Page 71 of No Summer Hotter than You

“See? I told you they’d make up,” Anthony murmured as he stepped into the room. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll be rooming with you by the end of the night.”

Before I could answer, Julie walked out with Andy in tow; he was now wearing a white tee. She didn’t look furious, but she also didn’t seem ready to change roommates for the night.

I shrugged. “You’re so certain of it, but we’ll see about that.”

Anthony chuckled, shaking his head, and then we followed Julie and Andy. When I arrived in the kitchen, it was bustling with activity. Practically all the men were already in swimming trunks. The only one fully dressed was Kelvin, who was helping Uncle Gary with the fishing gear. I glanced at Sai, my eyes widening in surprise. He was also wearing trunks, which allowed me to see his arms were toned and muscular.

“Sai, have you been working out?” I asked, stunned.

“Shoua, you didn’t know?” Jonathan laughed and slapped my brother on the shoulder. “This guy’s been hitting the gym with me for the last few months.”

“That’s some good progress, Sai,” Anthony commented, holding a bottle of sunscreen. “You must’ve worked hard to gain so much muscle.”

Instead of thanking him, Sai just nodded tensely. Anthony paid no mind and turned to Jonathan with an unbothered smile.

“Jonathan, you should consider being a personal trainer. Sai’s arms will look like yours in a few months,” he said.

Jonathan laughed and then motioned toward the front door. Sai followed him. “I’ll consider it, but probably not!”

Once they were out of earshot, Anthony raised a brow at me. “Is your brother still upset about what I said on Sunday? Or is he just avoiding me?”

“If that’s the case, then you’re not the only one he’s avoiding," I said.

Sai hadn’t even muttered a simple “Hey” to me this morning. He had given everyone the cold shoulder, much like our mom did when she was upset. It was annoying, but I’d rather be out of his way than in it.

Anthony shrugged. “I guess it’s his choice to pout like a kid.”

“We’re on a nice trip; he should just let go of those grievances,” I said.

“Grievances? What happened on Sunday wasn’t a grievance, Shoua.” Anthony frowned. “He disrespected you. I just defended you and put him in his place. If he can’t see what he did wrong and apologize, that’s just immaturity.” His neck and cheeks flushed pink with frustration.

My chest beat harder, hearing him so fired up. Not many people knew the exact details of how my family treats me. Not even Julie, Jonathan, and Auntie Yee since they have always heard about it second hand. My mom wasn’t a person to show her true colors to others outside of the family.

“Thanks, Anthony, for standing up for me,” I said.

“I told you, you don’t need to thank me.” He sighed and shook his head.

“But—”

“If you’re so grateful, then help me put on sunblock.” Anthony placed the bottle in my hands, tilted his head, and licked his lips. His eyes locked onto mine. “You can put sunblock on me all week, and we’ll call it even.”

I raised a brow. “For standing up for me? No. You deserve more.”

He shrugged. “If that’s how you want it, okay. I’ll just ask Evely?—”

“Fine.” My answer was terse, and Anthony immediately grinned, his eyes sparkling.

“Yeah?” His voice was low and husky as he licked his lips again. “Let’s do it right now, then.”

Anthony grabbed my hand and pulled me to the open TV room next to the kitchen. I could feel his anticipation as I popped the bottle open and squeezed out the sunscreen with a sigh.

“Turn your back towards me,” I demanded.

“Do my chest first,” he said.

I shook my head, not trusting myself of what I’d do if I touch him there. “No, do it yourself.”

“I’ll just ask?—”

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