Page 71 of The Summer Plans

“Tony? Were we expecting you?” RJ asks loud enough for me to hear. Quickly, I hop off the counter and run into the bedroom.

Tony’s voice is muffled as I frantically pull on my shorts. “Sorry to bother you. Raven said there was a hole that needed patching up? It’s hard to get supplies quickly since hardware stores don’t deliver out here easily. But I had some extra drywall and supplies at the Market from a repair I did over there recently. Figured I’d knock it out between ferrying tourists today.”

“That’s really not necessary,” RJ says as I button my shorts.

“Nonsense. We’re a small community here on Broccoli Bay. We take care of our own,” Tony says. Why is his voice louder and less muffled?

I open the bedroom door and almost run smack into Tony. He glances at me, taking his time like he’s studying me. My face feels hot, and I know my hair must look disheveled. Does he know what we were just doing? Shit. It’s not like I was being quiet.

Tony looks at RJ. “Sorry if I’m interrupting⁠—”

“You’re not,” I interject. “I just finished a workout. No clue what this guy was doing.” I hook a thumb at RJ. “Probably just eating breakfast in the kitchen.”

RJ smirks, running a hand along his jaw. “Yeah. I’m a messy eater.”

I roll my eyes, choosing to ignore his comment. “Yeah, he’s worse to clean up after than the kids. Speaking of kid messes, I think I exaggerated how big the hole was in the drywall when I left Raven that message. I was able to patch it with some caulk.”

RJ snickers, and I give him a “grow up” look.

“Okaaay.” Tony stares at me, and I shift under his scrutiny, unsure what he knows or has figured out. Clearly Raven is in touch with him. I don’t know if he would tell her what he’s just walked into, but I can’t risk Raven finding out about me and her brother from Captain Tony.

“It was so nice of you to stop by, but we’ve got it covered.”

“Uh-huh.” Tony looks between us.

Then RJ slips an arm around my waist, leaning into me as he plants a kiss against the side of my head. I push him off me, afraid of what Tony will do with this information. “What are you doing?”

RJ gives me a knowing look. “We’re not fooling Tony.”

“I wasn’t born yesterday. It’s obvious I walked in on something.” Tony smiles as I cover my face with my hands. “Sorry to interrupt. I was just following orders, but if you’ve got it handled, I’ll get outta your hair.”

“Thanks, Tony. We’ve got it covered. But I’ll text you if we need anything else.”

I look up, catching Tony before he turns to leave. “Actually, do you know anyone that can come out and do an inspection?”

Tony’s brows furrow. “Like a house inspection?”

“Yeah. I’ve called around and no one is available until next month, and I’d love to get someone out here soon and plan for everything that needs to be fixed before we list it.”

He scratches the back of his neck. “I didn’t realize…” He pauses, a look of sadness flashing briefly on his face before it vanishes. “I might know someone. Lemme see what I can do.”

Did he not know that Raven wanted to sell this place? Fuck, was I not supposed to tell him that either? What is going on, and why do I feel like I’m not the only one keeping secrets right now? “And can you please not say anything to Raven about this? About the listing and…” I wave a hand between me and RJ. “She’s my best friend, and he’s her brother, and I want to talk to her about it first. Once we get back home. I’d hate for her to find out from someone else before I got a chance to talk to her.”

“Your secret’s safe with me. But you really should get some window cleaner.” He winks as he exits the house.

I breathe a sigh of relief until I hear RJ’s soft chuckle and a muttered “Fuck.” When I glance up at him, he’s looking out the sliding door to the ocean, and I follow his gaze until I see what he’s laughing at. The very clear outline of my body—ass print and all—and what are clearly RJ’s hands on the glass.

“Oh my God.” I cover my face with my hands.

RJ breaks out into a fit of laughter.

“This isn’t funny, RJ!”

“It kind of is. I mean, look how perfect your ass looks on that glass.”

“What if he tells Raven?”

He walks over and wraps his arms around me as he rests his cheek on my head. “He’s not going to tell Raven.”