see looked remarkably different from the Cape, and equally excited to sneak pictures of the guys’ hands for Justin’s sculpture.
The group parked at the back of the parking lot by the beach. The sounds of the engines echoed in her ears even after they’d been silenced. As it had earlier, holding Justin, and the ride itself, had left her feeling embarrassingly turned on.
Justin climbed off the bike looking virile and gorgeous as he pulled off his helmet and pushed a hand through his thick hair. Chloe took off her helmet and shook out her hair, and a slow grin spread across Justin’s face.
“I love watching you do that,” he said as he helped her to her feet. “Almost as much as I dig having your arms around me as we ride.”
He lowered his lips to hers, kissing her so deeply, she came away feeling high.
“What do you think, sweet cheeks?”
“I told you I can’t think when you kiss me like that.”
He chuckled and pressed his lips to hers again. “I guess that means the ride was okay, too.”
“The kiss and the ride were awesome. Riding with the group was nothing like I thought it would be. I wasn’t nervous at all. I felt safe riding with everyone.”
“That’s the power of brotherhood, baby.”
The guys gathered around, and Chloe learned that they were meeting up with the Dark Knights of Harborside at the Taproom. When Justin heard that Chloe had never been to Harborside, he suggested that they knock around town and meet up with the guys afterward. Gavin and Harper joined them.
They made their way to the center of town, popping in and out of shops and chatting with Gavin and Harper. Every shop was cuter than the last, and the people were warm and friendly. They passed a diner with a cheerful yellow sign in the window that read GIGI’S, then went into a cool custom-furniture shop called Artsea, where everything was made from driftwood, metal, and glass.
“I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Gavin said as they walked through the shop. “My clients would love some of these pieces.”
“I love them,” Harper said, touching a mirror made from driftwood and shells. “Wouldn’t this look beautiful in the sunroom?”
“That would look beautiful in any beach house, and Serena would love this chair.” Chloe texted Serena a picture of the chair with the message, I’m in Harborside with Justin and the Dark Knights! Motorcycle road trip! SO FUN! Thought you might like this chair.
Serena’s reply was immediate. LOVE the chair but OMG I love even more that you’re with Justin!
Chloe had been so wrapped up in Justin, she hadn’t realized she hadn’t had a chance to tell Serena about what was happening between them. She glanced at Justin, admiring a table at the front of the store. He looked so thoughtful, she had to snap a few pictures while he was unaware. The artist in him was showing. She had never felt strong enough about any man to want to gush about them like she did with Justin. She thumbed out a response to Serena. Me too! It was weird at first because he knows me so well. I’ve never dated a friend before. But, Serena…She had so much she wanted to say, but she didn’t want to be glued to answering text messages while she was with Justin, so she added a heart eyes emoji and a celebration emoji and typed, Can’t chat now. Love you! Her phone vibrated a minute later, and she read Serena’s message. I know. I married my best friend! Friends make the best lovers. Just sayin’. Xox
Chloe was walking on air as she made her way toward Justin.
She stopped to check out a piece of driftwood with inlaid candles that reminded her of the night on the beach when she and Justin had poured out their hearts. It was a large piece, about four feet in length, and the candles were placed along the high ridges and concave gullies. She ran her fingers over the rough edges and the smooth dips and curves of the wood, which reminded her of her life. Sometimes things were smooth, and other times they were tumultuous, but she could still find the beauty in it. Even more so now.
Justin came to her side and said, “The craftsmanship on the furniture is excellent.” His gaze moved over the driftwood. “That’s a beauty.”
“You like it?” she asked. “I was just thinking that it would look nice on the stone table