Page 79 of Spring Tide

He’s not exactly my boyfriend, as we haven’t had that conversation yet, but I’d like to hope we’re moving in that direction. Our relationship may have started as a lie—an attempt at quid pro quo—but now Luca has officially wormed his way into my heart.

“We’re dating.”

“I’m happy for you two, really. And for Reynolds’ sake, I hope he can keep you interested.”

“Stella,” I whine. “I really do like him.”

“I know you do. I can tell. And you’ve been talking to him for a while, but you know that your super-crush on Nate just exited the picture, so ...”

“That was nothing.”

She lifts one perfectly sculpted brow. “And Luca’s something?”

“He is.”

“Good.” She moves toward the doorway. With one final pat against the frame, she asks, “So, hot tub party? You can invite him if you want.”

“Luca in a hot tub with a bunch of half-naked girls? Sounds like a place he’d be super comfortable in.”

We share a laugh. “So I’ll take that as a rain check?”

“I have to study anyway, but thank you. You and ’Lani have fun, okay?”

“We will.”

* * *

Today isone of my last shifts at Amber Isle. The late-October air is crisp and cool, but there’s a residual heat to the ocean. It’s been a nice morning so far, especially since I’ve spent most of it staring over at Luca. I mean, I’ve been watching the beach for any potential drownings, of course, but I’ve also been making googly eyes at the guy I’m dating.

He’s so handsome. I can hardly see him from this vantage point, but I can picture the exact expression he’s wearing. His pinched brows. His half scowl. His floppy, dark hair falling partway into his eyes.

As if he can feel the heat of my gaze, his body shifts, head lifting in my direction. A warm smile stretches my cheeks, and we exchange waves—mine is overly exaggerated and enthusiastic, while his appears to be half-cocked.

I brace myself to hop off the lifeguard stand, but he’s already headed in my direction.

As he approaches, I cross and uncross my legs, flip my ponytail back behind my shoulders, twirl the front strands that frame my face. It’s been nearly a week since we’ve spent any time together. More accurately, it’s been six whole days since our first date ended in an impromptu sleepover.

We’ve been texting here and there, but we’ve both been overly busy.

“Hey.” He extends an arm in my direction, offering a helping hand. “Want to hop down for a minute?”

I tap my chin. “What’s in it for me?”

“Anything you want.”

“A kiss?”

His cheeks flush, lips forming a shy smile. “That could be arranged.”

I slide into place, legs dangling from the podium. Luca lifts both arms to meet my waist. His strong hands grip me on either side as I shift forward, landing feet-first in the sand. With a tiny smirk, I tilt my head up so he can kiss me. His lips are soft and warm, and I instantly melt against him, taking comfort in the way he holds me.

“You smell good,” he murmurs against my lips. “Peaches.”

I pull back, nudging our noses together. “It’s my shampoo.”

“I know.”

I beam, appreciating the soft flutter of butterflies in my stomach. “You came to say hi.”

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