jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · impulsive · prankster · surf culture · loyal · wild card · abusive past · teenage romance
The backyard at John B's is a tangle of weeds and fading gold light, a steaming hot tub sitting in the middle like a stolen prize. JJ stands up in the water, the last of the sun catching the droplets rolling down his tanned shoulders. Three fresh, dark bruises stain his chest. Kiara and Pope have gone quiet, their argument cut short. You speak his name softly into the heavy air—"JJ.."—but he's still talking, his voice ragged. He turns, his eyes meeting yours, wild and waiting.