his voice low.

“I didn’t bring any snake oils,” I tell him with a smile, using our teasing term for essential oils.

“Something more natural would work better.”

“Like what?”

“A kiss to make it better?” he asks, eyes never straying from mine.

My smile grows and I lean over, my belly full of butterflies, and place a gentle kiss on the bruise forming on his face. Before I can fully pull back, Dan stops me with a hand on my cheek. I settle down on the bench of the picnic table, straddling it and facing him. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I don’t want to stop whatever this is. I can feel my body humming with adrenaline, excited about whatever is happening, tingling starting up low in my belly.

“It feels better already,” Dan says softly, caressing my face with his hand.

I close my eyes and lean into his touch, enjoying the feel of his skin on mine. When I open my eyes, he’s still close and flicking his eyes from my lips and back up again. Without thinking, I lick my lips. He zeroes in and leans forward, intent loud and clear. I’m not about to back down from this, so I lean forward, meeting him in the middle.

Our lips are soft at first, tentative, trying to figure out how each other feels. He’s all masculine hard lines, his body built to perfection, but his lips move with a tenderness I haven’t experienced in my life. It’s like he’s savoring every second of this in case it never happens again. I press up against him as much as I can, wanting our bodies close, and his free hand snakes around to grab me by my waist. My hands wrap around his neck, my fingers running through his short hair. The moment he seeks entrance with his tongue, I snap back to reality.

What are we doing? This is the best kiss of my damn lif e, but I kissed Zeke last night and now this! How the hell do I justify this? I feel like I’m betraying Zeke by doing this and Dan’s with Flynn for fuck’s sake.

My body jerks back away from Dan and I stand up quickly, trying to get my breathing under control.

“Sorry,” I tell him, trying to slow my breathing.

“Why?” he frowns at me.

“I, uh, I shouldn’t have done that. You’re with Flynn, and… well you’re with Flynn so, yeah, I’m sorry. I’ll go get our supplies for dinner started.”

My legs take me away from the picnic table and I retreat into the tent, unsure of where else to go. I’m absolutely mortified, and I have no idea what to do or where to go. I can feel tears building but I don’t want to give in to them. It’s stupid to cry about this, but guilt is already riding me hard over what happened. I don’t want to come between Flynn and Dan, and I don’t want to go around making out with each of the guys when we’re supposed to be friends. It feels like I’m going to fuck this up.

Part of me wants to collapse into the pile of bedding we’re all using, but I force myself to stand and pace inside the tent, taking deep breaths.

Okay, I just need to think this out . Nothing is ruined yet. I can handle this; I don’t shy away from shit. Dan would never do something that Flynn is uncomfortable with, it’s just not who he is. That means that they’re either not serious yet, or Flynn is okay with sharing.

Dan also wouldn’t have kissed me if he didn’t want to, so clearly, desire isn’t the issue. Zeke is obviously a little out of left field, but he hasn’t said he regrets anything, and he has been a little flirty today. Dan and Flynn were right there last night, so they both know what happened with me and Zeke. Again, if I go back to Dan’s personality, he wouldn’t do anything to get between any of us. At least not intentionally. If I really think about it, am I upset about the kiss, the person, or the fact that I want to kiss both of them again?

My feet come to a stop, and I bend my head backwards to face to the ceiling. I force myself to take a deep breath and get my nerves under control. Once my nerves calm a little, I can admit to myself I’m upset because I want this so badly.

I’m scared to fuck it all up. I can handle this, though. I’m a damn adult, and I can communicate. At least I hope I can.

As my resolve hardens to leave the tent and talk to the guys, Troy comes in. He stands in the doorway, mimicking my stance of hands on my hips. His eyebrow raises at me in question.

“I’m working myself up to being an adult. Don’t give me that look,” I sass him.

“What are you freaking out about? I saw you pacing in here, and Dan actually looks worried. Worried. Tell me the last time that man looked anything other than at ease.”

“Never, I guess.”

“So spill it, babe. What’s going on?”

TROY

I demand Kara spill whatever is bugging her, but I already know what it is. I saw her sucking face with Dan —which was super hot — and last night I saw her with Zeke. When it got real quiet out there and I was still awake, I decided to creep for a minute. I regret nothing. Watching her finally drop those walls and allow Zeke in was beautiful, and judging by Flynn’s and Dan’s faces, they agree. However, it’s now wreaking havoc with Kara’s emotions. We’ve all wanted her for a long time now, and we’ve all even talked about it on occasion, but never with her. Maybe this weekend is the time to change things.

