The Summer I'll Never Forget

Chapter 2

JJ's eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought he might open up. But instead, he offered a small smile. "Thanks, Paige," he said, gently extracting himself from my embrace. "But let's keep it about the waves today, okay?"Nodding, I stepped back and looked at him. "Can I ride on your board?" I asked, the question popping out before I could second-guess myself. I had always wanted to experience the thrill of tandem surfing, and who better to do it with than JJ?JJ's eyes lit up, and he grinned. "Sure, you've got guts," he said, handing me his board. "But fair warning, I don't go easy."We waded back into the water, the warmth of the sun beating down on our backs. JJ positioned me in front of him, his arms wrapped around my waist, his board feeling like a lifeboat beneath us. I could feel his breath on my neck, his heart beating in sync with the waves. It was a strange mix of comfort and excitement, knowing that this legendary surfer was holding onto me, trusting me with the sport he loved so much.As we waited for the perfect wave, I felt the tension in his arms, the anticipation in his grip. When the moment came, he whispered, "Ready?" And with a nod from me, we paddled in unison, the water rushing beneath us as we approached the peak. The wave grew, a majestic creature ready to swallow us whole. And just as I was about to scream, we took off.The rush of adrenaline was like nothing I had ever felt before. The ocean roared behind us, the wind in my hair, and JJ's strong arms holding me steady. I could feel his muscles working, his body moving with the wave's rhythm, his confidence seeping into me. It was a dance, just as he had described—a dance with the sea.As we glided down the face of the wave, I leaned into his embrace, my heart racing not just from the speed but from the electricity that zipped through me. His grip tightened slightly, and I knew he felt it too—this connection that was more than just two friends sharing a ride.We rode the wave all the way to the shore, the thrill of the ride echoing in our laughter as we stumbled off the board and into the shallows. JJ's eyes held a new respect for me, and I felt a sense of pride swell in my chest. "You're a natural," he said, ruffling my hair.We waded out again, catching our breath and smiling at each other like we had just shared a secret. The bond between us grew stronger with each wave we tackled together, each shared laugh, and every silent moment we spent bobbing in the water, waiting for the next ride. It was as if the ocean had whispered to us, revealing a connection that had been there all along, hidden beneath the surface like a treasure waiting to be discovered.As we were about to paddle out for another go, I saw a familiar figure striding towards us from the beach. John B. His eyes scanned the horizon, squinting against the glare, and then they locked onto us. I felt a jolt of anxiety mixed with excitement. JJ followed my gaze, and his expression tightened for a brief second before he gave me a reassuring nod. "Don't worry," he murmured. "We're just having fun."John B's long strides brought him to the water's edge, and I could see the surprise etched on his face as he took in the sight of us together. He had always been protective of me, but there was something in the way JJ and I moved in sync on the water that seemed to speak louder than any words could. He paused, watching us with a mix of curiosity and something else—a hint of acceptance, perhaps?As we approached the shore, JJ gave me a gentle nudge towards my brother. "You should go say hi," he said, his voice a low rumble in my ear. "I'll grab the boards."I nodded, the excitement of our shared secret moment fading slightly as reality crashed back in. Wading through the surf, I felt the coolness of the water retreat and the warmth of the sand underfoot. John B's expression was unreadable, but his eyes never left mine as I approached. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of accusation."Just catching some waves," I said, trying to keep my voice casual despite the racing of my heart. "JJ's been giving me some tips."John B's eyes narrowed, and he looked from me to JJ, who was now making his way back with our boards. "Tips, huh?" he said, his tone skeptical. "You two looked pretty cozy out there."I felt my cheeks flush. "It's just surfing," I protested, a little too quickly. "JJ's a good teacher."John B's gaze remained on JJ as he came closer. "Yeah, I've noticed," he said, his voice tight. "But remember, Paige, you're not just anyone to me. You're my sister."I rolled my eyes, feeling the familiar annoyance at his overprotectiveness. "I know that, John," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "But I'm also 16 I can handle myself."John B's expression softened slightly. "I know you can," he said, his eyes searching my face. "But just be careful, okay?""I will," I promised, hoping he couldn't hear the doubt in my voice. The truth was, I wasn't sure what was happening between JJ and me, but I knew it was something special.As we made our way back to the beach house, John B fell into step beside us, his eyes never fully leaving JJ. The tension between them was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel like a pawn in a game I didn't understand. JJ, ever the charmer, tried to keep the conversation light, filling the air with tales of his latest surfing adventures and the new tricks he'd learned. But the underlying current remained, a reminder of the secrets we were keeping.John B's expression softened slightly. "I know you can," he said, his eyes searching my face. "But just be careful, okay?""I will," I promised, hoping he couldn't hear the doubt in my voice. The truth was, I wasn't sure what was happening between