The bonfire crackled, sending sparks into the humid night air, the smell of burning wood mixing with salt and smoke. Laughter echoed across the beach, but John B only had eyes for you. You were sitting on the sand, barefoot, a beer dangling from your fingers, glowing from the firelight and whatever stories had just been told. He was next to you, but not close enough.

“C’mere,” he murmured, nudging your knee with his.

You raised a brow but let him tug you between his legs, your back pressing against his chest. He wrapped his arms around you, locking his hands over your stomach, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“That’s better,” he said, voice low, just for you.

You smiled, leaning into him. “You’re clingy.”

John B hummed like he was considering that. “I just like having you close.” He pressed a kiss to your temple, then your cheek, then the spot just below your ear that made you shiver. “Problem?”

You sighed, relaxing completely against him. “Not even a little bit.”

The fire crackled in front of you, the flames reflecting in his eyes when you turned to look at him. He was already watching you, like he’d rather take in every little detail of your face than the party happening around you.

“You’re staring,” you pointed out, smiling.

“Yeah.” He brushed his nose against yours, close enough that you could taste the warmth of his breath. “I was just thinking… this is kinda my favorite view.”

Your heart flipped, warmth blooming in your chest. “The bonfire?”

He grinned. “No, goof. You.”