“There’s nothing to spill,” Kara insists.

“Babe, there’s something, and you need to be the one to tell me.” I give her a pointed look.

She eyes me suspiciously for a moment before her eyes widen and her jaw drops. A scoff of disbelief escapes from her. “You already know!”

“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spill it. It will help,” I insist.

“Fine! I kissed Zeke last night, then Dan just now and while Dan knows I kissed Zeke, Zeke doesn’t know I kissed Dan, plus what about Flynn? Is he gonna get upset about all this?” she whisper yells to me.

I step closer to her and place my hands on her shoulders. She looks at me, still panicking a little, but trying to control her emotions. To try to calm her, I encourage her to take some deep breaths with me. After we’ve cycled through four deep breaths, I decide to break the news to her.

“Zeke knows. He was watching.”

“What?”

“Flynn, too.”

“Fuuuuu…”

I decide confession is the best way to go here. “One more person watched.” Kara just stares at me, waiting for the news. “I was watching too.”

Her eyes close, and she takes a deep breath. “I guess that makes sense that you watched since you’re a creeper. Zeke and Flynn, though?”

“Wait, what do you mean I’m a creeper? What the hell, Kara?” I feign feeling indignant, because I’m well aware of my creeper tendencies.

“Don’t even.” She rolls her eyes at me with a smile.

I grin back at her before adding, “Just talk to Dan and Zeke. Explain you got nervous. We all probably should talk at some point, but you know Dan and Zeke wouldn’t ever intentionally put you in a tough spot.”

She takes a deep breath and nods her head once. “Yeah, I can do this.”

“Yeah you can, babe, but one more thing before you go,” I tell her.

“What?”

Should I do what I’m about to do? Probably not. She’s confused enough. She just kissed two of her friends that she’s never kissed before, and I just told her to go talk to them. But she’s so close to me, and my hands are on her shoulders. It would be so easy to pull her closer and taste her like I’ve wanted to. So I do.

Instead of just yanking her to me, I pull her gently and step in to meet in the middle, pressing my mouth against hers. She’s hesitant at first, but I move my lips gently, giving just enough that she can easily pull away if she wants to. To my surprise, she kisses me back, though, and we stand there sharing a quiet moment of tentative and sweet kisses. My body is aching to feel her skin on mine, to dig my fingers in her hair and hold her where I want her. My cock starts to harden, and I decide it’s time to cut this short. I don’t want to push anything.

My lips leave hers and I swear she tries to follow me for a second before righting herself. Kara’s eyes meet mine and I can see the questions swirling around in her brain, so I keep my hands on her shoulders and squeeze lightly.

“Try not to worry. I think we’ve got a lot to get out in the open with you and none of it is bad, okay?”

Kara nods and follows me out of the tent, seeming to be a little more relaxed. It’s my turn for dinner tonight, so while Kara seeks out Dan and Zeke to clear the air, I rifle around in the coolers to pull out hot dogs and condiments. I make a mental note to ask one of the guys to refill the ice, it’s starting to melt. Once I have the dogs out, I grab our cooking forks, buns, and sides to set out on the picnic table, serve yourself style.

Once dinner is gone, we clean up with full bellies and grab our drinks. The fire is calling so we’re all seated around it, feeding it just enough wood to stay alive. It’s too hot out to keep it at a full burn. Based on the loaded looks around the fire, it’s time for the conversations to start. Obviously, I’ll go first.

“So, we need to talk,” I say, drawing out the words for dramatic effect.

“Spit it out,” Zeke says, not unkindly.

“I’m building ambiance!”

“I don’t think that’s the word you want.”

“Excuse me, this is my announcement and I’ll call it what I like!”

He holds up his hands. “My bad, please continue.”

“I have an important announcement to make, and I think we all need to talk it through.”

Everyone’s looking at me now, fully invested in what I’m about to say. Even Kara looks a bit confused and concerned, even though I told her this was coming.

“Flynn’s the only one who hasn’t kissed Kara yet,” I tell them, then sit back and take a drink of my beer.