Page 12 of Spring Break with a Slap Shot

"No, actually," I find myself admitting, "she slept in my bed all night."

"Fuck, dude." Kaleb's mouth twists into a half-grin, half-grimace. "That's... new territory for you."

"Tell me about it," I mutter, running a hand down my face. It's like I can still feel the warmth of her body curled against mine.

"Man, I've seen you dodge ‘seconds’ with girls like they're slap shots coming at your head," Kaleb continues, disbelief edging his tone. "What are you gonna do next? Breakfast in bed?"

"Shut it," I snap, but there's no heat behind it. I'm too tangled up in the thought of Harmony's smile, the sound of her laugh. Andhell, the thought of her staying anywhere else but here suddenly puts a knot in my chest.

"Whatever's going on with you, bro," Kaleb says, eyeing me, "it's gonna be one interesting thing to watch."

I don't have a comeback for that because, for once in my life, Lucky Miles is at a loss for words.

There's this twist in my gut, not from last night's indulgences, but from something else, something that feels suspiciously like... guilt? No, more like fear—fear of messing up whatever this thing with Harmony is turning into.

Kaleb shakes his head. "Dude, she's a guest, and guests leave. You get tangled up in this, it's gonna end in emotions you're not ready for."

I lean against the fridge, arms folded across my chest, trying to look unfazed. But Kaleb’s words hit hard. "She seems different." The confession slips out before I can stop it.

"Harmony's smart, funny..." My voice trails off as I realize I'm not just talking her up to Kaleb—I'm convincing myself too.

"Look, I know it's risky," I continue, "but I can't shake this feeling. I want her around, even if it's just for another week."

"Your funeral, bro," Kaleb sighs, but there's a softness in his eyes. "Just don't say I didn't warn ya."

"Thanks for the pep talk," I shoot back with a grin that doesn't quite reach my eyes. The truth is, Kaleb's words have planted a seed of doubt, but it's too late. Harmony's already under my skin, and I'm not ready to let her go. Not yet.

Chapter 9-Harmony

I notice the quiet as I open my eyes. There’s no kitchen clatter or footsteps upstairs. It's early, but Dakota and Kaleb told us last night that they had practice this morning, so I’m sure they’re already gone.

I slide out of bed, padding softly down the hall to Marina's room. Gently, I push her door open and see her nestled in her blankets.

"Rise and shine," I whisper softly, giving her a gentle nudge.

She stirs. "Five more minutes." Her voice is muffled by the pillow.

"Come on," I coax. "Let's hit the beach before it turns into a tourist frenzy."

Marina sits up with her hair being a wild mess. "Sold," she grins, "Time to work on this tan."

We quickly swap pajamas for swimsuits. Mine is a simple black two-piece and Marina's a vibrant coral suit.

Out on the beach, it feels calm. The sand is cool beneath my feet.

"Perfect spot right here," I declare, spreading my towel near the dunes. Marina follows suit, laying hers beside mine.

"Absolutely," she agrees, surveying the slice of paradise. "Just us and the sun."

"Speaking of which," I say, reaching for the sunscreen. "Don't want to end up like a lobster."

"Pass it here when you're done," she grins, taking out her sunglasses and sliding them on.

With my face tilted up to feel the warmth of the sun, I close my eyes and just relax.

"Hey, girl?" Marina says softly.

"Yeah?"

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