It Happened One Summer

A chorus of yeses greeted the strangled question.

“I can be in a room full of people that I know and still not feel like I belong.”

Bet you’re used to men falling all over themselves to make
you happy, huh?” He tossed the can up in the air, caught it. “Sorry, I’m not going to be one of them.”

You want to dance some more, or can I bring you home?”

“Where is home?”

“With me.”

“Mmmm.”

He made a sound in his throat, leaned in a little closer. “I know they don’t require a picture to keep your account active. This was about making you smile, not me.” His gaze fell to her mouth, taking its time finding her eyes again. “Well worth it.” With that, he set down the drill and pinned his crew with a look. “Back to work.”

Just when it seemed like the storm was beginning to break and daylight spread across the calm waters? That’s when the biggest wave hit.

“I love you, baby. Goddammit, I love you back. As long as that’s the case, everything will be fine—and it will always be the case.

“Piper, I love you, too. I love you.”

She was hopelessly, irrevocably in love with this man.

“I want you. However you are, whatever you are, I want you.