44. Corey

“Idon’t think I’d ever tire of this view,” Fallon says, standing in front of the picture windows that face the ocean, wearing her shorts and tee from yesterday. Her long hair is still damp from the shower, drying in curls and waves that she keeps trying to tame with her fingers.

“We should test that theory,” I wrap my arms around her waist, dressed in sweats and the tee I’d offered her. I bury my nose in her hair, which smells different from using my shampoo, and shamelessly revel in the fact. “If you stay here, you’ll see this view all week.”

Us here, together for a full week without any distractions, is all I want, and I’ve prepared an entire offensive and defensive plan for this conversation.

Hesitation pinches the outer corners of her eyes. “It sounds like this week is a tradition with you and your friends. I don’t want to impose.”

I shake my head, ready for this point. “You wouldn’t be. I wanted you to stay here, that’s why I invited you. But, if you want to go back, I’ll hold up my end of the deal and take you. You get to decide.” I pull her flush against me. “I just want you to choose for you, not because of Kelly or Becca or even me. I’ll respect whatever decision you make and drive down every damn day to see you. The choice is entirely yours.”

Her blue eyes shift between mine, indecision clear. “Are you sure? I mean, I semi-hated that first night at the beach rental, but I don’t want you to?—”

I claim her lips, erasing every question about my doubt. They’re already gone.

“Stay.” My mouth is a whisper away from hers.

Fallon places a hand on my chest and then leans in, kissing me with the same frenetic need that’s running through my entire body.

When she slowly pulls back, she’s smiling. “I’m still considering climbing out the window so I don’t have to face your friends.” Her lips hook with a smile as her cheeks stain pink. “This is like a pronounced walk of shame.”

“They won’t care. They don’t care. They like you. The only thing they’ll be considering saying is a joke about how long it’s taken us to get here, but they won’t because they know what you mean to me.”

She holds my stare, and I watch as trepidation wars with hope.

“We can keep things between us private, but they’ve been piecing shit together for the past two months,” I tell her. “But we can trust them. They’re my family.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. Do you know how many questions my brothers and Lexie would have for you if we were in reverse roles?”

I grin.

Her cheeks darken to a deeper shade of pink. “I have to go get my suitcase and car. I have no clothes.”

I nearly do a victory dance. Instead, I work to close all loose ends. “I’ll drive you.”

“You should stay. I don’t want Kelly to feel like I’m rubbing this in her face.”

“You’re going to need a ride back to the house.”

Fallon’s stomach growls a protest that has me glancing at the clock. It’s nearly noon. I brush my mouth against hers again.

“Let’s get something to eat, and we’ll figure out the details. Am I really not allowed to have my phone here?”

“Take it with you when you leave, and then, as long as you don’t need it, just leave it up here. The rule was a joke at first, so people didn’t take pictures, but now we do it to remain present while we’re here.”

Fallon’s eyes grow warm and soft. “I like that.”

I can feel her nerves as we make our way down the hall and stairs, the voices of my friends filtering toward us along with the scents of coffee and bacon.

“Morning.” Evelyn smiles as she stirs sugar into a mug of coffee. Hadley glances over from where she’s peeking through the glass on the oven’s door, wearing a matching grin. They’re both wearing pajamas.

Nolan glances up from where he’s stirring something on the stove and nods at us in greeting.

“Where’s everyone else?” I ask.

“Palmer and Hudson went for a run, and Mila and Grey are still in their room,” Evelyn says. “Do you guys want some coffee?”

“I would love some,” Fallon says.

Evelyn starts to list the options but stops, realizing I’m already collecting two cups, knowing Fallon’s preference for hot coffee with cream and a little sugar.

“Hadley, you know you don’t have to cook for everyone while you’re here, right?” I tell her.

“I’ve barely cooked all summer. Trust me, I’m in my happy place having a group of people to cook for. Plus, I want to test coffee cake recipes for Katie’s birthday since it’s her favorite breakfast.”

“She made three,” Evelyn adds.

“They smell so good. What kinds are you making?” Fallon asks.

