Page 48 of Good Directions

“Nothing like that. We give them a hard time about it, because Auggie bought it for Miss Belle as a gift when Willa graduated from college. Said since they were officially empty nesters and all us kids were on the legit Hayes payroll and not his personal one, he could finally afford one. As far as yachts go, it’s small and rather unassuming, with enough room for all of us to hang on it for a day, and a cabin that is big enough for basically one purpose…”

He trails off, winking, letting me make my own assumptions. Which I do. As the oldest child of parents who own a party boat company, I’m more than familiar with all the ways people can get naughty-cal.

And just how many of them make that pun.

“They’re really cute,” I say, not knowing how else to respond.

Anton smiles, stepping in to me, closing the already small distance between us. My heart skips a beat, something that until now I would have said was a metaphor, the rest of me silently beckoning him closer. Because the couple of inches of space feels like it might as well be the Grand Canyon.

Placing a hand lightly on my hip, Anton takes one more step, giving me a little bit of my wish. But only a little.

“At the risk of sounding cheesy, I think you’re really cute, Sawyer,” he whispers.

“That is really cheesy.”

But also really sweet.

Anton tilts his head to the side, a single chuckle escaping with the subtle move. “I’m a little out of practice at this part.”

“Want to know a secret?” I ask, a weird anticipation rising in my chest.

“You are one up on me in the secret department,” he reminds me.

“I like cheese.”

“Me too.” Tightening his grip on my hip, Anton leans in, lowering his head slightly. “A lot.”

“Same.”

My answer is short, breathy, and full of so much want I wonder if Anton can hear it. If he can’t, it must be because it’s drowned out by the sound of my racing pulse.

Sucking in a breath, I let my eyes flick to his lips, wondering what they’ll feel like against mine. I know damn well that kissing Anton is against my better judgment. That this isn’t that kind of date. At least it wasn’t supposed to be. But somehow, here we are on the steps of his parents’ house, with him leaning in, and all I can think about is how badly I want to kiss him.

I just need him to⁠—

Anton slides his hand from my hip to the small of my back, softly pulling me into him, capturing my lips with his. I whimper, the smooth, swift move more than enough to overwhelm my senses and make my knees wobble. Sensing my new unsteadiness, Anton tightens his hold just enough, and I relax into him, into his kiss, letting the feel of him take over. I know he has me.

He won’t let me fall.

I grip onto him, pushing to my toes, wanting more. Wanting to find out exactly what Anton has to offer. Wanting to know if⁠—

“Ah, you’re home!”

Auggie’s voice cuts through the air, breaking the spell. I let go of Anton, trying to step back, pure mortification washing over me. Oh, fuck, I did not just get caught making out with Anton Hayes on his parents’ front porch.

Shit…

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me…” Anton mutters, his hold on me loosening.

“Y’all have fun?”

I step away, unable to look at either of the Hayes men standing on the porch. Now I really, really want to dig that hole and crawl into it. And maybe die while I’m down there.

“I…I…I gotta go…”

“Sawyer!”

Turning on my heel, I race into the house and up the stairs, not looking back. I crash down on the bed, paralyzed with embarrassment. What was I thinking? Oh wait, that’s right, I wasn’t.

The ding of my phone cuts through my brain fog, but I ignore it, unable to face anyone. Even digitally. But a second, then a third and then a fourth, almost immediate pings, make me think something might be wrong.

Anton

Sorry about that. Welcome to having a DAD

Let me make it up to you? Lunch tomorrow?

There’s some place I want to show you. I think you’ll like it

Please

I laugh, unable to help myself. And then, still against my better judgment, I reply.

OK