Page 52 of Plotting Summer

“You’ll love it.”

He leans against the wall. “Will you save a dance for me?”

I tuck my lips inward to keep myself from blurting out an excited, Yes! “I don’t know. The line to dance with me is usually pretty long. I’d hate for anyone to think I’m playing favorites.”

Tristan smiles. “Beau said he danced with you last year. Did you make an exception for him?”

The thought of Beau remembering that he danced with me at all, let alone mentioning it to Tristan, causes my smile to break through. Especially since he was the only guy I’d danced with, and it hardly counts because it’s Beau. “How was I supposed to say no to a man in uniform?”

Tristan gestures to himself. “If we’re being technical, this is a uniform.”

I make a show of considering him, my gaze lingering longer than is probably necessary on his well-fitted polo. “Fine. Based on my appreciation for technicalities and my desire for consistency, I’ll do my best to squeeze you in.” I shrug. “But that’s all I can do.”

“After everything we’ve been through.” Tristan shakes his head, a smile dancing on his lips. “Maybe I’ll make our next outing be to Beach Break Bar and Grill when Mo and the Kokomos are playing, and you’ll have to dance every dance with me or you forfeit.”

That actually sounds like the most amazing outing ever, minus that our fellow Sunset Harborians would see us together.

“Speaking of the competition,” he says, leaning toward me. “Have you figured out what you want your prize to be if you win?”

There’s literally only one thing that keeps coming to my mind, but there are a few very good reasons why I don’t say it. Kissing Tristan is completely out of the question. “I still can’t think of anything.”

He smiles as if he can read my thoughts and leans in closer. He’s a mere breath away from me now. “Really? Not one little thing?”

My gaze betrays me and drops to his lips. “I …” The glass doors slide open, saving me from my near lapse in judgement. I glance over my shoulder and am stunned to find my brother strolling inside Seaside Oasis. Instinctively, I take a step away from Tristan. “Walker? What are you doing here?”

He glances over at me, apparently as surprised to see me as I am to see him. His gaze flicks to Tristan, then settles back on me. “I was told there was a family swim party here tonight.”

I stare at him. “And you came for it?”

“I knew you’d be excited, but your reaction is next level, Capri.”

“I am excited.” I smile to prove my point. “I just … I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

He puts out his arms like ‘here I am’ before glancing around. “Where’s everyone else?”

“They were in the courtyard a few minutes ago, but I’m guessing they’ve made it to the pool by now.”

“And where’s that?”

I’m about to describe how to get there, but Tristan steps to my side. “We can show you. We’re heading that way.”

Walker’s jaw tightens, but he gives Tristan a small nod of acknowledgment. Which is something.

In the following silence, I fully regret my choice of giving in to curiosity instead of having Tristan answer my question about the strained relationship between him and my brother. “So, how is it being back on Sunset Harbor?” I ask Walker, hoping to ease the tension.

“Better than I expected.” I really hope Jane doesn’t have anything to do with his response, but I’m suspecting she does.

“That’s good. Tristan and I spoke with a big fan of yours the other day. She said to let you know that she and her husband will be rooting for you if you make it back to the PGA Tour this year.”

“I’ll actually be playing in the British Open in July.”

My gaze shoots to his profile. “You’re going to England?”

“Scotland. Which works out well since Mom and Stan will be there at the same time.”

I wonder if Jane knows. But I can’t ask Walker, at least not right now, so I paste on another smile. “I’m not at all jealous.”

“No one’s stopping you from coming.”