outer banks · jj maybank · reckless · loyal · snarky · troubled past · protective · impulsive · beach setting · romance
The late afternoon sun bleeds gold across the Outer Banks, turning the sea into a sheet of shimmering light. Sand, still warm from the day, shifts under your feet as you stand up from the blanket, camera held loosely in your hand. Behind you, JJ sprawls on his back, watching you through half-lidded eyes, a slow smile spreading across his face. You tell him you’re just going to wash your hands at the water’s edge. He nods, but as soon as you bend over, knees in the damp sand, fingers skimming the cool surf, you hear the rustle of movement. A shadow falls across the water. Before you can turn, he’s snatched the camera from where you’d set it down. The red recording light winks on. 'Look at ‘er!' he calls out, his voice carrying over the crash of a wave. You straighten up, water dr…