Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“If we ever get out of this, remind me to eat more vegetables, smoke less pot, spend more time with my mom, oh, and for you to never crash into me in the surf.”

“Not to nit pick during your reflective moment there, sweetheart, but you crashed into me.”

“Fine, then remind me to hit you harder.”

“I don’t really think this is time or the place to do this, do you?”

“We’re tied up together in some creepy, old barn in the dark so I think it’s the perfect time to tell you exactly what I think.”

He pauses for a moment, the entirety of the situation weighing heavily. JJ was always afraid this might happen and is why he never let himself get close to anyone. With Kiara it felt too right not to but now she’s in danger and it’s all his fault. 

One Month Earlier

JJ

The only time of the day JJ Maybank truly feels like himself is between the hours of six and seven am when he’s riding across the waves. The only thing he can see is the reflection of the sunrise bouncing off the water and the only thing he can feel is the vibration from the sea and the only thing he can hear is his heart racing.

After 7am he’s showered, dressed, working two mundane jobs and his name is Jesse Rivers.

Every day is the same monotony; rinse and repeat.

The company-mandated polo shirt collar rubs against his neck, the diners complain their food isn’t hot enough, the charter guests are sea sick and at the end of the day he struggles to fall asleep even though he’s exhausted.

Then morning rolls around and life is good again because he can be himself even for just an hour. JJ figures if he has to be stuck somewhere The Outer Banks isn’t bad. He was raised by the water in Georgia and having it at his disposal every day is a bright light in an otherwise dull existence.

He wades out into the water, the swell’s impressive this morning which explains the number of surfers vying for the same waves. JJ usually stays away when there’s too much traffic but the burly lefts are too tasty to miss.

The water is cool as he paddles through it but he’s too busy eyeing off a nearby wave to care. This one has his name on it and the best part is no one seems to have claimed it. He increases his speed and takes off, his feet finding his board.JJ will never get over the thrill riding a wave brings. He can feel his hair blowing in the breeze as he gains traction slicing through the water with ease.

What he’s not expecting is to be hit from the side and ejected from his board and thrown into the surf. He’s dazed at first, the water filling his lungs, until he remembers to find the surface.

He’s disoriented initially while searching for his board. He wants to give whoever hit him a piece of his mind but that would draw too much attention. JJ used to like it when he could show emotion like a normal person. It would also help get out the repressed anger he feels most days.

He sees his board floating toward some sharp rocks and swims over to retrieve it before it turns into pieces. He notices someone swimming nearby, her chestnut hair is long so he can’t make out her face.

Before he can claim his board she places her hand on it. Her skin is perfectly golden, her eyes a rich shade of caramel and there’s a teasing sprinkle of freckles on the bridge of her nose. There’s no doubt she’s gorgeous but she’s also attempting to steal his property.

”Um, that’s my board.”

She studies him curiously, cheeks flush and her wet hair plastered to her skin. “Are you sure?”

“I know what my board looks like.”

It comes out more sarcastic than he planned but JJ hates being second guessed even by an extremely cute stranger.

“Sorry, I think I’m a bit dizzy from the wipeout,” she clarifies.

JJ knows exactly what she means. Then he realises she’s the one who hit him and he’s suddenly not feeling so charitable.

“You really should watch where you’re surfing, I had the right of way.”

“Well, news flash, you don’t own the wave,” she bristles. She’s wrong although he can’t help but admire her feistiness. "Or the ocean for that matter. Oh look, there’s my board.”

She’s swimming away before JJ can even reply. He figures it’s probably best she did given he doesn’t like to ruffle feathers and stand out for all the wrong reasons.

He pulls himself onto his board and paddles back towards the surf but it’s difficult to think of anything but the girl who knocked him over, literally and figuratively. JJ puts it down to the fact he hasn’t had sex in more time than he’d like to admit.

He finds himself looking for her, his eyes searching the waves. Then he notices her back on shore, her tiny, olive green bikini doing nothing to dampen his thoughts. Her hips moving side to side hypnotically only exaggerating the wiggle in her toned ass.

JJ turns around quickly and splashes cold water on his face. Who’s he fucking kidding? He’s going to need a full body cold shower to forget that.

Hopefully, he won’t run into her again.

Kiara

“I know I’m a bit rusty but damn the surfers around here are meaner than I remember,” Kiara growls, swiping a green apple from the bowl and taking a bite.

She’s hungry from surfing so decided to drop into the Chateau on her way, not that John B is known for his cooking skills. It’s just nice to be home and be able to see her best friend whenever she wants.

After graduating with honours from California State University in marine biology she’s back home for the summer. The first place she went after her parent's place was to surf at Kitty Hawk Beach. California has great beaches and all but she never had the time to surf and missed it.

“What did you do, Kie?”

He’s leaning over the kitchen bench giving her that look. His messy, brown hair is longer than usual and even though summer has just begun his tan is already deepening.

They’d met in grade school when the new kid knocked over his sand castle and made John B cry. So, Kiara took the liberty of pushing him over for his transgression. She still likes to joke that he owes her while he gets annoyed she insists on telling everyone the story ad nauseum.

“Why do you assume it’s my fault, John B? I was minding my own business and this guy comes out of nowhere and knocks me off my board. Then he gets all smug and possessive over his board and the waves and tells me he has the right of way.”

“So, you were closer to the wave’s peak then?”

She really hates when John B decides to get technical. Kiara knows there is such a thing as priority but maintains she was already riding the wave so that gave her the right of way. Or at least that’s what she’s telling herself.

“Can you just take my side because I’m your BFF and you’ve missed me?”

“Fine, I’ll take your side this once. Who was this guy anyway?”

Besides the tourists who came and went, the resident population is relatively small and everyone knows everyone. She hasn’t lived in OBX for a while but Kiara knows most of the local surfers.

“I don’t know, probably a clueless touron,” she jokes. “He definitely wasn’t as laid back as a local. Hopefully I won’t see him again.”

“More importantly, was he cute?” Sarah asks, fresh out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her hair. “John B never asks the important question.”

Sarah and John B were from two different sides of the island when they met but had now been dating for five years and owned the local surf shop in Kildare.

“He was okay, I guess,” Kiara replies weakly.

He was hot but it’s not like she'll admit that because John B would never let her hear the end of it. When she told him she was dizzy from the wipeout Kiara’s not too sure it wasn’t because of him. Sure, his attitude seemed to suck but she immediately wanted to run her hands through his abundance of hair.

“You liked him!” Sarah guesses. “Now we need to know who this guy is.”

“Ah, no we don’t.”

“You need a summer romance and, more importantly, you need to get some, Kie.”

“La la la la,” John B sings while blocking his ears. “I’m not hearing this.”

“I’m with John B,” Kiara agrees. “Except my sex life is not that bad, drama queen.”

“I heard it from Cleo,” Sarah argues. “You were roommates at college for years, so she's a reliable source.”

“Still not listening,” John B shouts.

Given Cleo is coming to visit in a few days Kiara knows what she’ll be talking to her about. Sure, she doesn’t have a very active sex life but she always blamed it on college. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have that excuse now.

“Anyway, where’s my breakfast?”

“You honestly came here expecting a home cooked meal? You’ve really been gone a long time, Kie.”

Chapter Text

JJ

Usually JJ’s more relaxed in the mornings after his surf but today isn’t one of those days. He’s still thinking about the person who crashed into him yesterday. He should be annoyed but if anything he’s feeling uneasy.

When he first arrived in town it was during the dead of Winter. If JJ’s being honest he’s edgy now that summer has arrived and more tourists seem to be arriving every day. Then he wonders if she’s here for the summer too which can’t be good for him.

Today's the first day in a while he hasn’t surfed. Truthfully, JJ was worried he’d run into the brunette again so he isn't as centred as usual. 

The Wreck is quiet but the lunch rush is imminent. JJ hates waiting tables, he prefers being out on charter in the fresh air but he needs the extra work.

“Hey, man,” JJ feels a hand clamp onto his shoulder and immediately freezes. It's a reflex reaction, unfortunately, and has been for years. 

It takes a moment for him to realise the voice is familiar. He turns around and sees Pope Heyward. JJ tends to stay away from people but Pope always makes an effort to chat even if it’s just to say hello. Although, it’s getting harder not to talk to him because he’s such a good guy.

“Hey, Pope, can I get you a table?”

“Any chance I can get a booth today, I have a lot of work to do and need to spread out,” he explains, holding up his laptop. “I came back home to spend more time with dad but work always finds a way to interfere.”

OBX is a small place and even JJ isn’t immune to hearing the latest gossip. Heyward Snr runs the local seafood market but was recently diagnosed with cancer. His son left his high tech job in Silicon Valley to come back to help out. JJ can’t help but feel jealous of their close relationship.

“Best seat in the house,” he jokes, passing him an obligatory menu as Pope settles into the booth. “Can I get you the usual?”

“Yes, you can,” he smiles knowingly. “And a coke.”

“How’s your dad doing?” JJ asks before he can stop himself.

He’s not supposed to care or make friends but something about Pope makes it difficult not to ask or care.

“The side effects from the chemo are kicking his ass but the doctors are positive about his progress. Thanks for asking.”

“I just want a really big tip,” JJ jokes, a rare smile coming out. “That’s really good to hear about the progress.”

“Are you close with your dad? I don’t think I’ve ever asked about your family, Jesse.”

As soon as he says his name, JJ’s smile disappears. Also, asking about his father will always ruin his day.

