Finally

2

Y/N

JJ wasn't too thrilled about the two of you having Rafe along to the beach house. You pointed out that he's bringing Odessa, to which JJ said, "So? They're friends, right? Doesn't she have a girlfriend?"

And you didn't know, so you stared through the windshield, lips taut, until the car stopped in front of Rafe's.

Kiara is there, talking to John B and Sarah. You pull up beside them and say hello. Everyone looks exhausted. No one probably slept much last night, and you all have a long drive ahead of us.

Rafe walks out with Odessa. He carries her bag and shouts at JJ to pop the trunk. All your muscles grow taut. The long ride ahead to the mainland with Rafe, who grew iritated with you last night. He'd probably been sick of you talking about JJ.

She plops down in the seat behind you, and her perfume comes at you from behind like a cloud, the rings on her fingers clink together as she moves them. Her hair, big and fluffy, takes up a portion of the rearview mirror.

JJ's car feels even smaller with four people inside. You didn't realize how small it was, exactly, until you glance over your shoulder at Rafe, who's practically hunched over. There's a scowl on his face. He can probably sense you looking at him but keeps his gaze averted.

You follow Kiara, Sarah, and John B, and once you hit the highway with the long stretch of road ahead, JJ leans back into his seat and reaches over for your hand. His skin against yours still starts a flame inside you, like one of those trick candles—no matter how many times you and JJ have had sex, that flame always comes back.

You press your lips to the back of his hand and imagine putting his finger in your mouth with Rafe there in the back seat, watching.

The ride is quiet. JJ traces circles on the palm of your hand. At least you can feel his mood. Rafe and Odessa haven't spoken in the back seat since they got in, and their silence creeps up on you like a shadow stretching across the car ceiling, sliding up your shoulders. Something's off. Something's been off since last night.

At a red light, JJ combs his fingers through your hair, like it's just the two of you. You try to crack through the feeling of embarrassment and let yourself lean into it, even with Rafe and Odessa right there. You're stiff the whole time and almost pull back with every other beat of your heart, but you're afraid of making any sudden movements.

And then the light turns green, and the car starts up again, and JJ pulls his fingers from your hair.

"I heard this house is pretty sick," Odessa says. At some point, she's slipped a piece of gum in her mouth and has been snapping it every few seconds ever since.

"It is," JJ says. "Except, I think Kie's got dibs on the best room." He glances at you. "Won't be as fun."

You fake pout, not for you and JJ but everyone else. You've always wanted to have sex in a beach house. You're excited to fulfill that dream later.

At another red light, JJ kisses the bridge of your nose, then the tip, then your lips three times.

"Wow." Odessa laughs. "You guys are really into each other."

You smile out of embarrassment. JJ smiles softly at you. The light turns green, and he goes right back to driving.

"How far apart are the rooms?" Rafe asks.

"Why, you don't wanna keep anybody up?" JJ winks at him in the rearview mirror.

You imagine Rafe cutting JJ a glare and ignoring him. He's slumped back in the seat and stares out the window.