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The HMS sliced through the marsh, sunlight sparkling off the water like scattered jewels. Laughter filled the air as the Outer Banks crew settled into their morning escape from Agatha's vengeance to the island. JJ and Lacy sat close, snacking on peanut butter sandwiches that Kie had brought with her, the warm sun draping over them like a blanket, but the atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension between the two blonde best friends.
Lacy's heart raced as she stole glances at JJ, whose carefree charm radiated like the sun overhead. The way he leaned into her as he spoke, that playful grin—she could hardly breathe when she thought of how close they had come to crossing a line that could either deepen their bond or tear it right apart.
"Might wanna slow down there, Lace. It's only 10 a.m.," Pope quipped, his eyebrow arched in mock concern as he watched her down another warm Miller Light from the cooler. Lacy preferred her beer warm, she felt it "went down easier", which the boys appreciated since they barely had money to keep the electric on and keep them cool.
"It's 5 o'clock somewhere, Pope," she shot back, forcing a playful grin. JJ, seated beside her, draped his arm around her shoulders, his fingers brushing against her collarbone. The simple touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, igniting a mix of longing and dread within her. Normally she would immediately lean into his touch, but today? Today she was sad. She realized that all these subtle moments were nothing more than the flirting JJ does with any other girl, and the other girl won in the end. She decides to sit up straighter.
"Are you trying to set a record?" Kie chimed in, her teasing tone cutting through Lacy's thoughts. "You know you're going to regret that decision later, right?"
"Regret? Not a word in my vocabulary," Lacy replied with a grin, trying to sound confident despite the fluttering in her chest. She glanced up at JJ, hoping for his support, but he merely smirked, that familiar twinkle in his eyes.
Suddenly, JJ sprang to his feet, beer in hand, an impish glint in his eye. "A party trick! Can you go a little faster?" he shouted, his exuberance infectious.
"Doesn't work, dude. We've tried this like 6,000 times," John B retorted, shaking his head but unable to hide his smile.
"I got this!" JJ declared, tilting his head back and pouring the beer over himself, hoping to catch it in his mouth as the boat sped up.
"JJ! You're getting beer in my hair!" Kie shrieked, laughing as she ducked for cover, and Lacy found herself caught up in the chaos. The boat lurched, sending her tumbling against Kie, and for a moment, they were a tangle of limbs and laughter.
"Oh shit!" JJ's voice sliced through the mirth as he plunged into the water, surfacing with a victorious grin. The sight of him, carefree and drenched, made her stomach flip in an unsettling way.
"Lacy Grace, you okay?" he called from the water, his concern evident as he swam closer to the ladder.
"Just a little bump, nothing I can't handle," she replied, trying to keep her tone light, though her head spun for a different reason. She knew the tension between them was palpable, like the storm clouds gathering on the horizon.
When he climbed back onto the boat, his eyes found hers, searching for something unspoken. "Seriously, Lacy, if you're hurt—"
"I'm fine, JJ," she said, a laugh escaping her lips, though it felt strained. The moment hung heavy in the air, charged with unacknowledged feelings. "But if you keep diving like that, you might need a lifeguard."
"Yeah? You think you could save me?" He shot her a teasing grin, but beneath the bravado, she could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.
"Only if you promise to stop being reckless," she teased back, a spark igniting between them as she gives him a nudge.
"Reckless is my middle name," he replied, puffing out his chest, and for a moment, the tension faded into laughter.
Lacy's eyes twinkled at him and with a shake of her head she moved her way towards Kie, slightly frozen at her friends next words.
"Guys, I think there's a boat down there!" Pope called out, pointing toward the horizon.
"No way," Kie responds quickly with a gentle roll of her eyes.
"No, no. There is a boat down there."
"Holy shit. Last one in owes me a drink!" Kie declared.
"Deal!" JJ shouted, already preparing to leap off the edge. John B followed him quickly, Pope next. Lacy gave Kie a quick smirk as the both prepare to jump. She reached down, unbuttoning her jean shorts and peeling off her tank top, the cool marsh breeze brushing against her skin.
JJ's eyes widened, his gaze locked onto her, filled with raw attraction. She could see the hunger in his expression, the way he took in every inch of her. It ignited a fire in her, the heat of his gaze washing over her, making her feel bold and alive.
"Wow, someone's daring today," he said, his voice low and teasing, but there was an edge of seriousness beneath it. Her pulse quickened, gosh why can't she stay away.
"You know me, always ready for a challenge," Lacy replied, a playful smirk on her lips, but the moment felt charged with unspoken tension.
"Promise, sunshine?" His eyes unwavering as he treaded water in front of her.
"Promise," she told both himself and herself for reassurance. "Not sure if I can handle any more though."
"What do you mean─," Lacy cuts him off quickly, "C'mon let's check this boat out."
Before he has a chance to reply her head had dove under the water.
.....
A/N: hello!! next chap is gonna get wild be prepared <3 i also love the tension between the two of them. it's gonna boil over very soooooon