“There’s not much to say,” he replies, attempting to defect. This is what he gets for caring. Pope’s curious look is telling him he needs to elaborate further. “He died a few years ago but we weren’t close.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s fine, really,” he picks up Pope’s menu. “I’ll go get your drink.”

“Pope Heyward aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” a voice calls out.

JJ’s on his way to the kitchen to place Pope’s order but something seems very familiar about that voice. So familiar that he can still remember it telling him he didn’t own the ocean. It’s killing him not to turn around but the last thing JJ needs is to get into another argument with the wave stealer.

Kiara

“Kiara Carrera as I live and breathe,” Pope grins, standing up and pulling her into a warm hug. “Looks like the gangs all back together this summer, just like old times.”

“How’s Heyward doing? I was thinking about paying him a visit today, I mean if he’s up to it.”

“Health wise he’s doing a bit better but he’s in grumpy patient mode so I’d steer clear today. You know how much he hates being sick. I got told off for loitering so I had to get out of the house for my own good.”

“Tomorrow it is then,” she notes. “So, what are you doing?”

“Working,” he gestures to his laptop. “I don’t get a free pass just ‘cause I’m back home unfortunately. I’m kind of jealous you get to just have fun and hang out this summer.”

“Well, it’s not my fault you’re a certified genius and some huge tech company snapped you up before you’d even graduated.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“Well, dad,” she jokes. “I’m, uh, weighing up my options.”

It’s true, Kiara's had a few offers for graduate placements but they’re mainly research roles in offices. The one thing she loves most about marine biology is immersing herself in the environment, not being stuck behind a computer all day.

“I hope that’s not how you told your parents ‘cause it needs a bit of work.”

“I might have added some colourful adjectives and flourishes so I didn’t sound so undecided. It’s going to be tough to sell that for a few months though.”

“I’m surprised your dad hasn’t got you working here for the summer yet.”

“Yet is the operative word, I swear no matter how old you get you still have to work in the family business.”

“Here’s your coke.”

Kiara looks up expecting one of the many waiters her parents employed but isn’t ready for her mystery surfer to show up again and here of all places.

If she thought his hair looked good yesterday morning all wet it looks even better now dry and tousled. His standard issue Wreck polo shirt only accentuates his broad shoulders and toned arms and she’s finding it a little difficult to form actual words.

“Thanks, Jesse.”

He’s gone as quickly as he arrived so her lack of speech isn’t as embarrassing as it could’ve been or at least she hopes so. Of all places Kiara had to run into him again and he worked for her family.

“Friend of yours?” She asks Pope curiously.

Suddenly, she wants to know everything about him. 

“I wouldn’t say that exactly. He's a good waiter if that's what you're asking." Of course she isn't asking about his waiting prowess. "Why? Is he a friend of yours?”

“No. Why would you say that?” It comes out more defensively than she planned.

“Well, he does work at your parents bar and I know how small this town is at the best of times.”

“We met once very briefly, if you must know, but it wasn’t pleasant.”

“Oh, I get it.”

“Get what?”

“I get why you looked like a guppy just then because your mouth was that agape. I mean, I thought you were going to swallow the guy whole trying to form an actual sentence.”

“It was not that bad.”

“We'll beg to differ then. Does my little Kie have a crush?”

“Can you please keep your voice down, Pope,” she hisses.

“You wouldn’t be this upset if it was nothing, Kie,” he laughs. “It’s okay, really, from what I know of Jesse, he seems nice. I mean he’s quiet and keeps to himself but….”

“Quiet? That’s not my experience, he certainly loves to share his opinion,” she bites back. “If you’ll excuse me I need to visit the ladies.”

“Yeah, sure you do.”

She can still hear him laughing as she makes her way to the restrooms. Maybe she can make a quick getaway out the back door.

She’s not concentrating on anything but the bathroom door and then she feels something hit her with force. She holds onto it trying to steady her balance not realising at first that she’s grabbing his arm. His very toned arm. If his arm feels this good then she immediately wonders what the rest feels like to touch.

"Watch where you're going," Kiara growls, pulling her hand away. She doesn’t mean to be so forceful but he brings it out in her.

“Me? I was minding my own business over here, sweetheart. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised given that’s just your thing.”

“What is my thing exactly?"

"Running into people.”

“You’re very abrasive, has anyone ever told you that?”

He doesn’t respond immediately, almost like he isn’t expecting that reply and he’s considering his comeback carefully. I guess there’s a first time for everything.

His blue eyes flicker over her face then dip lower. Now, this isn’t where she saw things going at all, not that she's complaining. 

“Kiara, what have I told you about annoying the staff?” Her dad Mike seems to appear out of nowhere. Probably a good thing given the rising tension. The look of surprise on his face is enough to tell her he had no idea about her connection to this place. “Jesse, this is my favourite daughter Kiara.”

“That’s because I’m your only daughter, dad,” she grumbles, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her whole. This whole interaction has been way too embarrassing for her liking.

“Nice to meet you, Kiara,” he murmurs.

Kiara’s trying to ignore just how good her name sounds rolling off his tongue but it’s difficult.

“You too, Jesse.”

“I better get back to work,” he smiles briefly in her direction and basically runs away. It’s nice to see he can smile but, also, is she that scary?

“There’s an apron with your name on it if you want something to do,” her dad interrupts her thoughts.

“Maybe later, dad,” she shakes her head and gives him a quick hug.

Kiara figures it's probably best not to be in such close proximity with him again.

Her cell beeps denoting an incoming text message. Kiara figures it's either Pope teasing her from across the room or Cleo asking what she should pack for the hundredth time.

She opens it and scrolls through her list, the text from the Kildare turtle sanctuary catching her attention. 

She volunteered there on and off during high school and when she came back to visit over the years. She'd planned on helping them out over the summer anyway so figures this is good timing given it could be a much needed distraction.   

Chapter Text

“Where’s the manager? I’d like to make a complaint.”

“That would be John B, complain to him,” Sarah replies dryly, looking up from her magazine. “I’m busy.”

“Yeah, seems like it,” Kiara teases. “Where is everyone?”

“Surfing. The down side to having a place like this is that the mornings are slow, especially when the swells are good. I even wish I could go surfing. Did you go out and hit anyone today?”

“Why does everything think it was my fault?” Sarah’s expression is response enough so she doesn’t bother elaborating. “I’m actually doing some work for the turtle sanctuary today. We’re going out to dive and do some photography identification.”

“Well, not that I don’t love seeing you but why are you here?”

“We’re using Barracuda Mike Charters.” Given it’s next door to the Kiladare Surf Shop it makes sense. “Let’s hope we stay afloat.”

“To be honest he’s not overly involved with the day to day operations these days which is probably a good thing.”

“Hey, Sarah, can I get some sunscreen?”

Kiara hears a familiar voice and can’t believe her bad luck. Also, how does this guy seem to know all of her friends?

“Sure, Jesse,” Sarah says, passing him a tube over the counter. “Going out today?”

“Yep, looks like it’s going to be a hot one too.”

Speaking of hot, Kiara really wishes he didn’t have to look so good. His fitted, blue shirt is not only bringing out his all over tan but it’s making his aquamarine coloured eyes pop too.

“Oh sorry, Kiara Carrera, this is Jesse Rivers. Jesse works for Barracuda Mike next door.”

“Yeah, we’ve already met,” JJ says, giving her a half smile which she figures is an improvement since their last meeting.

“Yeah, Jesse works for my dad too, as it turns out. He’s a busy guy.”

“So busy I have to get going,” he passes Sarah a few notes. “I’ll see you later.”

“Okay, he couldn’t get out of here fast enough,” Sarah notes. “What’s the story with you two anyway? You could barely look at each other, let alone interact like normal people.”

“There’s no story,” she hits back. “I met him officially at The Wreck when I was there with Pope yesterday.”

“Okay and unofficially?”

“In the surf when he hit me.”

“Jesse is the cute guy from the beach? I should’ve known, there aren’t too many eligible guys around OBX these days.”

“I never said he was cute, you’re putting words in my mouth. He’s actually kind of rude so it cancels out the cute, you know if he was cute which he so isn’t.”

“Yeah, okay, Kie, smoke another joint,” she rolls her eyes. Kiara’s starting to wish she had a joint right now.

“So, what’s his story?”

“No idea really, he’s been here since the middle of winter. Besides working two jobs and surfing he kind of keeps to himself.”

“That’s what Pope said, you know that he keeps to himself. I wonder why?”

“Maybe you can ask him when you spend the day on the boat together.”

“I’d rather poke my eyes out,” she drawls. “Well, at least it won’t be just the two of us, that would be so awkward.”

Right on time her phone buzzed. She read through the message on screen, the dread filling her with every word.

“This cannot be happening.”

“What?”

“Jamie had to cancel so now it will just be me…”

“No it won’t, you’ll have Jesse. You know he's a certified diver too, right?”

“This is not happening,” she repeats, hoping it will somehow fix itself. “I can’t go on a boat alone with him.”

“Why? Afraid you’ll jump his bones?”

“Get serious, Sarah. He’s rude and abrasive and…”

“Hot as hell. Maybe you can help him apply that sunscreen, you know, in all the hard to reach places.”

“I’m not listening to you anymore,” she huffs. “This is going to be the absolute worst.”

JJ

“So, it’s just you?”

“Yeah, that’s what I said. The other person who was supposed to be coming can’t make it anymore.”

He just nods and then starts to untie the ropes for take off. He’s trying to calm his nerves, for some reason this woman scares the hell out of him and that says a lot given his life up until this point.

