Page 30 of Keeping it Local

“I do like him, but I need to keep it in check too.” I thumped my fork against my plate.

“And why is that?”

“You know why.” I glared at her, chomping with my mouth full of French toast.

“You can like him and have it be casual. He knows you’re leaving. Just lean into it,” she said.

“Says the woman who also only sleeps with tourists.” I rolled my eyes.

“Totally different,” she said, waving a hand in the air.

“How’s that?”

“Because I said it is.” She looked at me sternly before busting out laughing.

“He’s not the only one texting me either, unfortunately,” I said.

“Oooh. Do tell.”

“Michael has texted me a few times, and apparently he mentioned to my mom that he wants to come down here.” I shook my head.

“A love triangle! It just keeps getting more interesting.” She raised her eyebrows twice at me.

“Oh, please. It’s definitely not a love triangle.” I paused. “I don’t get him though. He’s the one who thought we should take a break last winter. Then, when he found out I was leaving for the summer, he made it known we should pick back up in the fall. It’s hard not to think of him as a real possibility, you know?”

“I wouldn’t know. I just do one-nighters. Keeps it easier that way.” Megan plopped down on the barstool next to me.

“I need to just talk with him, but I’m dreading it. We haven’t had a real conversation outside of work in months, but timing is terrible.”

“Exactly why I stick to tourists, girl.” She took a big bite of bacon. “But honestly, two men going after you? Doesn’t seem like the worst situation.” She nudged my arm.

She was right, but the more I thought of Johnny, the more I wanted to explore things with him and the more Michael only felt like a distant memory that kept getting farther and farther away.

Chapter 13

Johnny

I was late.

I hated being late, but there was nothing I could do to speed up the HVAC guy at the resort. We had allotted extra time to go through all the cabins, but it still wasn’t enough. The good news was everything checked out okay. This big of a project made me nervous, but I knew if I didn’t take the opportunity to go through with it now, I never would.

I was speeding and probably ran a couple red lights on my way, but I wanted enough time to shower and get the stench off me before I saw Beth. I lifted my arm and could tell—a shower was not optional.

Oberon rode next to me without a care in the world, head hanging out the window with his tongue wagging. The seat was covered in hair, but I knew Beth wouldn’t care. She seemed to love having him around when he was with us.

Driving through downtown, I hit streets chock-full of cars as the city people drove up the coast for the long weekend ahead. RVs of every shape and size lined the streets with bumper-to-bumper cars, trying to make it to their holiday destination. Luckily, I was coming from the other way, so it wasn’t too bad on my side.

I looked at my wrist, shaking my head. Shit. I’d have to tell her I’d meet her there. There was no way I could swing by and then bring her back to my place.

Me: Hey—Sorry—running late. Any way you can just meet me at my place instead of me picking you up?

Beth: Oh yeah, no problem. Just send me your address again.

As soon as I put the truck in park, I ran into the house to get ready. I’m sure I looked ridiculous as I hopped around trying to tear off my clothes to get in the shower and get dressed before she arrived.

I had just finished up and was running a towel through my hair when I heard the doorbell ring. Of course, Oberon went running.

“Hey, boy. How are you today?” I could hear Beth talking to him through the screen door.