The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

16 - July Fun - Dominic POV

dedicated to lilly_rose698 for being the second person to vote on this story.

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Today is a day of celebrations. Not only is it the Fourth of July, but also it is Jonah's nineteenth birthday.

The morning starts off with us learning that we are going to go swimming at a nearby lake the Elders found. Not wanting to spoil the cookout that has been promised, bowls for cereal are passed around, with others electing toast and fruit.

Jonah is the only one who gets pancakes, which Mia has stacked to resemble a birthday cake complete with a candle. Carleigh and the Elders are the only ones who have gotten him gifts, since the rest of us didn't know it was going to be his birthday. The rest of us are disappointed  when they don't reveal what they are going to give Jonah.

Drinks, chips and other needed supplies are already packed, so it doesn't take long for us to leave. EJ stops the van at a discount store, where Mia and him go in to buy some floats and charcoal for the grill. These guys really do want us to relax while we can.

As soon as the van pulls up to the lake shore, we all pile out and help get the coolers and other items out. Before we even begin to blow up the floats, we help get the area set up with blankets, towels and anything else that is needed. This group is not what I'm used to seeing. As a general rule, with the people I see, most let the adults get everything out and set up. This group just might work out.

A friendly race to see who can blow up a float the quickest starts, and EJ wins.

"You have enough hot air for all of us, don't you?" I say looking over at EJ.

He grins. "And you have no idea how true that statement is."

What is he talking about now?

"Race you to the water," Jonah and Tanner say together, looking directly at me.

I'm about ready to take them up on their challenge when Ande takes her shirt and shorts off that cover her swimsuit. All I can do is stop and stare at what Ande has on. It is a yellow two-piece swimsuit with boy shorts and a crop top. Standing there probably looking like an idiot, I can't seem to stop staring until Ande looks up and catches me. Heat rises up my face, and Jonah catches my eye - he's smirking at me. Damn Asshole.

"Are you coming..." He pauses looking over at Tanner. "to the water?" Jonah asks before both erupt into laughter. Double Damn Assholes.

Everyone follows the two fools into the water. The sun is beating down on us, so the cool water alleviates some of the heat I feel.

"Come pull me over to where Jonah and Tanner are jumping from the rock, please." Ande asks. There goes the cooling effects of the water.

"Sure, but why me?"

"Do you see anyone else around?"

My ego deflates."Oh."

"It's a plus that you are the cutest one here." When I look up, she winks at me. Definitely mutual attraction. Step one complete.

When we get to the rock, Jonah starts on me, once again. What is it with this guy?

"Glad you could make it," Jonah says; a grin plasters his face.

"If you weren't my cousin, I'd push you off that rock."

"I'd like to see you try."

I do love a challenge.