Her denim shorts are tiny, so too the white tank on top making her skin look absolutely radiant in the sunlight. Her hair is piled high on her head giving him an unencumbered view of her slender neck and he’s trying not to think about what it would be like to kiss it.

“Do you go out to the reef often?”

“It’s popular with tourists, so yeah, quite a bit.”

Then it’s silent again. JJ usually prefers silence because it means no questions but it just feels awkward with Kiara. Ever since she ran into him he’s wanted to know everything about her. But he can’t exactly ask anyone without it raising suspicions.

When he found out her parents owned The Wreck he was immediately on edge. He hopes the tension between them won’t cost him the job because he needs the money. So, JJ decides to be on his best behaviour, even if she has a tendency to get under his skin.

“Ah, if you need help I can dive too.”

JJ mentally kicks himself and wonders where the hell that offer came from? Best behaviour doesn’t mean helping. He’s supposed to be keeping his distance and here he is inserting himself into the situation. Which is the exact opposite of what he’s supposed to do given he’s trying to keep a low profile.

“I don’t think so, I mean you need to do training because it’s very specific and the underwater cameras can be tricky.”

“I’m happy to learn.”

There he goes again, being too fucking helpful for his own good.

“I’m not sure…”

“Why are you being so stubborn?”

Okay he didn’t mean to say that out loud. She seems to bring out two completely opposite sides of him which is quite the achievement for one person.

“Tell me what you really think.”

“Look, I’m just offering to help which I assume will help the turtle sanctuary which is why you’re here today, right?”

“I guess,” she falters. “Sure, thanks.”

“Okay, let’s get going then.”

It’s a couple of hours later and JJ’s peeling off his diving gear on deck, unable to wipe the smile off his face.

“There’s nothing like it, huh?” She asks.

For someone who doesn’t have much to smile about these days it’s the best he’s felt in a while, even more than surfing if that’s possible.

“Not a bad way to spend the day at all.”

“The first time I did it I couldn’t get enough. I did some field work at college but the Kildare sanctuary has given me the most experience over the years.”

JJ is getting to know more about Kiara under the guise of turtles and he’s not complaining.

“The turtles are amazing and they swim so close, if anything I thought they might stay away.”

“They’re actually really curious creatures. But sometimes people take that to mean they can touch them which is a big no no.”

“So, what will these photos we took do?”

“It’s the least invasive identifying technique so you don’t need to capture and handle the turtles. The pictures help identify individual animals in a population – and track them over time – from natural marks on the body like the unique patterns of scales on their face.”

“I can tell this makes you happy.”

“How’s that?”

“The huge smile on your face, it seems like this is exactly what you should be doing with your life.”

He shouldn’t have said that either but he can’t ignore just how happy she seems in the water with wildlife and how beautiful she looks doing it. It’s also a little difficult to concentrate properly with her wet suit pulled down to her waist and her black bikini in his line of sight.

“Yeah,” she agrees. “I'm at a crossroads since graduation and nothing really feels natural and right like this does."

"Can you work at the sanctuary full time?"

"On a voluntary basis which doesn't exactly pay the bills but I'll work something out. How about you?”

“How about me, what?”

“What makes you happy?”

It takes that comment to bring JJ back down to earth with a thud. He’s not happy and doesn’t see that being the case anytime soon but the last thing he should be doing is sharing it with Kiara, who’s basically a stranger at this point.

“Getting home on time,” he deflects, “It’s going to be dark soon.”

He gets up and makes his way to the front of the boat without a backwards glance. JJ knows it seems rude and dismissive to end the conversation like that and he doesn’t want to see her reaction to it either.

He shouldn’t have let his guard down at all and realises he needs to keep Kiara at arms length because otherwise there’s no telling what might slip out accidentally. He’s gotten this far without blowing his cover after all and one person isn’t going to change that.

Kiara

Kiara feels like she has whiplash lash, his personality changed so quickly.

One minute they were diving, having fun and then talking and the next he couldn’t get away quick enough. She always had her reservations when it came to Jesse but he seemed to be coming out of his shell, well, until he wasn’t.

She’s broken from her thoughts when she hears the engine but instead of roaring to life it splutters and wheezes. That can’t be good.

JJ’s busying himself with the engine, his face not giving her much hope. The last thing she needs is to be stuck here with Jesse given his unpredictable mood changes. She keeps her distance, throwing on her clothes and checking out the photos. The water was so clear today they turned out perfectly and the sanctuary will be pleased so at least there’s that.

After about ten minutes, Kiara realises this isn’t just a small problem. So, she ventures over gingerly. JJ’s inspecting the engine, his chest still bare and still incredibly distracting.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“The engine is shot,” he growls in response.

"What do you mean the engine is shot?"

"I thought I was pretty self explanatory but I can repeat it again if you like?"

Looks like the other Jesse is back with a vengeance. Kiara isn’t going to let it slide either, this isn’t her fault the boat won't start.

"You know, you're completely insufferable, has anyone ever told you that?"

"Well, you're no picnic yourself, sweetheart. It's kaput, ruined, wrecked, smashed..."

"There's no need to throw words at me, snarky, I was just asking a question."

"Why do I feel like we're going around in circles and by that I mean you."

"Wow more snark, how original. So, what does this mean exactly, you can fix it right?"

The frustrated look on his handsome face is telling her otherwise but Kiara's hoping she's wrong. The smudge of engine oil on his cheek is teasing her from afar and she has an almost urgent need to wipe it off and more if she's being honest.

"I mean we're not stuck out here are we? You know alone...together."

“Well, maybe if you just let me try and fix it, otherwise I’ll radio for help.”

If he wants space she’ll give it to him. Kiara thinks she could do with some herself after his petulant outburst. She’s still not completely sure what happened between talking about the dive to now. She looks at her watch. It’s later now and the sun has disappeared behind the clouds.

Kiara assumed she'd be there and back by now so didn’t pack much in the clothes department and it’s getting cooler. She shivers, rubbing her arms and trying to ward off the unexpected chill hoping they’ll get moving sooner rather than later.

JJ

When he said the engine was shot he was right. No amount of tinkering is going to fix it either.

He’s in denial because the thought of being stranded alone with Kiara is not ideal. Not only did he make things awkward again but being in such close proximity is a very bad idea.

It’s a bad idea because he wants to kiss her. And more. He’s never felt this attracted to anyone before and when she smiled so brightly earlier it made him feel the happiest he had in a while. It was like he forgot all about the darkness for a moment and allowed himself to actually live. Then she asked him about his happiness and it snapped him back to reality.

Having said all of that, his hang-ups and budding attraction to Kiara aren’t her fault.

He looks over surreptitiously and notices her rubbing her arms. Even though he’s still without a shirt he barely noticed the weather change he was so worked up about the engine.

JJ forages around in his bag and grabs his shirt and an extra hoodie. It’s the least he can do.

“Here, have this,” he offers, holding it out.

It’s actually his favourite hoodie but for some reason he really wants her to wear it.

“Says the guy with no shirt,” she replies, obviously joking but her tone is gruff. Not that he’s surprised.

“I got one, you can have this,” he replies, placing it over his head.

He’s relieved to see she’s doing the same. JJ’s beginning to realise Kiara looks gorgeous in anything but wearing his hoodie is causing tingles below where they haven’t been in a while.

“So, the engine is fucked,” he explains.

“And here I thought you exhausted all the adjectives earlier,” she teases.

“I radioed in and they’re going to send someone to pick us up in an hour or so. I did tell Mike that the boat needed a service a few times but it kind of fell on deaf ears.”

“Barracuda Mike is all about doing things as cheaply as possible, he’s known for it around here.”

“I’m starting to realise that,” he murmurs.

The last thing JJ needs is to work for someone like that given everything.

“Maybe you should start your own charter business, I’m sure it would be ten times better than this.”

“Well, when I win the lottery I might do that,” he jokes. “Are you hungry? I’ve got a couple of beers and some protein bars, you know very sophisticated fare.”

“Wow, only the best for your customers.”

“I try.”

“That sounds good.”

“Okay then,” he smiles, making his way towards the small galley on board before turning around. “Oh and Kiara?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry about before, I tend to get a little frustrated when things don’t go to plan.”

“Just a little?”

“Okay a lot,” he admits. “Also, I don’t want to annoy the girl whose parents can fire me.”

It’s a joke but he notices her expression change. “You think I’m that cold hearted that I’d get you fired?”

“No, no I just meant…” he trails off, wondering how he managed to stuff things up again.

“Just kidding,” she teases.

“I had a really nice day, you know before all of that frustration got in the way.”

“Yeah, I did too.”

Chapter Text

"Nice fashion, KiKi," Cleo says, tugging at the hoodie for extra effect. "What is this, fisherman chic?"

Okay, she promised she'd get it back to Jesse yesterday but it just felt and smelled too good to part with just yet.

"Says the girl wearing heels and a dress at 10am."

"Hey, you never know who you'll meet and where and when so it's best to be prepared."

Cleo has just arrived in town in all her glory and Kiara’s picking her up from the ferry. Given the number of looks she’s already getting, Cleo's certainly caused a splash.

“I almost didn’t recognise you, you’re going to need to be a bit more casual. Otherwise the guys around here will just think you’re some snobby Kook.”

“Should I know what a kook is?”

“It’s bad, that’s all you need to know.”

“I’m sorry but I don’t think I should be taking fashion advice from someone in an oversized hoodie and flip flops. Is that your dad’s or something?”

“No, it’s not my dad’s hoodie,” she shoots back, feeling a little offended that Cleo would think Jesse and her dad share the same fashion sense. “It belongs to Jesse if you must know.”

