Page 11 of Spring Break with a Slap Shot

I lean against the kitchen counter, sipping my coffee as Harmony and Marina huddle over their phones at the breakfast bar. They're deep in concentration, scrolling through listings for a new place to stay. I'm not eavesdropping, but it's hard not to overhear bits and pieces about beachfront views and tiny homes.

Harmony's brow furrows with focus, and I catch myself staring. There's something about the way she carries herself – that effortless poise and the sharp glint of intelligence in her green eyes – that hooks me. She speaks in tech specs and logistics, her voice steady and sure. I never pegged myself as a guy who'd fall for brainy talk, but here we are.

"Look at this one," Marina says, tilting her phone toward Harmony. "It's got an ocean view and it's just steps from The Sand Dunes Bar & Grill."

"Perfect." Harmony nods, tapping something into her own device. "Close enough to walk home after a night out."

"Exactly what we need," Marina agrees, grinning.

The funny thing is, Harmony's confidence isn't loud or showy; it's like a quiet storm brewing on the horizon, and damn if I don't want to chase it. But then there's that nagging voice in my head, the one that reminds me I'm supposed to be Mr. Casual, no strings attached. Dakota Miles doesn't do complications or feelings.

"Hey, Dakota, what do you think?" Marina waves me over, breaking into my internal tug-of-war.

"About?" I stroll to where they're seated, trying to shake off the turmoil twisting up inside me.

"This place for the rest of our vacay," she replies, pointing at her phone screen. It's a swanky little beach house, all modern lines and high-tech amenities.

"Looks great," I manage, my gaze drifting back to Harmony. She hasn't asked for my opinion, and that quiet self-assurance of hers is like a magnet. It's pulling me in, and I don’t know if I want to resist or revel in it.

"Or..." I start, surprising even myself with what I'm about to say, "you could crash here. House is big enough, and Kaleb and I are hardly around with practice and games."

Marina's eyes light up, and Harmony gives me a measured look. "Are you sure?"

"Positive," I say, and I mean it. Because, despite the fact that having Harmony so close goes against every playboy rule I've lived by, I can't deny the truth. I want her here, and that desire is slamming against my usual M.O., leaving the lines blurry.

“Great, we are going to get dressed for the day and head out to start exploring,” Marina says and grabs Harmony by the arm and practically drags her up the stairs.

I just stand there, swirling the remains of my black coffee in the mug, and watch Harmony's retreating figure as she ascends the staircase. The way she moves has a certainty that's damn hypnotic. I can't believe I've offered up the house like some kind of beachside Airbnb. My gaze flickers to Kaleb, who's chowing down on a protein bar with the intensity of a man who gives zero fucks about anything but his gains.

"Man, I don't know what's going on with me," I murmur, feeling the weight of confusion pressing down on my chest. "It's like... she's got this vibe, you know? Smart, doesn't take any crap. It's messing with my head."

Kaleb pauses mid-chew, gray eyes narrowing slightly as he takes in my confession. "You mean Harmony?" He tosses the wrapper into the trash with a practiced flick.

"Yep," I reply, running a hand through my hair. "She's just so—"

"Wait." Kaleb arches an eyebrow, cutting me off. "Are you telling me you actually slept with a woman in our guest room? That's directly across the hall from where you sleep, dude."

"Uh, yeah." I give him a sheepish grin, knowing full well it's out of character for me. "Never thought I'd cross that threshold."

"Fuck, Lucky," he says, shaking his head. "I never thought I’d see the day you’d break your own rule of not having any girl under your own roof."

"Neither did I," I admit, staring up at the kitchen light like it holds all the answers.

I lean forward on the kitchen counter, my fingers drumming on the marble. Kaleb's assessing gaze is still on me, like he's trying to solve a puzzle.

"Actually," I start but pause. "It wasn't the guest room."

Kaleb's eyes sharpen and zero in on mine. He knows me well enough to pick up on the significance of what I haven't said yet. "Don't tell me..."

"Yup." I nod, almost defiantly. "My bed."

"Fuck." He whistles low. "And here I thought you reserved that sacred space for solo time and beauty sleep."

"Hell, I don’t know what happened," I say with a shrug that feels too casual for the churn of emotions inside me.

"Okay, fine." Kaleb leans back against the opposite counter, arms crossed over his chest. "But then she went to her own bed for the night, right?"

I pause, the image of Harmony's peaceful face, sleeping next to me, flashes behind my eyelids.

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