Page 15 of Unmoored

Oops.

My cheeks burn. “Oh. Awkward. Sorry. I mean, you don’t… look related…” I trail off, trying desperately not to make it worse.

Murph winks at me. “It’s because we aren’t. Me and my best friends grew up together here. Everyone calls us brothers.”

“Wow,” I beam up at him. “You’re really lucky.”

“I know.” Then, the corners of Murph’s eyes crinkle in this little secret smile that feels like it’s just for me. “Believe it or not, there’s no exes in my closet. There’s been nobody for a while, actually. We should be scandal-free.”

That makes one of us.

Jamie is back, sliding two cups over the counter to us. I reach for my wallet, but Murph clears his throat and waves my hand away, handing over a bill.

I beam up at Murph as we set off walking along the road. “You sure remember how to treat a boy right.” I tell him with a toss of my head and a swish in my hips.

Murph actually laughs—a rush of breath, just for a second—and glances down at me. “So, what about you? Exes? Skeletons in the closet? Jealous lovers I should look out for?”

There it is. I was up way too late, lying on my back deck watching the stars, overthinking literally everything about the date. This is the question I was the most nervous about. But now that I’m on the spot, the right answer is easy.

“I’m single ashell.” It’s the first time I’ve said it aloud since the breakup. And holy shit, does it feel great.

“Lucky for me,” Murph winks at me.

It makes me blush to hear him say that… but it’s time for the next most important question. “And you’re out, right?”

Murph splutters on a mouthful of coffee. “I—uh—yeah,” he coughs, covering his mouth. “Sort of. I mean, people know, maybe. Or they’ve guessed. But it’s never really come up.”

“Mm.” I frown. “I grew up inland. They say it’s getting more progressive now, but… I can’t do open secrets.” I wave up and down at myself. “Thisisn’t a secret.”

Let’s face it, I’m not a beefcake like Murph. They see me coming from a mile off. And I like it that way.

Murph’s eyes widen. “Oh. Shit, no. That’s not what I meant. Sunrise is a haven for the freaks, outsiders, and misfits. It’s just that I… well…”

“Yeah?” I raise my eyebrows, gently putting my hand on his bicep before I can think about it. Shit, I hope it’s not the wrong move.

Murph clears his throat, glancing sideways at me. “I’ve never been in a long-term relationship.”

I just laugh with relief, sliding my hand to his shoulder before dropping it again. “That’s fine with me,” I promise. “Honestly. I was trying to figure out if I evenhaveanything butch in my closet. I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been in one.”

Murph snorts, and I grin with pleasure. He doesn’t seem to laugh easily, but I can tell he’s amused by a lot of the things I say—and it feels good.

“It’s great here,” he promises, his eyes suddenly lighting up with this sincere intensity. But I hear something else in his voice.

“And…?” I prompt.

“And… the price is the gossip mill. What we saw back there?” he gestures with his cup, vaguely over his shoulder. “The social committee’s monthly meeting. I’d bet twenty bucks they’re looking you up online right now.”

I burst out laughing. “Hey, I’m an artist. I could always use the algorithm boost. But it’s sweet that you didn’t want me to be overwhelmed.”

Murph’s already blushing, which makes me grin even more. “Mmmph,” he grunts, making himself busy sipping coffee.

I’m determined not to let that awkwardness from the first few minutes return. “Sooo…” I nudge him. “What’s the story? Born and raised here, stayed around, became the barge skipper?”

“Damn it. You guessed. Your turn now.”

I laugh, but Murph raises his eyebrows to indicate he’s serious. “Oh. Really?”

“Uh huh.”

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