“Ohhhh is this the guy you got stuck on a boat with for hours? Did he take you then and there and let you wear his hoodie after?”

“Get your head out of the gutter, Cleo. He didn’t take me anywhere except back to the mainland.”

“But that was two days ago, why are you still wearing his hoodie?”

“I’m cold,” she lies.

“Yeah, okay, Kie, go with that one. I’m sure everyone will believe that. So, when do I get to meet this guy?”

“What did you pack?” Kiara asks, struggling to put her bag in the back of her dad’s truck. “Rocks?”

“Only the absolute essentials and stop changing the subject.”

“Never if I have my way, it’s not like we’re dating or anything. I need to return this but that’s it.”

“The guy works at your parent’s bar and next door to your best friend’s shop. He also surfs in the same patch of ocean, so good luck with that,” she says, slamming the truck door shut.

Cleo basically summed up her dilemma. Kiara probably won’t be able to go one hundred feet without seeing Jesse Rivers. On one hand she can’t wait to see him again because she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about him shirtless. However, on the other hand, she’s not quite sure which Jesse she’ll get. The one who lent her his hoodie or the one who's unpredictable when it comes to his moods.

“So, please tell me we’re going out tonight to celebrate my arrival.”

“I hate to dampen your expectations but OBX isn’t exactly on the same level as LA night life.”

“If there’s tequila, tunes and titillating company I’ll be happy.”

Cleo may think she’s ready for OBX but Kiara knows that OBX is not ready for Cleo.

“I’m not sure how many locals I’d describe as titillating but there’s definitely tequila so they may become that way after a few drinks. Sarah and John B will be there though. I might be able to twist Pope’s arm but his dad is sick.”

“It’ll be good to see Sarah and John B again, we always have so much fun when they visit. Maybe Jesse will make an appearance?”

“If he’s working and has to be there, sure, but otherwise he’ll be off alone somewhere. He’s not really the social type.”

“He hasn’t met me yet. I’ll have him doing tequila shots and dancing on the bar in no time.”

Before Kiara can reply about how delusional her friend is being she notices a familiar looking guy further up the road. He’s wearing a black, baseball cap but she can’t mistake those toned arms in the white, sleeveless shirt. It must be his day off because he’s usually working at this time, not that Kiara’s been checking up on him at all.

“That’s him!” Kiara shrinks down into her seat hoping he doesn’t see that she’s still wearing his clothes.

“Who, Jesse? Where?”

“Over there,” she gestures, “but don’t be captain obvious.”

Who’s she kidding? Captain Obvious is Cleo’s middle name.

“Oh roomie, he’s hot as hell but whose car is he getting into?”

Kiara notices him tip his baseball cap briefly before climbing into the passenger seat of a grey sedan.

“I have no idea,” she hisses.

“It’s a small town and you don’t know?”

“No, I don’t go around memorising everyone’s number plates, Cleo.”

“His plates are out of state so I’ll forgive you this time. We need to know where he’s going, follow that car.”

“Um, no.”

Cleo leans over and touches the steering wheel. “I will turn this thing, if you don’t. Don’t you want to know anything about him? Maybe there’s a mystery woman driving, maybe they’re an item, maybe that’s why he’s so hot and cold with you?”

“How much coffee have you had today?”

“Too much, now hurry up before we lose them.”

“He’s going to know we’re following.”

“I’ve seen enough cop shows, we just need to follow slowly and not get too close.”

“Thanks, Olivia Benson. This is crazy, you are crazy. Why do I always end up doing ridiculous things when you’re around?”

“Because secretly you love the crazy, Kie, now step on it.” 

“They’re not doing anything.”

The car is parked at the front of the lot overlooking the beach and neither person has moved in the past five minutes. Kiara and Cleo are parked over the other side out of sight thankfully.

“Patience, Kie,” Cleo replies. “You’d be terrible at a stakeout.”

“And you’ve been watching too many police shows.”

“Oh looks, like we have movement. You have exquisite taste, roomie. That boy’s ass looks good enough to bite.”

“I can’t believe that’s what you’re focusing on right now.”

He turns around, surveying the parking lot briefly then walks down towards the sand. The driver’s door opens up and instead of a secret girlfriend it’s a guy about six foot two with dark hair and stubble.

“Oh another hottie, and you said this place has no talent. Do you know him?” Kiara just shakes her head. “Damn shame. Are they taking a walk on the beach?”

“The rocks at the end have a private path and alcove if that’s where they’re going.”

“Why would they want that much privacy?”

“I thought you’d know, officer nosey.”

“Oh, do you think maybe…”

“Maybe what?”

“Maybe they want privacy so they can, you know. Have a little fun. Maybe he’s not interested in you because you’re not his type.”

Kiara never imagined that he might be gay, not that she minds either way, but at the same time she’s kind of disappointed if so. “You don’t know that and also it’s none of our business.”

“No, I don’t but why are they just walking to some private spot alone? It’s like they don’t want anyone to see them.”

“This just got really creepy. We are leaving.”

“Why don’t we follow them?”

“Okay, stalker. I am taking you back to my house for some decaf and a much needed rest.”

Of course, Kiara's wondering who he’s with and why but at the same time she doesn’t want to justify Cleo’s behaviour.

“You’re no fun, Kie.” She pokes out her tongue childishly.

“So, Sarah, tell me more about this Jesse,” Cleo asks.

They’re at The Wreck and a few tequila shots down. Kiara has to bite her tongue from responding. It seems like the more she protests the more excited Cleo gets. 

“I don’t have much to tell, he came to town about six months back and he works here and on charters. I rarely see him out except for work. Pope says he lives somewhere on The Cut but I actually don’t know where. Kie did get stuck on a boat with him for hours so she might have more information than me.”

“We didn’t braid each other’s hair, have a pillow fight and bond.”

“But he gave her his shirt to wear.”

“Cleo!”

“How come you didn’t tell me this?”

“There’s nothing to tell, it was cold and he lent me his shirt. End of story.”

“Except she was still wearing it this morning, Sarah.”

“Really? That sounds kind of gross to me,” John B pipes up.

“It’s cute and romantic, you know how I wear your Ramones t-shirt to bed, honey.”

“That hasn’t been my shirt since you claimed it three years ago,” he jokes. “Why are we talking about Jesse again?”

“Because he’s hot and Kiara has a crush,” Cleo says. “But we’re not sure if he’s interested in her or not.”

“I knew it!”

“You knew nothing, Sarah,” she shoots back. “He’s hot, sure, but I am not interested. We basically fought on the boat and his mood changes more times than the weather.”

“Mmmm yeah, okay, Kie.”

Kiara’s just lucky he’s not working tonight and she knows where the roster is so she could check beforehand.

“Oh, speak of the devil,” John B gestures to the door.

She glances over at the door seeing a flash of blonde hair before anything else. To say she’s nervous is an understatement and that’s not normal for Kiara. She wonders if he’ll ask about his hoodie which she still hasn’t returned. Her attachment to it definitely needs to be studied.

If she thought he looked good earlier he looks even better now in dark jeans and a fitted, black Clash t-shirt. His hair is all over the place but that’s one of Kiara’s favourite things about Jesse. Something about wanting to run her fingers through it.

“We should invite him over.”

“Looks like he’s getting some beer to-go.”

Kiara’s secretly glad he’s not staying because, although she has good intentions, Cleo would be a lot for anyone but especially Jesse.

“What are you waiting for, Kie, go over and talk to him. Tell him about your weird separation anxiety to his hoodie.”

“Okay, I do not have separation anxiety, Cleo.”

“Better yet, go with him. I’m sure Sarah and John B can keep me entertained. “

“I feel like you can provide your own entertainment, Cleo,” John B notes. “You don’t need us.”

“I am not leaving my friends, especially for some guy who I barely know by the way.”

“Maybe you can ask him about his boyfriend?”

“What boyfriend?” Sarah asks, her interest clearly piqued.

“Don’t encourage her, Sarah, she’s crazy. And don’t get me started on what she made me do today. What Jesse does is none of our business.”

“It’s okay, I’ll tell them all about operation stakeout and you go and talk to lover boy.”

Kiara can’t believe she’s actually listening to this lunacy. She’s fully prepared to keep pretending to ignore him but she does still have his clothes.

“I’ll be right back.”

“That’s my girl.”

Kiara walks away blocking out her friend’s laughter. Jesse’s making his way towards the door so she does the same feeling every bit the stalker. Why she listens to Cleo, Kiara will never understand. He goes to leave then turns back briefly and notices her standing there.

It’s almost as if he’s weighing up his options for a second before holding it open.

“Thanks.”

“Yeah, no problem,” he replies gruffly, holding her gaze briefly.

He’s usually clean shaven but his cheeks are slightly stubbled and Kiara has to admit the look agrees with him. She notices his blue eyes seem kind of red for whatever reason. He walks away towards the parking lot, clearly not in the mood to talk.

“I, uh, still have your hoodie, I’m sorry. I’ll get it back to you,” she calls after him.

“That’s fine,” he replies. “I’ve been busy so haven’t really thought about it much.”

Does that mean he hasn’t thought about her either?

“I’ll drop it off tomorrow.”

“Okay thanks, have a good night,” he says, dismissively.

Well, that settles that, she thinks. He hasn’t been thinking about her at all and she’s been running around town like an idiot in the guy’s clothes.

“Thanks, you too,” she replies, watching him walk away, his toned ass twitching as he does it. Cleo’s not usually right but she is about wanting to bite it.

