Page 10 of His Girl of the Summer

“You’ll both thank me one day,” he tells us softly, but I’m tired of holding my tongue. I’m tired of smiling quietly or just doing what I’m told.

“I’m glad you really honestly think that. One day, in the future, when you’re left alone in that big house of yours because you tried so hard to keep Harper tied down to you and close, I hope those thoughts make getting sleep easier. I’ve always respected you, sir, but this time, you’re wrong. So when you are sitting there completely alone, I want you to think of your daughter's face, of my face, right in this moment. I want you to know that loneliness you feel when everyone has left, that gut-wrenching darkness wanting to swallow you whole. Just remember, you were the one that caused those feelings in your daughter. You made her suffer that loneliness, too,” I tell him, not waiting for a response before getting out of the booth and heading to the restroom. I just need a minute to get my thoughts in order. That may have been too harsh for him to hear, but I don't want him to lose Harper because of his selfishness.

I exit the bathroom just as Harper and her dad get up from the table. I wait for them as they pass, heading out the door, and follow them. I feel so lost and alone right now, and I know Kas is coming as fast as he can, but what if he can't make it in time? What if…

Just as I have the thought, I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“Sir,” Grayson says, and I sigh in relief. They made it.

“Grayson!” Harper gasps, and her voice breaks into almost a sob.

“What the fu-” Mr. Jackson yells, but Grayson continues. I honestly don't know what they are saying, because my eyes are only for Kas. I can't believe they made it in time. His eyes haven't left mine since I turned around, and I can't stop the silent tears falling down my face. Grayson pleads with Mr. Jackson for more time with Harper, but I don't come out of my Kas trance until I hear my name.

“You have to be home at least three days before school starts. Charli, you need to talk to your parents. You know how they can be, but they were expecting you home,” he tells us.

“I’ll drive back with you if they won't let you come. I’ll find a place in your town to get a summer job and finish the summer with you. Wherever you are,” Kas says softly as he sweeps a piece of hair off my cheek.

“Believe me, they don't care where I am. I’m coming back with you guys. Let's finish our summer together,” I tell him, leaning into his touch.

“I thought I lost you,” he whispers before leaning down and placing a kiss on the corner of my mouth.

“You came for me.” I can’t tell if I am stating a fact or asking a question because I'm still in shock.

“What did I tell you?” he asks, leaning his forehead against mine.

“You would fix it,” I answer, smiling.

“I don't go back on my word, Fairy. Ever. Now, let's get the hell out of here before he changes his mind.”

***

A few hours later, we pull back into the beachside town that has felt more like home in the last three weeks than the house I grew up in ever has. I breathe a little easier just being on the island. As we get to town, Grayson looks across Harper, who spent the drive plastered to his side on the bench seat of his truck, at Kas, with me cuddled on his lap.

“Want to crash at my place? We can get the inflatable mattress from my parents,” Grayson offers.

“Naw, thanks for the offer, man. But if you don't mind, just drop us at the inn. I already texted Riley on the way in, and he's at work. I'm gonna see if he can get us a room,” Kas explains. With only a nod from Gray, we head back to where it all started. It doesn't take long to get to the inn, and before I know it, we are saying our goodbyes as I watch my best friend and her man drive away.

“Come on, Fairy. It's been an emotional day. Let's find a place to lay our heads.” He holds his hand out to me, and I don't hesitate to tangle my fingers with his. As we make our way up to the front counter, I wave and smile at Riley.

“You got your girl back. Thank the lords of the sea for that,” he laughs but then turns serious as his eyes reach mine. “It's really good to have you back, Charli. I wasn't sure what we were going to do with him after you left. He all but lost it.”

I wait for Kas to flip him off or disagree, but looking into Kas’s eyes, I see the pain still lingering just behind his gaze. He doesn't refute his friend, and I know Riley is telling the truth.

“Alright, I bet you two are ready to hit the hay. We had one last room open for the night. It's ready for you now.”

“Thanks, man. How much do I owe you?” Kas asks, pulling out his wallet.

“Not a dime, brother. Just get some rest and enjoy the night. I can only hold it for one night, but if y'all need to stay longer, just let me know, and I can work something out and move you guys around a bit.”

I almost start crying again at the love these guys have for each other, but before the waterworks can come, Kas grabs my hand, the key from Riley, and walks us down to our room.

“Kas?” I ask as I’m dragged behind him on the way to our room.

“I almost lost you today, fairy. Please, just give me a minute before I lose it.” I can hear his heavy breathing, and it’s making my heart race.

I smile as he takes the key and unlocks the door. This might be my chance. I’ve been ready for weeks to take this to the next level, but Kas has held back. He might burst with just a tiny push, and I can finally have the man of my dreams, fully.

“Lose it, you say? What all does that entail?” Inside my head, I’m rubbing my hands together like an evil villain, barely holding back a giggle.

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