The sun was bright, the ocean was calm, and the beach was buzzing with people.

You were on lifeguard duty with Brody, scanning the water like you’d been doing it forever.

Brody was quiet as usual, focused on the job, but you could tell something was different today.

He kept glancing over your shoulder.

You followed his gaze.

A new guy was walking along the beach, sunglasses on, shirt off, hair styled perfectly like he was in a commercial. He had that “I’m too cool for this” vibe.

He stopped near your lifeguard tower and looked up at you with a smile that was way too confident.

Your stomach twisted.

You weren’t sure why, but something about him made you uncomfortable.

The guy waved.

“Hey,” he called out. “You’re the new lifeguard, right? I’m Max.”

Brody’s jaw tightened.

You smiled politely. “Hi, I’m [Your Name].”

Max leaned against the tower, acting like he owned the place. “So, do you always work with this guy?” he asked, nodding toward Brody.

Brody didn’t answer.

Max shrugged. “Well, he’s cute, but you’re way hotter.”

You felt your cheeks burn.

Brody’s eyes narrowed.

Max laughed like it was a joke, then looked at you again. “So, you wanna hang out after your shift?”

You opened your mouth, but Brody spoke first.

“No.”

Max blinked, surprised. “Excuse me?”

Brody stepped closer, voice calm but sharp. “I said no.”

Max smirked. “You don’t get to tell her what to do.”

Brody’s expression didn’t change. “Actually, I do.”

You felt your heart race. You could tell Brody was trying to stay calm, but the tension in his body said otherwise.

Max stepped closer, too close.

Brody moved in front of you like a shield.

You looked up at Brody, surprised.

“Brody,” you whispered, “it’s fine. I can handle it.”

Brody’s eyes flicked to you. “No, you can’t. Not when he’s like this.”

Max laughed. “Woah, dude. You jealous?”

Brody’s voice was low. “No. I’m protective.”

Max shrugged. “Whatever. I’m just trying to be friendly.”

Brody scoffed. “Friendly doesn’t mean disrespectful.”

Max didn’t back down. He leaned closer and whispered, “You know, she doesn’t even have to be a lifeguard. She could be a model or something.”

Brody’s eyes flashed. “Back off.”

Max grinned. “Or what?”

Brody’s jaw clenched. “Or you’re going to regret it.”

Max finally backed off, but not because he was scared.

Because Brody made it clear he wasn’t joking.

Max turned and walked away, still smirking.

You looked at Brody, your heart still pounding.

“Why did you do that?” you asked quietly.

Brody’s face softened, just a little.

“I didn’t like him,” he said.

You blinked. “That’s it?”

Brody stared at the ocean for a moment, then turned back to you.

“Yeah. That’s it.”

You felt something in your chest shift.

“Brody,” you said softly, “are you… jealous?”

Brody’s face went red, and he quickly looked away.

“No,” he said too fast.

You smiled. “Okay.”

Brody sighed. “Fine. Maybe a little.”