He jumps into the driver’s seat of his truck and is gone as quickly as he appeared. Kiara figures she might as well leave anyway, she’s not really in the mood for drinking and more questions about Jesse she can’t answer, especially after that reception.

Given she came with Sarah and John B she decides to walk home on foot, it’s a nice night out anyway.

JJ

JJ can’t get away fast enough. He knew coming to the Wreck on a busy Saturday night was a risk but he really needed a drink or ten.

Seeing Kiara wasn’t exactly in his plans either.  After their adventure at sea, JJ had avoided her as much as possible. He felt increasingly nervous when she was around and couldn't risk dropping his guard given his situation. Every time she’s nearby JJ feels himself losing all composure and right now he can’t have that complication on top of everything else.

He makes his way towards the nearby stretch of beach, his favourite spot to sit and reflect. And boy, did he have some reflecting to do tonight.

The US Marshall in charge of his case had visited earlier to deliver some news. Apparently, it was too personal to do over the phone. In all honesty, JJ would have preferred the less personal option.

His dad is dead.

Finally.

Funny how he’d lied to Pope only days earlier about his father being dead and now he's actually gone.

JJ’s always wondered what this day would feel like. He expected to be happy and, most importantly, relieved but he just feels numb. He’s spent years hating Luke after everything he did to their family but now he’s got nothing. Even repressed anger, which he carries around daily, isn’t helping him out now.

Which is why he bought the beer. If anything is going to make him feel something it’s a ton of alcohol. The first can of beer barely registers, the second and third too. Now’s he onto the fourth or maybe the sixth and isn’t quite sure where he’s at right now.

He throws the can towards the water. Maybe it’s his seventh beer?

“Ouch!” A voice cries out in the dark.

“Hello? Just so you know an empty beer can doesn’t hurt.”

“It was more of a surprise ouch.”

The voice replies dryly, coming into view. Kiara’s looking gorgeous as usual in the same jeans and a fitted, white t-shirt but there seems to be three of her.

“You having a party?”

“Party?”

“The case of beer.”

“What can I say, when you need a beer the more the merrier.”

“Is that what they say?”

“Do you want some beer? Is that why you seem so upset about me drinking it all?”

“I’m fine, unlike you.”

“Sorry, mom, tell me what you really think.”

“You’re the one who hit me with a flying projectile when I was innocently walking home.”

“If it helps, it wasn’t personal,” he offers, lying back on the ground to stop the spinning.

“I wasn’t sure given how hot and cold you run, Rivers,” she adds, surprising him by lying down next to him. JJ’s not upset at all by her close proximity.

“If it helps, I prefer the hot to the cold but sometimes it has a life of its own.”

“Me too,” she sighs. “So, what are you doing out here drinking on your own?”

“I’m celebrating.”

“This is celebrating? You could’ve fooled me.”

“My dad’s dead.”

It’s out before he can stop it but right now JJ doesn’t care, he just wants to tell someone - anyone - what’s inside his head. He might go insane if not.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she offers, propping up her head so she can look at him. “Hang on, did you say celebrating?”

“Yeah, he was a bastard and that’s putting it nicely. He was in jail so I hadn’t seen him in a while which was probably a good thing. But at the same time…”

“At the same time?”

“It feels weird I guess. I mean weirder than I thought it would be.”

“I think if it was me, I’d have mixed feelings. I mean I don’t know you or your dad but that’s got to be tough to reconcile.”

“How so?”

“Death means something even if you try to pretend it doesn’t. I mean that person still gave you life and raised you…”

“He doesn’t deserve that much credit. My mom did all that, well until she died. I’d have her back in a heartbeat if I could.”

“She was that great, huh?”

“The best,” he murmurs.

“Life fucking sucks.”

“It really fucking does.”

They’re silent, laying side by side and JJ’s never felt more comfortable. She’s that close he could touch her hand, even better he could kiss her. He closes his eyes trying to steady his thoughts. Turns out chugging down multiple beers isn’t the best way to concentrate.

“Are you going to the funeral?”

“Didn’t have one, he was cremated on Wednesday.”

“We could have one here,” she suggests. “You know, if you want.”

The fact she’s suggested it means more to him than she could ever know. But it also makes JJ realise he’s said too much. He barely knows Kiara and he’s already broken the number one rule of witness protection.

“I’ve, uh, got to go,” he sits up, trying to ignore the dizziness. “Where’s my keys?” He asks no one in particular, searching through his pockets.

“You’re not driving.”

“Yeah, I am,” he shoots back petulantly.

“No, you’re not,” she insists, snatching his keys from the one pocket he hadn't searched. “I’m basically sober which makes me a much better designated driver.”

If Kiara drives him home that means she’ll know where he lives and after his latest, impromptu confessional, it’s the last thing JJ needs.

“You can’t just take my car, that’s stealing.”

“I’m not taking it,” she huffs. “Would you stop being so stubborn? It’s not very attractive, you know.”

“Why do you care how attractive I am?” He asks. Given the abundance of alcohol he seems to have summoned up some courage disguised as a weird kind of flirting. 

“I don’t, I was just making a point.”

“So, you think I’m attractive?”

“Okay, someone needs to go to bed,” he gives her a pointed look and she's immediately blushing and flustered and it's the most adorable thing he's seen in a while. “You need to go to bed, alone is what I meant.”

JJ realises there's not much space between them. She smells like vanilla and JJ can see a small smattering of freckles sprinkled over the bridge of her nose that he hasn't noticed before. Why does he really want to kiss her right there? 

Then he feels it. 

“Uh yeah, that might need to wait,” he rambles, knowing this is about to get ugly. “Excuse me.”

JJ runs away then hurls into the closest bushes. This isn’t embarrassing at all.

Chapter Text

"My fucking head," he groans, holding onto it while trying to make the room stop spinning at the same time.

"Here, have some Aspirin." She places some in his hand followed by a glass of water. “Come on, drink.”

"What the hell are you doing here?" JJ asks, looking first at Kiara then around the room urgently.

The reason he never lets anyone in his house is because all of his secrets are hidden in there in one way or another. The last thing he remembers is throwing up by the beach but not much else.

"Well, good morning to you too, sunshine. Drink."

He begrudgingly drinks because she looks like she means business. “Happy now?”

“Deliriously,” she replies sarcastically. “On that note, I’m just going to let myself out.”

She’s wearing the same outfit as last night, that much he remembers because of just how snugly her jeans and shirt fit. Her chestnut waves are pulled back into a long ponytail leaving her bare but also very kissable neck to tease him from afar. If he didn't feel so shitty he'd want to do just that. 

“Hang on,” he answers, standing up and trying not to fall back over. He's never fucking drinking again as long as he lives. “I’m sorry for being so…”

“Rude? Ungrateful…”

“Yeah, all of that,” he interrupts. “I might regret asking this but what exactly happened last night?”

“You might regret it? Would spending the night with yours truly be that bad?” She asks, then clearly realises what she said. “Nothing happened. Well, you hurled but I’m not surprised given the amount of beer you chugged.”

“Don’t say beer or hurl,” he pleads, suddenly feeling sicker. "Please tell me I didn’t make an ass of myself?”

“What do you mean like now?” She drawls. “I don’t know you that well, Rivers, but you’re not exactly a ray of sunshine at the best of times.”

“I’d be offended but my head hurts too badly for that much effort.”

“Okay, cheery,” she says louder than usual, clearly just to make a point.

JJ has to admit this behaviour would usually royally piss him off but when Kiara does it, it just makes her infinitely more adorable in his eyes.

“You were fine for the most part and were kind enough not to throw up on me. I gave you a lift home and you asked me to stay.”

“I did what?”

“Not like that, get your head out of the gutter. We just talked and you showered and threw up some more,” she chuckles. “It’s okay.”

“Maybe for you.”

JJ’s immediately worried about what he might have said. He wasn’t in the best headspace last night after finding out about his father and drinking on top of that was probably the worst decision. He's supposed to be laying low and staying incognito not getting smashed and extra chatty around town.

Half of him wants to find out what she may or may not know for his own security but the other half prefers to stay ignorant because it would be a lot less awkward. He also hates anyone pitying him and the last person he wants to feel sorry for him is Kiara.  

“It really was fine,” she smiles. “Now, I need to go and explain my whereabouts to my very nosey best friend.”

“Oh shit, what time is it?”

“A little after nine.”

“Oh fuck, fuck, fuck. I’m so late for work,” he gingerly makes his way to the hamper to try and find some clean clothes.

“Well, lucky you know the owner’s daughter. I swapped your shift tonight.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” JJ murmurs.

“Well, that’s what friends do,” she explains. “And, I don’t know, I’d like to think we are. Friends, that is.”

JJ’s face softens, he’s insanely attracted to Kiara physically but maybe there’s a lot more to their connection. It feels like she’s the first person to really see him because most of them don’t bother. He’s pushed everyone away and, unsurprisingly, they let him but she isn’t letting him off the hook and it means more than she probably knows.

“Friends sounds good. But just don’t go around town telling everyone about all the throwing up.”

It’s JJ’s way of asking her not to betray his full confidence without having to say it. He’s still not completely sure what he did and didn’t say to Kiara but his incredibly sore head is stopping him from investigating further.

“You’re on, friend,” she smiles. “Good luck with the hangover. Also, try not to be rude to anyone else today.”

She’s gone before he can reply and even though he feels terrible he smiles. Kiara seems to bring it out in him and it’s been a fucking long time since he's felt this way.

Kiara

“And where were you last night, young lady.”

