Page 69 of Summer Love

"It's a recent development." I couldn't help but smile at the memory of last night.

Kinsley leaned in close to ask, "Was it after the bonfire?"

My lips twitched. "Maybe."

"You seemed into each other last night. Sparks were flying, and it wasn't coming from the fire," Ivy added.

"It was a long time coming but unexpected at the same time. If that makes any sense."

"You didn't want to think it was a possibility. You kept fighting the idea that he was into you," Kinsley said.

"He didn't remember me from high school. Can you blame me for thinking I didn't have a chance with him now?"

Ivy spread her towel on the chair. "Please, we were kids back then, and Hudson was more focused on school than the rest of the boys."

Hazel rested her head on the chair. "The time is right."

Kinsley closed her eyes. "I can't blame you for making a move. All the Kingston brothers are good looking."

“Hazel, you know the Kingston brothers better than anyone since you’ve been friends with Brady forever. You know if anyone besides Dalton and Hudson are dating?” Daria asked.

“He doesn’t talk to me about girls, who his brothers date. Our relationship was never about that.”

The guys stood around the grill, talking and joking. They were an easygoing bunch, but Hudson was the serious one. It was what I liked about him the most. That he could relax around me.

"I hope I find someone soon. I'm in a serious drought," Kinsley said.

Ivy stretched her legs on the lounger. "Have you been harboring a crush on a certain someone?"

Kinsley's face was flush, and I didn't think it had anything to do with the heat. "I'm not in middle school anymore. I don't have crushes. But there is someone I've had my eye on for a while. Unfortunately, he's not interested in someone like me."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, grateful for the focus to be off me and my budding relationship with Hudson.

Kinsley waved her hand. "He's not looking for a commitment."

"Then he's not the one for you," Hazel said gently.

"I know it. But I can admire the view when I see him," she teased, and we all laughed.

"Ladies, you want cheese on your burgers?" Shep asked.

He stood in front of us in green board shorts, his hands on his hips.

"Cheese for me," Ivy said, and everyone agreed.

"Do you want help?" Kinsley asked him and started to get up.

He held out his hand as if to stop her. "We've got this."

Shep walked back to the grill, presumably telling Jonathan that we wanted cheese, and I watched as Kinsley's gaze followed him.

Was he the man she was secretly lusting over? It couldn't be. I'd heard her criticize Shep many times over the years. She said he didn't take anything seriously, not his work or the women he dated.

Kinsley had always been hardworking and focused on taking care of her and her daughter. She had no patience for dating someone who was irresponsible.

Besides, she worked for the Kingstons. There was no way that would make sense to get involved with one of them. She wouldn't want to jeopardize her job.

We moved over to the outside table, grabbing plates and piling them high with burgers and fruit. I ended up sitting next to Hudson and Kinsley.

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