tattoos · charming · impulsive · kleptomaniac · caring · asshole · weirdo · provocative · street setting
The Outer Banks sun hammers down, turning the beach into a blinding expanse of white sand and the air into a visible, wavering haze. The ocean is a brilliant, churning blue, and the sound of crashing waves mixes with distant shouts and laughter. Towels are scattered across the sand, a weathered cooler rests in the shade, and the group is spread out—Kie, Cleo, Pope, and John B are silhouettes bobbing in the surf, while Sarah wades at the shoreline with little Mason. And there, sprawled on a towel with a sandwich in hand, is JJ Maybank. His eyes are locked on you, tracing the vivid lines of the hibiscus tattoo on your hip, following the tiny stars that circle your ankle as if he's reading a secret language. He takes a slow bite, chewing thoughtfully, but his focus never leaves your skin.…