“Peach with pecan streusel, blueberry almond, and pumpkin with browned butter.” Hadley switches off the oven light. “We’re also making some eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes. Oh, and some fruit salad.” She points to a grocery bag filled with produce beside an empty bowl.

“Nolan, I’m moving into your new apartment,” Evelyn teases. “Do you even eat at the facility anymore?”

Nolan just grins.

“Can I help?” Fallon asks, moving to where the fruit is piled.

“No. You’re our guest,” Hadley says. “Sit, enjoy your coffee and the view.”

“She’s already part of the group,” Nolan says. “Hell, she mudded our walls.”

Evelyn laughs. “And Nolan covered her in it.”

He snickers, and Fallon laughs as she grabs a knife from the cutting block.

Hadley slides her a cutting board. “How long have you been playing soccer, Fallon? Your stats are impressive.”

Fallon glances at her as she opens a container of strawberries.

“We might have internet stalked you a little while the coffee was brewing,” Evelyn admits sheepishly.

Fallon’s cheeks turn pink again, but her eyes flash with humor as though this doesn’t surprise her or maybe because she appreciates their honesty. “Since I was two.”

“Do you want to play professionally?” Hadley asks.

Fallon lifts her shoulders. “There isn’t a lot of opportunity to play post-college. The pro women’s league here in the States is small, and the US team only recruits top-ranked players. There’d be more opportunity if I went abroad, but it’s also really competitive.”

I don’t know how we’ve never discussed this when I know so damn much about her, but the idea of Fallon moving abroad has my coffee tasting like battery acid.

“Palmer wants to race you, Fallon. Think you can give him a run for his money?” Nolan asks. “We’ll bow at your feet if you win. His ego could use a beating.”

Fallon slices the last of the strawberries and moves on to peeling kiwis. “Here? On the sand?”

“He’s fast,” Evelyn warns.

Fallon nods. “I’ve watched him.”

“Come on. One race,” Nolan goads as he rubs his palms together. “This is our last year at Camp, and we’re going out with a bang.”

Last year.

The words pack a punch that hurts far worse than the bruise on my jaw this morning. Before Fallon can answer, I change the subject to discuss our plans for today, prepared to soak up every damn second of this week where I plan to steal all of Fallon’s time and hopefully every last ounce of reservation regarding the two of us being together.

My fears about things being awkward with Corey’s friends are gone before brunch is ready. They not only seem willing to accept me but are insistent on it. Corey’s right. They are a family.

Palmer and Hudson had returned moments before Mila and Grey come downstairs, and we’re halfway through eating when Callum appears, bleary-eyed and seeking coffee.

“Are you going to stay here, or do you want a ride back?” Corey asks Callum as he fills a plate.

“If you’re cool with it, I’m claiming that guest room in the basement. To hell with going back to the house and sleeping in a goddamn room with someone else and partying every night.”

Nolan chuckles. “Did you drive?”

He shakes his head. “That was my first mistake. I caught a ride here with Pops and Aiko. Lenny drove here, though, so I’ll catch a ride back with him and pack my shit.”

“If you guys don’t mind dropping me off, I’ll give you a ride back here,” I offer.

Callum nods as he takes a seat. “Done.”

Corey looks hesitant but doesn’t object. I’m grateful because while I have no idea what I will say to Kelly, I don’t trust myself right now if she tries to flirt with him.

After eating, Callum wakes Lenny up. He’s sporting faint bruises under both eyes. He puts down a shocking amount of food, and then the three of us pile into his truck.

Lenny talks most of the drive, his mood easy and light, telling me stories about the pranks he and Nolan pulled on Hadley last fall before the two started dating. Callum slides out with me when we arrive at the beach house I’m staying at and salutes Lenny before closing the passenger door.

“You aren’t staying here,” I say.

Callum shakes his head. “We’ll get your shit and then drive over to the rental I’m at. It’s just a few blocks away.”

“You don’t have to go in. I won’t leave without you,” I tell him.

Callum sets his dark eyes on mine. “I like and respect Corey, and he’d do the same for me.”

I’m not sure how to untangle the sentiment in his words or assure him that I’m not worried about being here, so instead, I turn for the stairs and stop when I realize my car’s not in the driveway.