Page 5 of The Summer Plans

“She did. And she knows how much my kids have been looking forward to this. So… so… dibs.” It’s childish, but I’m grasping at straws here when I’m covering what’s left of my dignity with my hands.

RJ holds up his palms in defense. “Whoa, it’s okay. We’ll figure something out.”

“Good, because I’m not finding another place to stay.”

His brow furrows. Why does he look so cute when he’s annoyed? “Right. Neither are we. This place is big enough for all of us.”

“Umm, no. You’re not staying here. I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with my boobs out.”

“If you turn around, I’ll help with that.”

My mouth drops open, and his cheeks turn red at the double meaning in his words.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant—fuck. I meant if you turn around, I can get you out of that top a little easier.” His frustration is palpable, and I hide my disappointment. Clearly, I don’t cross his mind the way he does mine.

“That doesn’t sound any better.”

“Just turn around and put your hands up. I promise to be a gentleman.”

What if I don’t want you to be a gentleman? I turn my back to him and reluctantly lift my arms.

“What was that?” There’s a smirk in his voice.

Shit. Did I say that out loud? “Nothing. Let’s just get this over with already so you can find another place to stay.” I need to get myself under control. How long has it been since I’ve gotten laid? That’s why I’m having confusing, horny thoughts. It has nothing to do with RJ and his dimple.

His hands grip the hem, now even with my chest, and I shudder each time his fingers brush along my bare skin.

“I told you, we’re not going anywhere. There are four bedrooms. You can have two, and we’ll take the other two.”

“The boys are bunking together, and Lana’s room only has a twin. Unless Sophie wants to bunk with a ten-year-old, I’d say you’re out of luck.”

He tugs my top free, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Until I remember I’m standing there completely topless. A series of grunts come from behind me, and it takes all my strength not to turn around to see what’s happening.

“C’mon… stupid piece of… almost got it… there!”

“You okay back there?”

“Yeah. Put your arms up.” I comply, and he slides the top on easily. Whipping around to face him, I cross my arms over my chest. “How the heck did you do that?”

He shrugs. “I untangle a bunch of knots and rope all the time at the firehouse. They give the new guys the shit tasks.”

“Oh. I forgot you were a firefighter now.” I’m lying. I totally remember. Two of my mom friends are dating firefighters, and it takes so much effort not to badger Bella and Lucy every time I hear about a fire in town. I’m pretty sure they’re aware of my crush.

“Yeah. I like it. I’m older than half of them, though. Being the new guy, I have to put up with all kinds of shit, but I don’t mind it. It feels like I finally found my calling.”

I clear my throat. “About the rooming situation. Like I said, three of the four rooms are taken so you and Sophie will have to share a room.”

He laughs, crossing his arms over his chest as if to show he’s not backing down. “There’s no way my sixteen-year-old daughter will share a room with me.”

“Well, have fun on the love seats then.” For some reason, there are no couches in this house, only several love seats.

“There’s plenty of room in here.” He swings a hand gesturing around the bedroom, his eyes landing on the king-sized bed. “And there’s plenty of room for both of us in there.”

“Oh no, you don’t. We aren’t sharing a bed.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

“Yeah. Anything other than that.” There’s no way I can handle sharing a bed with him without wanting to climb on top of him. And I’ll be damned if I ever tell him that.