Endless August (The Endless Seasons #1)
Prologue
SAVANNA
Six Years Ago…
Running downstairs, I head out the front door and find Hudson already waiting for me in his old Ford pickup truck. Glancing in the truck bed, I find it loaded with beach chairs, firewood, and an ice chest full of beer.
All the necessities for the annual end-of-summer bonfire here on Tybee Island.
Sliding into the passenger seat, my brother’s truck rumbles low, vibrating my entire body as he shifts the clutch into drive—heading in the direction of South Beach.
Arriving at the beach, Hudson pulls into a spot as I take in the crowded parking lot, immediately recognizing some of our friends from school. My eyes land on the familiar-faced summer tourists that hang around all summer long—waiting for nights like these with the locals.
As I get out of Hudson’s truck, my eyes land on the fiery orange bonfire already blazing inside a stone-lined pit in the sand.
The flames contrast with the vibrant purple and pale pink sunset that’s taking place behind it, standing out like an inferno against the calm of the waves in the background.
With my straw beach bag clutched at my side, I walk down the wooden boardwalk path that leads through the dunes and immediately lock eyes with Dalton.
My breath hitches as a tingling sensation prickles the back of my neck.
My brother’s best friend’s piercing blue eyes bore into me—with a look I don’t recognize.
I take a few unsteady steps back in the sand, my feet sinking with each stride as I try to hide my silhouette behind the tall seagrass.
I stand frozen in place, paralyzed by his gaze.
I must be imagining this, because Dalton has never looked at me this way.
Maybe he thought I was someone else.
My brother comes up behind me, carrying the beach chairs in one arm, dragging his cooler behind him. Hiding myself behind his broad shoulders, I stand on my tiptoes, trying my best to peek over Hudson’s shoulders as we walk. Dalton’s mouth tips up into a shy smile as he sees us fast approaching.
Dropping the chairs he’s holding around the bonfire, Hudson leaves me exposed—unpacking the drinks and extra blankets he brought for us tonight.
Grabbing a chair, I set it next to Sanders and get comfortable—ditching my denim shorts and tank so I can soak up the last few heat rays before the sun goes down.
Glancing across the flames, awareness creeps over me, my eyes locking with Dalton’s between the vibrant hues.
Unlike the uncertain moment on the dunes—I’m now certain he’s watching me.
I walk over to the cooler, my heart pounding against my ribcage as gooseflesh overtakes my forearms. Dalton’s jaw tightens as his eyes follow me.
What is he looking at?
For all the years I’ve practically grown up with him, Dalton Hayes has never once looked at me this way.
Maybe the nerves of leaving for basic training tomorrow are finally settling in—I heard him mention to Hudson this morning that he was hesitant to leave the island.
Leaning over, I grab one of Hudson’s beers from the ice chest and twist the top off—my brother’s sudden groan snaps me out of my forbidden thoughts about the boy I’ve secretly been in love with my entire childhood.
“Dammit, Savanna, why couldn’t you wear your sweats and a long-sleeve shirt to the beach? Instead of whatever…” Hudson waves his hands animatedly at me, trying to find the right words, “…stringy thing you call that in front of all these dudes.”
I smirk, eyes narrowing. I won’t be missing this version of Hudson while he’s away at college next year. “Oh, this? Just wait until you see what I wear to the beach next year while you're off at college and won’t be parenting me.”
Hudson whines, making a gagging noise into the neck of his bottle.
Rolling my eyes at Hudson’s dramatics, I plant myself back in my chair.
“I think you look great, Sav. I definitely wish I were here next year to see what you wear to the beach.” Sanders wiggles his eyebrows up and down.
“You could always send me some bikini pictures if you need a second opinion on whether you think it’s beach appropriate,” Sanders continues, eyeing my white bikini top like he has X-ray vision.
Across the bonfire, Hudson throws his hands up from his chair. “Sanders! I’m going to murder you. I know I didn’t just hear you say that! That’s my little sister!”
I let out a giggle, amused that Hudson is getting a rise out of his friends’ flirting with me.
Which happens a lot, except for Dalton.
My eyes find Dalton’s over the blazing bonfire. He’s still watching me.
“Sorry, Sands.” I pout, faking my disappointment.
“I wish I could help you out there, but you’re really not my type.
” My palm pats his shoulder gently. Biting the corner of my lip, my eyes fall on Dalton’s curious expression.
His eyebrow quirks up at our playful teasing—fixating on our conversation.
“Is that so, Sav? Not your type?” I don’t miss the teasing in Sander's voice. “I didn’t know you were holding out for someone.”
Hudson makes another groaning sound. “Sanders, shut the hell up and stop flirting with my sister. Unlike some people, I’m trying to enjoy my goddamn evening.”
Sanders lets out a bellowing laugh, assuming a defensive posture in his chair as he shelves his flirtatious banter for now. “Alright, alright. You know I’m just messing, Sav. You know I love you like a sister, unless you want more.” He winks as I roll my eyes at his persistence.
Even though Sanders is comparable to a Greek God with his tan, glowing skin, and athletic build, he’s also been known to have multiple girlfriends at once.
And there’s no way I’m getting involved with that.
I stand up from my chair, facing Sanders. “No thanks, Sands.” I cup his cheek gently, giving it a little tap. “But if I change my mind, you will be the first one to know.” I wink, just to get a rise out of him.
Sanders laughs into his beer as Dalton’s gaze lingers on us—watching our flirtatious exchange play out.
My heart flutters in my chest, and heat prickles my skin as I feel his crystal-blue eyes roam over my bikini-clad body.
It’s at this moment that I feel two things: incredibly naked in front of Dalton and utterly confused by him.
I need to cool off.
I hurry away from the bonfire, picking up my beach towel and dropping it closer to the shore. Running into the waves, I dive headfirst in, hoping the water will put out the fire Dalton’s eyes have ignited all over my body.