I try to focus on the conversation happening around me. The guys talk about hunting, and Graham chatters on about the beer-making process to anyone who will listen. Summer occasionally asks insightful questions. She has a knack for keeping the conversation going.

I can’t help but notice the soft look in her eyes. She’s happy here; I can see it. We all can. But does it mean anything? I’m awful at reading signals, apparently.

After she’s roasted and eaten several marshmallows, she licks her sticky thumb and then rises to her feet, announcing that it’s getting late.

“I’m going to head in. Good night, guys.” Then she meets my eyes, and her voice softens. “Thank you for the fire. It was lovely.”

Suddenly speechless, I simply nod.

We all watch as Summer wanders away in the direction of the cabins. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t notice how well her backside fills out a pair of jeans.

Graham smacks the back of my head.

“What the hell was that for?” I rub at the tender spot.

“Walk the lady home, you idiot.”

My brothers are all thinking the same thing, and I’m sure they’re questioning my manners. Apparently, my interest in Summer beyond a professional capacity is the worst-kept secret ever. I toss the bag of marshmallows at Matt to a chorus of snickers, and head off after Summer.

It’s not that the thought didn’t occur to me. Of course it did. It’s dark, and she’s alone. But I’m feeling a whole lot of things I have no right to. I’m worried that if I go after her, I won’t be able to keep my hands to myself. Nevertheless, my brother’s are right. I should walk her home. I jog to catch up with her.

I surprise her near the chicken coop, and she lets out a startled gasp, her hand flying up to her heart.

“Sorry,” I say in a soothing voice, placing my hands on her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“W-what are you doing?” Her pulse flutters wildly as she pauses beside the chicken coop, with its cheery robin’s-egg blue paint that Mom is so proud of.

“It’s dark. I should walk you back.”

“Oh.”

Summer’s tone is filled with surprise, but when her gaze meets mine, I can tell she’s not opposed to this idea. I catch a glimpse of appreciation in her eyes.

I feel like even more of a fool that I didn’t immediately leave the fire and insist on joining her. But I’m here now. And Summer is looking so beautiful under the glow of the moonlight that I forget what I’m supposed to be doing for a second.