JJ Maybank had never been the kind of guy to plan a date. Flirting? Sure, that came easy. But this—waiting nervously at a secluded cove with a makeshift picnic? That was a whole different ballgame. After that kiss, though, things between you two had changed, and even if romance wasn’t his thing, he was going to give it a shot. For you.

He’d gotten there early, throwing together a couple of sandwiches and a bag of chips, trying to act like it wasn’t a big deal. The sun was setting, casting a warm and familiar glow on the waves, but JJ’s usual confidence was nowhere to be found. He fidgeted, pacing in the sand, unsure if this was even something you’d like.

He glanced around for the hundredth time, rubbing the back of his neck, when he finally spotted you walking toward him. You looked breathtaking. His heart raced, and for once, JJ Maybank—smooth-talking, fearless JJ—was completely out of his element.