Page 97 of Piggy

And that’s when I meethim. Tall, built, and tan. Blond hair, deep green eyes, and dimples. He still wears his work clothes, including those brown sea boots that go up to his knee. His arms are painted with nautical tattoos as well. And that deckhand aura that says:I’m that kind of fun.

Hot.

Not as hot as Grayson, but still.

He doesn’t even ask and drops into the chair, leans forward, and flashes me a slow, knowing smile.

“Hey there, pretty girl.”

Chapter 29

Charlotte

Holden chuckles. “Charlotte. Don’t listen to this clown. I have to work with him all day. Trust me.”

The man pauses, then extends his large hand across the table with a friendly grin, shrugging off Holden’s jab. “I’m Riser. Charlotte’s a beautiful name. Suits you.”

His voice is kind. Polite. But there’s something extra in the way he looks at me. Too much, maybe?

Keysha playfully slaps the table. “She’s taken,Chad.”

His hand stays outstretched anyway, steady. So I shake it reluctantly. His palm is warm and a little rough. I pull away swiftly. That was long enough.

He flicks a glance at Keysha, still smiling. “Just making new friends is all.”

His tone is light, his grin calm. Still, I shift in my seat. Hedoesseem sort of flirty. Maybe I should get ahead of this.

“Yeah. I have a boyfriend,” I say, clutching my beer like it might shield me. But the words come out sharper than Imean them to and I wince. It’s like I’m rejecting him in front of everyone. I never like hurting people.

Riser nods, though, his gaze the same. “Cool. Me, too.”

I blink. “Wait. You’re gay?”

His eyes widen, just a beat too long, like I caught him off guard. But then he chuckles, cheeks tinting pink.

“Sorry!” I blurt. “That was super blunt.”

He shrugs, smirking now, his voice smaller. “It’s okay. I’m not mad.” An awkward pause, then, “And yeah. I am... into guys.”

I feel so awful, but Keysha squints. It’s obvious she’s suspicious. Such a good friend. She says with a challenging tone, “Don’tlookgay.”

He blushes, now grinning widely, a little more comfortable now.

Holden laughs under his breath. “Yeah, he is.”

Riser shrugs, looking bashful, and lifts his beer. “Told ya.”

The tension bleeds from my shoulders. I blush, embarrassed, guilty, but mostly relieved. “Sorry again. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“No worries,” he assures, still watching me.

For such a big guy, there’s something shy about him. Like he’s used to being misunderstood. It’s kinda cute.

I let myself exhale, the pressure melting. No flirting. No drama. Just a guy trying to be part of the group.

And I’d totally overthought it.

Hours pass and the drinks pour.