“My parents didn’t even ask me that on the way in, Cleo.”

“Well, clearly they’re not doing their job, Kie.”

“I’m over twenty-one, I think it’s more than okay and I really need a little less judgment and a lot more sleep.”

“If you call me wanting you to have sex with Jesse judgment then sure,” she quips. “At least tell me how good he was. Did he take you in those strong arms and manhandle you?”

“Manhandle? I think someone has been reading too many erotic novels.” Cleo goes to speak but before Kiara holds up her finger. “No, he did not manhandle me, in fact we did nothing at all. Happy now?”

“Uh, no. So, you’re gone all night long and nothing happened? Excuse me if I’m a little cynical.”

“Not that I should have to explain anything but the guy had a lot to drink so nothing could have happened.”

“Okay but why did you have to spend all night with him? Don’t tell me you took care of him.”

“And if I did? That’s what friends do for other friends. I seem to recall holding your hair back while you threw up many nights during college.”

“I thought I said never to speak of that again? Okay, fine, you helped the guy out but did you do anything else? I mean nothing fun obviously but did you talk? Did you ask about his mystery boyfriend?”

“Oh yeah, the boyfriend was the first thing I brought up,” she replies sarcastically. “What do you think, Cleo? The guy is skittish enough as it is so why would I interrogate him?”

“You’d make a sucky detective, just saying,” she shoots back. “This guy appears here out of nowhere, meets with some stranger at the beach and is acting skittish. You said that in your own words, Kie.”

“He’s really a serial killer on the run, is that what you’re trying to tell me?”

“Well, you never know. Actually, he’s probably too hot for that,” she says, talking to herself more than Kiara at this point. “Actually, Ted Bundy was good looking and we know how that ended.”

“I’m a little concerned where this conversation is going, Cleo? Are you sure you slept last night because you sound like a crazy woman.”

“Well, on that note, I’m going out.”

“And where are you going?”

“I met this real cute guy at the bar last night if you must know,” she explains. “He’s going to show me the town given that my host is busy spending nights with strange men.”

“At your encouragement,” she scoffs. “Who is this guy? Should I be asking whether he’s a serial killer too?”

“You know the guy so I really hope it’s not the case.”

“Who?”

“Suddenly you’re not so sleepy,” she jokes. “It’s Pope.”

“That sneak. He told me he couldn’t make it last night when I asked.”

“Apparently his dad insisted he go out and enjoy himself and wouldn’t let him take no for an answer.”

“He told you about all of that with his dad?”

“He did,” she murmurs. “We actually had a really good talk after John B and Sarah left us alone so they could go home and be all coupley. I wanted to dance on top of the bar but Pope prefers to chill.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it. And I mean about you not dancing on the bar,” she teases. “I promise after this sleep I’ll be a much better host.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it, Carrera,” Cleo laughs. “You go to sleep and have sweet dreams about Jesse.”

Even though she’s exhausted, Kiara doesn’t think sleep will come quickly. After showering and slipping into her pyjamas her brain is still going one thousand miles an hour.

Kiara wasn’t completely forthcoming with Jesse because he’d said more in his drunken state than she admitted. For one thing she didn't think it was her business and for the other he was in one hell of a bad mood to bring it up this morning. 

“You’re really bossy, has anyone ever told you that?” He grumbled, attempting to put his key in the lock but failing miserably.

“And you’re really annoying especially when you’re drunk,” she muttered, grabbing the keys from his hand and trying each in the lock until one clicked. “But at least I can get inside.”

“I’m fine,” he mumbled, making his way inside and stumbling onto the nearby couch.

Kiara didn’t know where he lived up until now and she had to admit it wasn’t what she was expecting. It was a small studio in The Cut but surprisingly bare from the walls to the furnishings. It was like someone was just passing through town; the contents were that sparse. Given he’d resided there over six months, Kiara was surprised it didn’t look more lived in. 

She made her way to the small kitchenette and poured him a glass of water. A quick scan of his basically empty cupboards for some aspirin came up with nothing.

“Do you always go through people’s stuff?”

“I’m trying to find you some aspirin, so sue me,” she replied.

“Well, I don’t know about you but I keep my aspirin in the bathroom."

“Has anyone told you what a smart ass you are, Rivers?” She huffed, moving into the bathroom and opening his cabinet. “Not only did I drive you home but here I am getting you some pain relief. Maybe I should take some too because you are a pain in my ass.”

“It’s not Rivers,” he mumbled, nestling further into the couch.

“What’s not Rivers?”

“They gave me that name.”

Now, Kiara could tell the guy was drunk but to say that was weird still. Maybe he changed his name because his mom got remarried but he said she’d passed away. Maybe he was talking about having his dad’s name forced upon him?

“Yeah, parents have this huge responsibility and then they turn around and give you Mabel for a middle name.” she chuckled, hoping he’d offer something similar in reply.

“I liked my name,” he sighed defeatedly. “JJ Maybank. But I’m not even allowed to have that anymore.”

Kiara stilled. Why did he have to change his whole name? Maybe one of the J’s was for Jesse but his surname too? Suddenly, his standoffish behaviour was starting to make sense. Was he hiding out and had to change his name? Maybe Cleo was right and she shouldn’t be alone with him.

Looking over though at his tousled, blonde hair and sleepy expression, Kiara felt something much stronger than fear. She felt sympathy and a weird sense of understanding that she couldn't quite explain.

“Here,” she murmurs, sitting beside him on the couch. “Have some Aspirin.”

“Are you trying to drug me?”

That sure was an interesting response. Was he actually scared or just joking in his usual grouchy way?

“Says the guy who told me where the aspirin was,” she shot back. “It’ll make you feel better, I promise.”

“Don’t make me a promise,” he growled, sitting up unsteadily and holding his head. “Because then you’ll have to break it.”

Kiara’s heart broke for him. What had he gone through in his previous life to be that jaded?

“Well, this is on the people who make Aspirin, not me,” she said, attempting a joke. “I, uh, should really get going now you’re home.”

“No,” he pleaded, surprising Kiara by placing his hand on hers. “Please stay for a bit.”

She definitely wasn't expecting such vulnerability but between his expression and the way he was touching her Kiara couldn’t say no. If she was honest, she didn't want to leave anyway. 

“Will you be less snarky if I do?”

“You secretly love my snark, Carrera,” he smiled. He was one hundred per cent correct not that she'd ever admit it aloud. “But I’ll try.”

“Well, that’s all I can ask,” she murmured. “Maybe a shower might make you feel better?”

“Oh really?” His raised brows caused her to nudge him playfully in the shoulder. 

“You wish. Also, get your head out of the gutter,” she shot back.

He took her up on the suggestion but what she wasn’t expecting was for him to come out of the bathroom dressed in only a towel tied low and tight on his hips. She'd seen him topless on the boat but this seemed way more intimate. Kiara gulped and looked away trying to calm her breathing. Almost like he could read her mind he spoke.

“Sorry, I, uh, left my clothes out here.”

“Yeah, no problem,” she lied.

There was a stray drop of water sliding down his bare chest teasing her from afar and Kiara knew she couldn't be responsible for her actions if he stayed that way much longer.

“I can go if you like so you can change in private.” She didn’t want to go anywhere else, especially now.

“If you want to,” he replied but Kiara could tell he was unsure too given his tone. “I’m really sorry you had to look after my sorry ass tonight.”

“Yeah, you’re a terrible patient,” she teased. “I don’t mind staying if you want.”

“Thanks,” he exhaled. “I just don’t feel like being alone tonight.”

Their gazes locked and Kiara could feel the tension in the room skyrocket. Everything inside her wanted to go to him. She’d start with brushing away that drop of water and kissing that dimple in his left cheek that drove her crazy when it appeared out of nowhere. His towel would come off too and pool around his ankles then she'd…

“Are you okay?” He asked, clearly concerned.

“I’m totally fine,” she coughed. “So, you wanna watch some tv or something?”

And that’s how they ended up together on his bed. Somehow during the night they became wrapped around each other and Kiara did nothing to stop it. It felt right not to mention fucking amazing. It was only as the sun rays peeked in through the broken blind that she realised she should move. Kiara didn’t know what Jesse would think waking up to it in the sober light of day.

Then she realised Jesse might not even be his name as it all came flooding back. Kiara thought about raising it with him but at the same time he was drunk and might already be regretting confessing about his dad’s death already.

So, she pulled away from him slowly, as much as she didn’t want to.

After revisiting her night Kiara realises that sleep won’t come anytime soon. She gets up and goes to her laptop. As much as she feels like she’ll be betraying his trust, Kiara needs to know just who Jesse or JJ is.

At the same time, it could reveal things she really doesn’t want to know given her burgeoning feelings for the guy. That’s exactly why she didn’t say anything to Jesse or Cleo, she didn’t want to believe anything might be wrong with him.

She navigates the search bar and enters JJ Maybank, holding her breath as she presses the enter button.

Thirty-nine year old Larissa Maybank has died in a car accident on the outskirts of Philadelphia.

Her sixteen year old son JJ Maybank, who was travelling with his mother at the time, was badly injured in the crash and taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Sources close to the investigation have revealed this wasn’t an accident and could be the work of the powerful Groff family whose drug dealings in and around the United States are prolific.

Luke Maybank, the former partner of Larissa and father of JJ, was incarcerated last year on drug related charges tied to the Groff family. Some are calling this latest attack retaliation for Maybank’s deal with prosecutors in naming key operatives in the drug ring.

