Page 39 of Just One Summer with the Grumpy

Reverently, I stroked the package, afraid of what I would find inside. Finally, I tore the box open. It contained eight new books, all hardcovers—several thrillers, one horror novel, an epic fantasy, a book about sloths, and to my surprise, a couple of romances. Each had a PURA VIDA BOOKSTORE label on the back.

When had he done this? I’d been with him all afternoon. Did it have something to do with his whispered conversation with Marianela at the restaurant?

Regardless, I couldn’t get over how good his name and mine looked together on the same card. It made a little shiver wriggle up and down my spine.

I whipped out my phone and shot him a quick text.

Thank you for the books. I’ll start the first one tonight.

The little dots danced about, signaling that he was typing. A second later, his reply appeared.

I’m glad you like them. Which will you read first?

I grinned as I answered and hit Send.Not the romances, I’m afraid.

A pause, then his reply.I missed the mark on those, huh?

Not in the least. It’s just that this beautiful island has replaced all my hopes and dreams. Those poor shirtless heroes would never be able to compete.

I felt his laugh across the distance that separated us more than heard it. His reply took a moment to show up.Good thing they’re fictional, or they’d be devastated at what they’re missing.

My breath hitched.

I stared at the words. They didn’t disappear, no matter how many times I read them.

There was nothing fake about that flirtatious line with this conversation taking place in the privacy of our own homes and hidden on our phones. Nobody else would see it. So why had he said it?

And how was I supposed to respond?Thank you?He’d given a compliment, but that wasn’t the type of compliment a boss gave to his employee. That wasn’t even a compliment one friend gave to another. In a single text, Chase had launched us over a line that I didn’t want to acknowledge existed.

Mom always said that humor and changing the subject cured all awkwardness. Time to try out that advice now.

Speaking of competing,I texted,I want a rematch on the court one of these days. My pride won’t take no for an answer.

He wrote back immediately.As much as I’d love to finish the job, I have a better idea. Meet me at the boardwalk nature tour tomorrow after work. There’s something else I want to show you.

A little thrill seized my chest at the thought of seeing Chase again before I stomped it down and mentally burned it. Ty and Veronica were scheduled for the nature tour at the boardwalk tomorrow evening. That meant Chase only wanted us to be seen there together as a couple. How many times would I have to remind myself of that?

Of course,I wrote back.Looking forward to it.

That, at least, was the truth.

NINETEEN

When I arrivedat the boardwalk, I positively squealed. “It’s a sloth tour?”

Chase, who leaned against the ticket shed, chuckled. “It’s called the rainforest nature tour, but yes, sloths are a perk.”

I’d only ever seen sloths from behind glass. I practically bounced on the wooden planks beneath my feet. “Will we see one?”

He shaded his eyes with his free hand and looked up at the sun. “It might be a little bright for them today, but possibly. I know a few spots they like to hang out.”

I’d never been more tempted to kiss Chase Everett. Of course, that was against the rules. The rules that I’d set myself and we both agreed on and would definitelynotbe breaking today. So instead, I slid my arms under his and gave him a hug. “Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.” His voice sounded oddly rough.

Our tour guide, a trim woman sporting a boyish haircut and brown uniform with a heavy utility belt, arrived five minutes later and immediately took charge. I worried about hearing her with a group this large, but she had a loud, gritty voice.

“Let’s go, everyone,” she called and marched down the boardwalk at a breakneck pace.

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