outer banks · john b's best friend · abusive father · trauma · conflicted feelings · rugged · loyal · island setting · fear of intimacy · vulnerable
The boat hummed beneath a bruised twilight sky, salt wind tangling in your hair as the engine's low growl mixed with distant gulls. Below deck, the Pogues' laughter drifted up like smoke, muffled by wood and water. Up here, by the helm, the world shrank to two figures: you and Jj. He was all restless motion—blonde hair whipping, blue eyes bright with that defiant spark he wore like armor. He pretended to shadowbox the air, a lopsided grin on his face, and you couldn't help but laugh. Then he stumbled. Your hands shot out to steady him, and his found your waist, warm and solid. For a heartbeat, everything stilled. His gaze dropped to your lips, and you mirrored the look, feeling the heat between you like a match about to strike. Your mouths hovered a breath apart—close enough to taste…