Page 66 of Hold the Line

I yanked on his hand. “Get down in the water with me.”

Without a beat of hesitation, he slid back in and righted his trunks. “You know who’s coming?”

“Pretty sure that’s Caleb. Let’s thank our lucky stars he wasn’t a few minutes earlier.”

Deacon shoved his hair off his forehead, looking at me with wide eyes. “Don’t even say it. I’m having enough trouble figuring out how to act normal. I can’t have that in my mind.”

I leaned into him, grinning wide. “You’re really cute when you’re panicking.”

He wrapped his arm around my waist. “Glad you’re amused.”

I snickered. “I really am.” I couldn’t even say why I found the situation funny, just that once I’d started laughing, I was done for. Caleb parking and hopping out of his vehicle made me laugh harder.

He stopped at the bank of the river, his hands on his hips. “What’s she laughing at?”

Deacon shrugged. “Can’t say I know. She’s got the giggles.”

I snorted, making me laugh even harder. I tried to greet my brother, but I couldn’t collect myself enough to get any coherent words out. Beside me, Deacon chuckled, but he didn’t give in to the complete mayhem that’d overtaken me.

Caleb shook his head. “I expect this lunacy out of Hannah.” He watched me for a beat then grinned softly. “I like seeing it out of you, Phe.”

“I do too,” Deacon agreed, pressing a kiss to my temple.

Caleb tipped the bill of his hat. “My guys told me you’d taken one of the side-by-sides out here. Thought I’d check in, say hey since I was nearby. Looks like everything’s good. I’ll leave you to your soak.”

I waved. “Bye, Caleb. See you soon.”

“See ya.” He nodded toward Deacon. “Keep her laughing like that; we’ll all be happy to have you around.”

Then he strode off to his vehicle and rumbled away, leaving us alone again.

I grinned at Deacon. “If only he knew I was laughing because he almost caught me blo—”

Deacon smashed his lips to mine, cutting me off. “You’re killing me, sugar. You gotta stop.”

“Okay.” I pecked the corner of his mouth. “I don’t want to kill you. I like you too much.”

He rubbed my bottom lip with his thumb. “Like you too. More than words.”

I closed my eyes, happy and calm in his arms. “Remember? Words aren’t necessary.”

He wrapped me in his arms, illustrating my point, and held me close and tight, letting me feel exactly how much he liked me…

And it was a whole lot.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Phoebe

Deaconsentmeatext saying he was getting off work a little early and was going to actually come in to Sugar Rush today and hang out until closing. Since he normally showed up after we were closed to walk home with me, this would be a rare treat. Even if it meant only a few extra minutes together, I’d take them. With my hectic schedule and his, every second counted. And considering the time wedidhave together was always sweeter than the last, I was eager to have him in my space.

Hailey slid next to me as I grabbed a cookie from the bakery case. “Do you have the schedule for next month ready yet? I need to tell my foster mom the dates I’m working so she can make sure she can pick me up.”

“Yes, I do.” I handed the customer his cookie and turned to Hailey. She really was the best worker. Never late and kept complaining to a minimum. I still didn’t know her story, but I liked what I did know. “I printed a copy this afternoon but spaced. It should still be in the printer. If you want to go grab it, you can have that copy.”

“Okay.” She tucked a stray strand of strawberry-blonde hair behind her ear. “Mind if I get it now before I forget?”

“Sure. We’re not exactly packed to the rafters. Go ahead.”

---