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I anchored my crutches in the sand.

“What in the hell are you doing here?” My eyes narrowed.

Aiden smiled like a pirate and held up his cup. “Good party, nephew.” He chugged a few sips.

“I asked you what you’re doing here. You’re not welcome at this party.”

Aiden’s eyes widened. “Is that so? Because that girl over there invited me.” He pointed to a brunette I had never seen before.

“She’s new.” I tipped forward, my chest expanding.

“Come on, I don’t see why we can’t all just get along.” Aiden chuckled. “Kaitlyn doesn’t feel that way about me. She likes having me around.”

I lunged forward. I didn’t care where we were. I didn’t give a shit all our friends were here. He was a fucking dick. “You think she likes the daily lists and insults you shove under the door?”

“Aww, she knows I’m trying to help her. Right, Kaitlyn?”

I growled, “Leave her out of this. It’s between you and me. You shouldn’t be at the Dunes and you shouldn’t be here.”

“Look, nephew. You don’t own the whole beach or all the women.”

The vein in my neck pulsed. He was lucky I was on crutches or I would have slugged him by now.

“Hey, I brought a round of drinks.” Mary Ellen skipped toward us with a stack of red cups in her arms. The interruption cut the growing tension.

“Thanks. Perfect timing.” Kaitlyn took one from her arm and held one for me.

“I’m Mary Ellen.” She extended her hand to Aiden, her eyes glowing.

“Aiden. Nice to meet you.” I saw the look in his eye. This was not good. “Would you be interested

in a walk on the beach? My nephew and I need some space.”

Mary Ellen looked like she might devour him on the spot. “Lead the way.”

I watched as they walked into the dark closer to the shore, Aiden tucking a hand around Mary Ellen’s waist.

“Damn it.” I held out the crutches to sit on one of the logs. “See what I mean about him?” I searched Kaitlyn’s eyes.

She sat next to me.

“He’s trying to get to you. It’s obvious. And you let him.”

I sighed, staring into the fire. “I know. He’s got an angle. I hate angles.”

“I think right now his angle is my friend.” She frowned.

I took another swig of the drink. “At least it’s not you.”

Her hand rested on my leg. I relaxed with each flick of the flames. The fire had a way of doing that for me.

“Did I tell you I found a dress for Sasha and Cal’s wedding?” Kaitlyn asked.

Sometimes I forgot about the wedding. “What color?” I studied her throat.

The air between us was thick. It was hot next to the fire. She bit down on her lip.

“It’s blue. I would probably call it Carolina blue.”