JJ and me, but I knew it was something special.I nodded, my mind racing with what John B might have seen, what he might suspect. "It's just... we've never been that close," I admitted, fidgeting with the hem of my wetsuit. "But I guess that's changing now."John B studied me for a moment before turning to JJ. "Look after her," he said, his voice a warning wrapped in a tone of friendship. "You're like family to me, man, but if you hurt her, you'll answer to me."JJ met John B's gaze, his own expression unreadable. "I'd never hurt her," he said simply, and there was something in his voice that made me believe him.John B nodded, seemingly satisfied with JJ's response. "Good," he said, tapping him on the shoulder. "Because she's special." He ruffled my hair, and I resisted the urge to swat his hand away. "Come on, let's grab some lunch before the next set rolls in."The three of us headed back to the beach house, the awkwardness of our conversation lingering like sea spray on our skin. Inside, the kitchen was a flurry of activity as our friends and family prepared a feast of sandwiches, fruit, and chips. JJ and John B fell into easy banter with the others, their laughter filling the room and washing away the tension from our conversation.I grabbed a towel and began to dry off, my eyes darting between the two of them. They were so different—John B, intense and focused, and JJ, laid-back and charismatic. Yet, they had been best friends for as long as I could remember. It was strange to think that JJ had secrets he kept from John B, especially when they were so close.As we sat down to eat, I felt a strange mix of emotions—excitement, fear, and a hint of guilt. Our secret felt like a fragile bubble that could burst at any moment. But as we shared stories and laughter with the others, the bubble grew stronger, enveloping us in a warm glow of camaraderie.John B's gaze kept drifting to JJ and me, and I could see the wheels turning in his head. He was trying to piece together what was happening, but I was determined to keep our growing bond under wraps—at least for now. JJ played it cool, tossing me the occasional wink or smile that only I noticed.As the afternoon rolled into evening, the light grew soft and golden, painting the beach in a warm glow. Our group gathered around a bonfire, the crackling of the wood and the smell of roasting marshmallows mingling with the sound of the waves. I found myself sitting between JJ and John B, the heat from the fire warming my skin and the tension between them making me feel like a tightrope walker.I leaned towards JJ, my eyes heavy with the weight of the day's events. His arm was casually slung around the back of my chair, and I felt the warmth of his body against my side. His deep, even breaths hinted that he was lost in thought, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was thinking about the same things I was. The closeness was intoxicating, and I found myself starting to drift to sleep, lulled by the rhythm of the waves and the comfort of his presence.As the fire crackled and the night grew darker, the conversation around us grew quieter. The stars began to peek out, sprinkling the sky like glitter thrown by an invisible hand. The scent of salt and firewood filled my nostrils, and the soft strums of a guitar serenaded us. It was the perfect setting for secrets to be whispered and hearts to be opened.JJ noticed me leaning towards him, my eyes fluttering shut. His arm tightened around the chair, pulling me closer without actually touching me. It was a silent declaration of his presence, his support, and the connection that had been growing stronger with each passing day. I felt the warmth of his body and the steady beat of his heart, and something inside me melted like the marshmallows we had roasted earlier.The fire popped and crackled, sending sparks dancing into the night sky. The music grew softer, the conversations around us a distant murmur. It was as if the world had shrunk down to just the two of us, sitting on that beach, with the waves whispering their secrets and the stars watching over us.Without warning, JJ's strong arms wrapped around my waist, and before I could react, he gently pulled me onto his lap. His touch was warm and firm, sending a shiver down my spine. I looked up at him, my eyes wide with surprise, but his gaze was steady, filled with a softness that made my heart race. He cradled me like a precious treasure, and for a moment, time stood still.John B glanced over, raising an eyebrow before returning to his conversation with the others. It was clear that he had noticed, but he said nothing, giving us a small bubble of privacy in the midst of our rowdy group. I felt a rush of blood to my cheeks, aware of how intimate our position was, yet I couldn't bring myself to move away. JJ's arms felt like home, and his presence was a comfort I hadn't realized I needed.We sat like that for what felt like an eternity, the warmth from the fire playing against the coolness of the night air. His heartbeat was a steady rhythm beneath my ear, and the scent of sunscreen and saltwater that clung to him was oddly comforting. My eyes remained closed, focusing on the sensation of his chest rising and falling with each breath, feeling the gentle rock of his body as he held me.Suddenly, JJ shifted, and I felt his hand cup my cheek, gently turning my face towards his. His eyes searched mine, a question hanging in the air between us. Without a word, I leaned in, and our lips met in a soft, tender kiss—the kind of kiss that whispers promises and confessions in a language only two souls could understand. It was a moment so perfect, so pure, that the world around us might as well have disappeared. Our kiss grew deeper, the warmth of the fire playing against the coolness of the night air. His arms tightened around me, holding me close as if I might float away on the next breeze. