Page 63 of Our Scorching Summer

“You buried him.” Marcelo’s laugh creases his wide-set eyes, and he drops his lengthy body onto the ground beside me.

“He deserved it.” Lily shrugs. “I need to grab a picture.”

“You must have it bad if you let her dig you six feet under.” João grins, flinging his head of coiled strands at me as he joins us on the ground.

Marcelo sticks his pointer into my cheek. “You still alive there, buddy?”

Not the kind of touch I was craving right now.

“Of course I have it bad.” I sigh. “You’ve seen her.”

Their heads follow the path to where Lily has gone to dig for her phone in her tote bag.

“Hey, hey, hey.” I thrash in the sand again. “Don’t look too long.”

“Who could blame you, man? She’sga—”

My tongue clicks. “Don’t finish that sentence.”

“Falou,Nico. João’s messing around. He wouldn’t know what to do with a woman like her anyway.”

João nods.“É verdade. Lily would eat me alive.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Lily appears in front of us.

I trace my eyes up her soft thighs, full hips, and the perfect chest that was bare only moments ago. Fuck.She’s so out of my league.

Actually, she’s probably out of everyone’s league.

“Nothing,” we all say in unison.

My friends scramble to their feet, yelling and hollering at each other as they throw random punches and tackles, trying to take possession of the soccer ball.

“Didn’t sound likenothingto me.” She holds up her phone and presses the screen. “Say cheese. I want to send a picture to Avery.”

“What are you going to take photos of when you return to New York?” I tease.

Lily doesn’t glance at me, but I can see the question bothers her.

“Not to interrupt,” Marcelo says, “but we came over to see if you guys want to playfutebolwith us. Our group is waiting over there.” He gestures to the makeshift goals people are setting up on the beach.

“I think Nico’s a bit preoccupied.” She sends me a playful smirk. “But I’d love to join.”

“You’re going to leave me here?”

“I’m sure you can dig yourself out.” Lily returns to her bag and puts her phone away.

“Marcelo, some help.” I desperately tilt my face toward him. He simply laughs.

“You’re on your own, but I’ll get you a beer tonight.Até mais.” He turns to Lily and scampers off to join the group.

My friends and classmates crowd around her, and it doesn’t take long before she’s shouting instructions at her team or flipping off João, who is refereeing.

Lily Rodin may be the only person who can leave me buried six feet deep in the ground and have me grinning like a fool.

It may be a selfish request, but I don’t want our fun to end any time soon.

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