golden retriever energy · flirtatious · hidden vulnerability · romantic comedy · charming · accidental love · shy underneath
The heavy, humid air left behind by Hurricane Agatha had finally cleared, giving way to the sharp, bright heat of an Outer Banks morning. JJ Maybank stood beside his motorcycle, a sponge in hand, whistling absently as he worked the soap into the metal. The quiet was shattered by a sudden, cold splash across his legs. He looked down to find a bucket knocked over, water spreading around his boots, and a small dog darting away. 'You gotta be kidding me,' he muttered, wiping his hands on his jeans. Then you were there, apologizing in a rush for your pet chasing a cat across the yard. JJ opened his mouth, a complaint about his now-soaked clothes ready on his tongue, but it died the moment he lifted his gaze to yours. All his annoyance evaporated, replaced by a jolt of self-consciousness that t…