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my heart pounding in my chest, the feel of his lips against mine a revelation that sent a jolt of electricity through my entire body. It was a kiss that had been years in the making, born from stolen glances and unspoken longing. "what was that for?""I don't know," JJ murmured, his breath warm against my cheek. "I just couldn't help myself." His eyes searched mine, looking for answers I wasn't sure I had. "It just felt right."John B's eyes flickered in our direction again, but he remained focused on his conversation, giving us space. The music grew softer, the fire casting flickering shadows across JJ's face. I could feel his heart pounding in his chest, matching the rhythm of my own.With a gentle tug, JJ pulled me onto his lap, bridal style, my legs draped over one of his, my side pressed against his firm chest. His arms circled my waist, and I could feel the strength in his embrace. It was a pose that was both protective and possessive, a declaration to the world that I belonged to him—or at least to this moment.Our eyes locked, the firelight dancing in his gaze, revealing the depth of his emotions. He searched my face as if looking for an answer to a question he hadn't asked out loud. My heart raced, and I knew he could feel it pounding against him. The warmth of his skin seeped into me, chasing away the last remnants of the ocean's chill. "Jj?"He leaned in, his breath tickling my ear. "I've wanted to do this for so long, Paige," he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire. "You have no idea."My breath hitched, and I swallowed hard. "What do you mean?" I managed to ask, though the words felt thick in my mouth.JJ's thumb traced the line of my jaw, sending a shiver down my spine. "I mean," he said, his voice a low rumble, "that every time I've seen you with John, every time he's talked about you, every time I've watched you laugh or get frustrated or just... live... I've felt this pull. This need to be closer to you. And now that I have you here, I don't ever want to let you go."His words hung in the air, the gravity of his confession weighing on my heart. I didn't know what to say, so I just nodded, my eyes never leaving his. In the flickering light of the bonfire, his gaze was intense, and I felt as if he could see into the deepest parts of my soul. The way he looked at me made me feel like I was the only person who had ever mattered, the only one who could ever matter."Jj?""Yeah?" His voice was a soft rumble, filled with a vulnerability that made my own walls begin to crumble. "Im cold"JJ's arms tightened around me, his embrace warm and protective. He leaned in, his breath a whisper against my neck. "I've got you," he murmured, and the sound of his heartbeat grew louder in my ear. "Always."Gently, he broke our gaze and turned to John B, who was still deep in conversation with the others. "Hey, JB," he called out, his voice a low rumble that sent a thrill through me. "Could you toss me that blanket?"John B's eyes flicked over to us, a question in his gaze that I refused to acknowledge. He nodded, tossing the blanket in our direction. It unfurled in the air, a soft cloud of warmth that floated down to settle over our laps. JJ caught it with ease, pulling it around us both like a cocoon. The warmth enveloped us, creating a bubble of intimacy amidst the cool night air.As I slowly fell asleep, the steady rhythm of JJ's heartbeat lulled me into a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time. The crackling of the bonfire and the distant laughter of our friends became a soothing lullaby, and the stars above twinkled like a silent chorus approving of our newfound closeness. With every breath I took, the scent of JJ's skin, a mix of salt and sunscreen, grew more intoxicating.His arms were still wrapped around me, holding me tight as if I was something fragile and precious. The warmth of his embrace seeped into my bones, and I could feel the tension in my body slowly melt away, leaving me feeling safe and cherished. The gentle rocking of his body, synchronized with the rhythm of the waves, was like a gentle lullaby, carrying me away on a tide of contentment.As I drifted off to sleep, my thoughts swirled like the embers rising from the bonfire. I thought about the way JJ had looked at me, the way he had kissed me, and the things he had said. They were words I had never expected to hear from him, especially not in the presence of my brother. Yet, here we were, a secret shared between us that hung in the salty air like the scent of the sea.The fire popped, sending a shower of sparks up into the night sky, briefly lighting up the beach in a fiery display. The sound startled me, and I tightened my grip on JJ's shirt, feeling the firmness of his chest beneath my cheek. He chuckled softly, his arms tightening around me in response. "I've got you," he whispered again, his voice a gentle rumble that seemed to resonate through my entire being.As the fire's embers slowly turned to ash, the night grew quieter, the laughter of our friends fading into a distant hum. The warmth of JJ's body seeped into mine, and I could feel my eyelids growing heavy. The rhythm of the waves, the crackle of the fire, and the steady beat of his heart became a lullaby that drew me into a deep, peaceful slumber.I fell asleep, nestled in the crook of his arms, our hearts beating in sync. It was a sleep filled with dreams of endless oceans and the feel of the sun on my face—dreams that were a blend of reality and the possibilities that our newfound closeness offered. His embrace was the only anchor I needed in a world that suddenly felt vast and unpredictable.When I awoke, the fire was