Kiara can’t believe what she’s reading. If he’s The JJ Maybank in this article then the fact he’s changed his identity makes so much more sense.

There aren’t many search matches or photos to identify if JJ Maybank and Jesse Rivers are the same person at first. Until she comes across a news article from a local county newspaper with a grainy photograph. Sure, he looks younger but Kiara can’t mistake that unruly, blonde hair.

Jesse Rivers is JJ Maybank.

He said Jesse Rivers is the name they gave him. Did that mean he's changed his identity and is in witness protection or something like it? Of course, she wants to ask him everything but at the same time she doesn’t want to scare him away for good. 

Chapter Text

JJ’s not sure whether he’s dreaming or not but the constant knocking isn’t going away.

He sits up, running his hands over his face and trying to gain his bearings. The clock on the bedside reads 5am and he groans wondering who the hell thinks it’s a good idea to wake him this early.

Then as the initial fog clears, JJ’s instincts kick in. His heart rate rises and his breathing shallows. He looks over at the closet wondering if he’s got time to grab the bag he pre packed in case things go south. His window is ajar as usual so that if he opens it further it won’t make as much noise if he needs to escape.

“Jesse! I know you’re in there.”

He knows that voice and it isn’t someone coming to kill him. Unless you count killing his sleep schedule

Before his drunken display things were better because he could keep Kiara at arms length and she had no idea where he lived. But now it’s open season apparently. He’s largely avoided her as much as possible the last few weeks. He’s still not quite sure what she knows besides his dad dying but JJ just hopes it’s as little as possible. No one’s said anything to him either, including her parents, so if she does know more she hasn’t shared it with them at least.

When she said she wanted to be friends, JJ’s heart melted just a little bit. She’s definitely gotten the closest to him in years and that’s saying something. But at the same time he has no intention of putting her in danger so that’s why keeping his distance is a must.

“I’m not taking no for an answer,” Kiara insists, “I can be really annoying when I want to be, Rivers.”

He stands up in frustration, not even bothering to consult a mirror because he just wants her to stop at this point.

“You realise it’s 5am, right?” He asks, his voice full of sleep, as he opens the door.

She falls through the door mid knock and makes direct contact with his bare chest. Luckily, he catches her, his arms encircling her waist just in time before she face plants. She’s wearing a bikini top and tiny shorts so he can feel her bare skin rubbing teasingly against his. For some reason JJ doesn’t make any effort to untangle himself from Kiara. She feels so warm and comforting and he closes his eyes momentarily soaking it in like he’s storing a memory for later.

Then as quickly as he opened the door, he’s distancing himself. JJ knows that whatever Kiara stirs inside him can only lead to bad things long term. She seems equally as dazed by their little moment then shakes her head.

“Uh, yeah. Of course I do. The weather report says there’s one to three metre swells.”

“And?”

“It’s the perfect time for surfing. I notice you haven’t been at the beach for a while so I thought I’d personally escort you to the waves.”

“Did you ever think that, I don’t know, maybe I was sleeping?”

“Sleeping’s overrated when the surf is this good. This will be more relaxing than any sleep, trust me. Now, get your board and put on a shirt.”

JJ briefly wonders why she’s so obsessed with him putting on a shirt but she did just fall straight into his bare chest. Not that he’s complaining about it.

“I’m getting the impression that I have no choice but to agree at this point.”

“You would be right, now hurry up before the waves disappear.”

JJ can’t help but crack a small smile as he goes to retrieve what he needs. It’s like Kiara knows what he needs exactly when he needs it. It actually reminds him of his mother. He doesn’t want to entertain whatever this is between them but, at the same time, JJ knows how withdrawn he’s become over the years and having Kiara in his life makes him that little less lonely.

He's kept her from his case officer because he knows it would concern him. JJ's always been told emotion equals death. So, he needs to bide his time until he can get the fuck of out OBX for good because Kiara’s stirring up feelings that he really shouldn’t be having.

Kiara

“Talk about wipeout,” she growls, barely keeping her balance after yet another wave crashes over her body. “I might have been slightly over ambitious with that wave.”

“You think?” He asks, placing his hand on the small of her back and guiding her from the water.

The one thing she doesn’t mind is having JJ around to console her when she wipes out. They’ve touched twice now in a matter of hours and Kiara’s not complaining one bit. Sure, she doesn’t really know the guy and he’s keeping huge secrets but despite all that she knows it feels really good.

“We can’t all be as good as you.”

Of course, he’s a talented surfer. She’d been in awe watching him navigate the waves while making it look seamless. He looked so happy doing it too which was unexpected. Kiara realises the water might be where he feels most at home. Kiara hasn’t found her place yet but it’s nice spending some time with JJ in his.

“It’s tough being this amazing.” Kiara laughs, picking up strands of wet hair and wringing them free of water.

Their dry towels are spread out on the sand and he picks up hers and places it around her shoulders.

“Wow, I should wipe out more often if this is the treatment I get.”

“Yeah sure, next up mimosas and caviar.”

“I think I’ve ingested enough from the sea this morning,” Kiara replies, placing her towel back on the sand and sitting next to him. “But all of that wiping out really makes you really hungry.”

“Well, lucky your parents own a bar with food. That must have been nice growing up.”

“Nice for the food but not the child labour,” she jokes. “How are you finding it?”

“It’s good, your parents have been nice and it pays the bills,” he explains, brushing a stray hair from his face.

It’s the kind of hair that’s begging to be touched, that combined with his toned chest is causing more than a few tingles down below. Kiara decides that having to be within such close proximity of him half-dressed has its drawbacks, although the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

“But not exactly your dream job.”

“Not really but I don’t have a dream job. Is that like you with sea turtles?”

“I think so, I mean yeah. I just don’t really know how to make it work. I could go back to California but it’s so nice to be back here with everyone again. Home feels right. I bet you feel that way about where you come from?”

“Not really, I, uh, moved around a lot,” he offers, giving her absolutely nothing. “Can you work at the sanctuary?”

“As a volunteer, sure, but I need an actual job to pay my bills. Speaking of the sanctuary, I’ve offered to do night patrol duty at Kitty Hawk Beach tonight if you’re interested?”

“Night patrol?”

“The sanctuary organises patrols to protect sea turtle nests from predators and poachers,” she explains, running her hands through the sand. “I set up camp and keep watch overnight.”

“So, basically I’ll get no sleep at all. You know, kind of like this morning when you woke me up.”

“I get it, you like your sleep.” Kiara shakes her head. “But you also get to do your bit for the marine environment. Think about those poor, little, baby, sea turtles who need your protection.”

“Ah guilt, that’s one way to get me to help you.”

“How about an all you can eat supply of chocolate and coffee and I’ll throw in my sparkling company as a bonus.”

“Well,” he pauses. Kiara’s expecting him to say no and withdraw as usual but he surprises her. “When you put it like that, but there better be a lot of chocolate, Carrera.”

Is Kiara considering asking him about his past some more? Maybe. She knows he’s skittish and it might mean he’ll disappear again but at the same time she wants him to know he can confide in her and that JJ's not alone.

“Help! Help!” They both look over at a woman who’s screaming by the water’s edge. “It’s my son, he’s in the water.”

JJ clearly doesn’t need to hear it twice, he’s already running towards the water. He moves past the woman and runs through the shallow water, then dives into the surf. Kiara goes over to comfort the woman.

“He’s only eight,” she’s crying uncontrollably. “I can’t swim and I told him not to go in too far but he didn’t listen.”

“It’s okay, we’ll find him,” Kiara soothes, hoping that’s true at least.

Her eyes search the water. JJ is swimming fast, so fast that Kiara can barely keep track of him amongst the big waves. The stretch of beach they’re on isn’t patrolled so he’s the only chance they’ve got to find the little boy.

Almost a minute passes and there’s no sign of JJ or the boy. Until she finally notices a hand waving in the air. The waves part and Kiara sees JJ swimming into shore while holding onto the boy.

By now a large, vacation crowd has gathered around them watching the water. They cheer loudly as JJ brings in the boy, holding him in his arms but Kiara can tell by his limp body that he’s unconscious or worse.

He lays him on the sand, looking over at Kiara. “Can you help with CPR?”

She nods and takes her position as JJ pumps his chest and she administers the breathing. Lucky she took a first air course and knows what she’s doing. Kiara can hear his mother in hysterics but she needs to block her out right now and concentrate.

After she’s taken her breath, the boy finally responds. He coughs up water and JJ rolls him onto his side to recover. The crowd cheers again as his mother places her arm around him comfortingly.

Kiara exhales, relieved he’s okay but her heart is still racing like crazy. JJ’s clearly still exhausted from his swim. He looks at her and she can tell he’s feeling the same way.

The crowd around them doesn’t dissipate at first, everyone wants to congratulate them on saving the little boy. His mom hugs them both too and Kiara can feel every inch of gratitude in her embrace.

“What did you say about a relaxing surf?’ He asks, as they walk back to their towels.

“I take that all back,” she sighs. “Look at you, Mr Hero. You went all Baywatch on me. Anyone would think you were a professional lifeguard or something.”

Kiara was too caught up in everything while it was happening but on reflection she wonders if he might have been a lifeguard at some point.

“Says the girl who helped me with CPR. I couldn’t have done it alone,” he murmurs. “So, thank you for your help.”

“Anytime,” she replies. “I know we’ve had a crazy morning but are we still on for tonight?”

“If there’s chocolate I’m there.”

JJ

“So, what exactly are these predators we’re fighting off?” JJ asks, looking around their makeshift camp.