out, and the beach was deserted. The chill of the early morning air had replaced the warmth of the bonfire, and the sky was a canvas of deep blues and purples, hinting at the sunrise that was soon to come. JJ was still there, his arms around me, his eyes closed in sleep.Gently, he lifted me from his lap, his arms strong and steady as he carried me up the wooden steps of the beach house. The boards creaked beneath his feet, a soft protest against the stillness of the night. Inside, the house was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of the refrigerator and the occasional crash of waves outside.JJ's grip was firm but gentle, and I felt like I was floating, weightless in his arms. He carried me down the hall to my room, the walls lined with framed pictures of happy memories and surfboards leaning against the wall. The door creaked open, and he carefully placed me on the bed, his eyes never leaving mine.The room was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting shadows that danced on the walls. He took a step back, his hands lingering in the air as if unsure whether to touch me again. I sat up, the cold air making me shiver, and reached for him, pulling him closer. Our eyes met, and in that moment, I knew that whatever was happening between us was more than just a fleeting attraction—it was something real and profound. "Please stay"JJ hesitated, his gaze searching my face before he nodded, his eyes filled with a tenderness that made my heart ache. He sat on the edge of the bed, his hand finding mine, our fingers entwined in a silent promise. The mattress dipped slightly as he lay down beside me, his warmth seeping into the cold space between us.For a long moment, we just lay there, the quiet of the house a stark contrast to the chaos of our thoughts. The scent of the sea clung to his skin, a constant reminder of the passion that had brought us here. His thumb traced lazy circles on the back of my hand, sending shivers down my spine.As the first light of dawn began to creep in through the windows, JJ reached out to gently brush a lock of hair from my face. His eyes searched mine, a silent question in their depths. I knew what he was asking, and I knew what my answer had to be. With a soft sigh, I leaned in, pressing my forehead to his. "John," I whispered, the sound of my brother's name a stark reminder of the world outside our bubble.
JJ's eyes closed, and I could see the tension in his jaw, feel the tightening of his grip on my hand. He knew as well as I did that our relationship was about to become a minefield we'd have to navigate carefully. But for now, in the quiet of the early morning, we had this moment—just the two of us, with the promise of what could be.He nodded, his breath warm against my skin. "I know," he murmured. "But for now, let's just be." His arms slid around me, pulling me closer until my back was pressed against his chest. His chest rose and fell with each breath, his heartbeat a steady drum in my ear.The room grew lighter as the sun began to rise, painting the walls in shades of pink and gold. The sound of the ocean grew louder, a gentle crescendo that seemed to echo the tumultuous emotions churning within us. Yet, in the warmth of JJ's embrace, I felt a peace that I hadn't known in a long time.Our breathing synced, a silent conversation that spoke louder than any words could. We lay there, entwined in a dance of shadows and light, until the first rays of the sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over our interlocked bodies. JJ's hand moved to my waist, his thumb brushing against the bare skin of my stomach, sending a shiver through me.The air grew thick with tension, and I felt the heat of his breath against my neck, his lips hovering just above my skin. My heart hammered in my chest, the anticipation almost too much to bear. But as much as I wanted to give in to the passion that had been building between us, I knew we had to tread carefully. "We should get up," I murmured, though the words felt like a betrayal to the feelings coursing through me.JJ's arms tightened briefly before he let out a sigh and rolled away, giving me space. He sat up, running a hand through his hair, the muscles in his back rippling in the soft light. He looked over his shoulder at me, his eyes filled with regret. "You're right," he said, his voice thick with reluctance. "We can't do this."With a heavy heart, I sat up too, the coldness of the room seeping into me as the reality of our situation settled in. We had crossed a line, one that could never be uncrossed, and now we had to face the consequences. "What happens now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.He looked at me, his eyes full of pain. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I do know one thing." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a murmur. "I'm not letting you go without a fight."The promise in his words sent a thrill through me, but it was tinged with fear. I knew that fighting for us would mean facing not just my brother's wrath, but the judgment of our friends and the weight of expectations. Yet, as I looked into JJ's eyes, I knew that I was willing to brave any storm with him by my side.We climbed out of bed, the sheets a tangled mess of our desires. JJ paused at the door, his hand on the knob, looking back at me. "We'll figure it out," he said, his voice firm with determination. "Together."With a nod, I watched him slip out into the hallway, the sound of his footsteps growing fainter until all that was left was the echo of his words in my heart. We had taken a leap into the unknown, and there was no going back. The sun had risen on a new day, and with it, a new chapter in our lives had begun—one filled with hope, fear, and the unshakeable belief that love could conquer all.