They’d walked the length of the beach and happened upon a sizeable nest. Kiara and JJ worked to surround it with wooden frames filled with wire mesh provided by the sanctuary. She explained how to do it all and what they needed to keep in mind, including cutting out escape routes for the hatchlings to get out after emerging.

The way she speaks about it and how passionate she gets just make JJ like her so much more. Also, the way she scrunches up her face while doing it just makes him want to kiss the freckles sprinkled across the bridge of her nose.

“Hopefully none,” she jokes. “But racoons, foxes, coyotes, opossums…”

“That’s a lot.”

“Don’t forget the ghost crabs and the vultures.”

“Maybe we need someone to protect us from them while we protect the nest.”

“And here I thought you’d be more brave after your rescue effort today. “

JJ knows she’s being complimentary mentioning it but he doesn’t want to talk about it at all. The first thing you learn in the witness protection program is to not bring any attention to yourself and he did just that. The last thing he needs is to relive that all again.

“Animals are another beast entirely,” he says. JJ doesn’t think he can get that scared anymore but surprises himself when he does. “Maybe if we build a fire they’ll get the message and stay away.”

“No can do, I’m afraid. Adult turtles seek out dark places to lay eggs and can be scared off by bright fires. It also confuses hatchlings because they use the moon’s reflection for direction and fire can send them the wrong way.”

“You’re like a turtle encyclopaedia.”

“I remember things I find interesting. What can I say? How about you?”

“How about me, what?”

“What do you know a lot about?”

Staying alive he thinks, not that he can share that with Kiara.

“Not sure, I’ve always loved art I guess.”

JJ’s never told anyone that and he’s surprised he let that slip out. Being open is something Kiara seems to bring out in him.

“Oh really, what kind?”

“I always loved painting and sketching but it’s been a while since I’ve, uh, had time.”

In truth he’s still sketching but he doesn’t want Kiara asking to see any of it because she might just recognise his latest muse. Painting is a little harder to do because his mom taught him that and it’s still too painful to paint without her.

“That’s a shame, there’s lots of great inspiration in OBX.”

If only Kiara knew his inspiration is her.

“Maybe I’ll get around to it someday,” he murmurs. “So, what do we do now?”

“Well, the nest is protected and we’ve set up camp so we just wait I guess.”

“Wait for what exactly? Something to attack us?”

“Who knew you’d be so scared of a crab or a raccoon?”

“I’m totally not scared,” he argues. “It’s just the thought of someone, I mean something, watching us and waiting for us to sleep so it can…”

“It’s okay, we won’t be sleeping.”

“I thought you were joking about that.”

“It’s not called a night patrol for nothing,” she says. “It’s okay, if you want to sleep, I can keep watch.”

“Well, now I feel bad,” he murmurs. “I’ll stay up but I’m gonna need a sweater.”

JJ rifles through his backpack just as Kiara puts a familiar looking sweater over her head. Instead of being annoyed she’s kept it this long he can’t stop thinking how fucking adorable she looks in his clothes.

“That looks familiar,” he notes, putting on his black sweater.

“Sorry, I meant to give it back, it's just…”

“Just?”

“Warm and I’m cold, so I’ll give it back in the morning I promise.”

“It’s okay, you keep it as long as you need,” he offers kindly. “My mom always taught me that I should be a gentleman."

“Except when you get woken up at 5am.”

“Except then,” he concedes.

“She was pretty amazing.” He looks at her in confusion. “Your mom.”

JJ’s still not exactly sure everything he told Kiara during his drunken binge but he figures the fact both his parents are dead came up at some point.

“The best,” he murmurs, his voice breaking slightly. “She made everything better even when it wasn’t. Her main aim was to make me happy even when she wasn’t.”

“Sounds like the best kind of mom,” she smiles. “Selfless and caring.”

“Yep,” he says, trying not to get emotional, especially in front of Kiara. “How are things with your parents?”

“Good for the most part, I can’t complain. My dad liked to be overbearing when it came to boyfriends and my mom when it came to my hidden pot stash.”

“Why? Did you date bad boys or something?”

“Some,” she offers, wondering where JJ would fit into that group. “But he wouldn’t have liked them no matter what.”

“Being protective isn’t such a bad thing.”

“I can see that now,” she admits. “But back then I was a typical, bratty, teenager who hated my parents encroaching on my life. I was actually really lucky. It’s nice being home with them and John B and Sarah.”

“I bet,” he nods. “So, these turtles? Do they like music?”

“It hasn’t been scientifically proven but anecdotal evidence suggests turtles like Hip Hop and R&B.”

“So, if we put on some Jay-Z now…”

“Not while nesting,” she shakes her head. “You’re not very good at sitting still are you?”

“Not at all,” he replies, tapping his fingers on the arm rest of his chair. “I’d go swimming but…”

“It’s cold and dark? Maybe I can find something to read,” Kiara says, scrolling through her phone. “Looks like The Red Sox beat the White Sox, there’s a heatwave making its way down the east coast and the OBX Clam Festival is in Nags Head this weekend.”

“I don’t like clams.”

“So, not really your thing,” she laughs. “Oh, there’s…”

“Let me guess, a snow crab race.”

“Not quite. Um, but it looks like your rescue made The Outer Banks Voice.”

“What’s that?” He asks, his voice coming out but also barely making a sound.

“It’s the online news around here.”

“But how?”

“Word gets around small towns like this,” she murmurs. “And people always have their phones on them these days.”

“Please tell me there’s no pictures.”

“Um, yeah.” Kiara shows him her phone. It’s a shot of the rescue in progress, JJ emerging from the water with the boy in his arms. “It’s just a local thing, not many people read it outside of OBX I’m sure.”

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” He growls, standing up and pacing along the sand back and forth. “This is not happening.”

Then JJ realises he’s totally freaked out in front of Kiara. She’s going to think he’s crazy.

“Sorry,” he says, coming to a stop. “I just, uh, really hate having my photo taken.”

“You don't have to lie. I know,” she murmurs.

Although her hair is hanging loose around her face, JJ can still see her grave expression.

“You know what? That I hate having my picture taken?”

“I know your name isn’t Jesse Rivers.”

JJ feels sick, really sick. He's been caught out once before and it felt exactly like this but it seems worse now that it's Kiara. 

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s JJ, JJ Maybank.”

“No it’s not…” he denies.

“I know that’s your real name. And that’s why you’re worried about the story. You don’t want anyone to know where you are.”

“And you’ve known this all along? How? Have you been stalking me or something?”

“Um, stalking no,” she replies, placing her hand over his to try and calm him. He pulls his hand away sharply and runs it through his hair shakily. Maybe Kiara’s involved in this somehow. “When you were drinking the other week, you mentioned some things.”

JJ knew that was the worst fucking idea. He let his emotions take over. JJ was much more level headed before she came into his life.

“About your dad.” That much JJ guessed. “And your mom but you also told me your real name. You said someone gave it to you, so I just assumed you were hiding out from someone.”

“Did you tell anyone?”

“No, I didn’t but I was curious and I sort of looked into you. Your dad was involved with a drug ring and went to jail but he gave them up so they came after you and your mom and that's how she...”

“Oh this is fucking great!”

“It's okay, JJ,” she says, using his proper name for the first time.

If JJ wasn’t so angry and worked up he would have thought it sounded fucking hot rolling off her tongue.

“Well, you’re not off to a good start by using my real name, Kiara,” he growls.

“Yeah, ‘cause I’m sure the turtles will tell everyone,” she shoots back. “There’s no need to be so fucking rude.”

“Well, I’m pissed, Kiara. I’ve worked so hard to integrate here for six months and now I’m going to have to leave and start somewhere all over again. Not that I haven’t done it before but it still fucking sucks.”

“I don’t get how this is my fault.”

“It’s not your fault, it’s mine. I was the fucking idiot who got drunk and spilled my guts. If I’d just kept my mouth shut.”

“You were upset, I don’t blame you. There’s no reason for you to have to start over again.”

“But if that article gets out then it won’t matter. I’ll have to go no matter what.”

“Even so, where are you going to go in the middle of the night? You can’t get off this island until the morning at the earliest. If anything I don’t think they’ll come looking for you at a turtle’s nest.”

“I’ll wait until then but, Kiara, you need to forget about everything you know otherwise I need to leave town and never come back."

"I won't tell anyone about you, I promise," she pleads.

"What did I say about making promises?"

"Not to make them. But how can you think so little of me, JJ? I'd never..."

"If only I felt so little of you," he admits. "It would make this so much easier if I did but it couldn't be further from the truth. I'm poison, Kiara, I hurt people and the last person I would ever want to hurt is you."

"The only way you can hurt me is if you leave."

She’s crying and JJ knows he might regret it later but he moves towards her. He’s holding her hand now and uses his free hand to brush the tears away.

"These people are dangerous and they won't stop and if anything happens to you I'll never forgive myself."

The silence in the air is thick and the tension overwhelming as they look at each other. JJ knows it’s a bad idea but right now he needs Kiara.

JJ brushes the last of the tears and cups her cheek tenderly. Leaning in he leaves a lingering kiss on her lips. Kiara loops her arms around his neck, melting into him and deepens the kiss. It’s been a while for him so JJ knows he won’t be able to stop at just one kiss.

Emotion is what made him reveal his secrets to Kiara, God knows what this will do to his concentration.

“Maybe we should stop?”

“Am I that bad of a kisser?”

“You’re too good, Carrera,” he moans against her lips. “I might just get lost in your kisses and never let go.”

“I think I can live with that,” she smiles, pulling him towards her again.