One Summer, Two Brothers

Madeline Quinn was supposed to spend the summer tracking whales—not falling for the two rugged, infuriating brothers who run the research boat. Jake is steady and silent. Reid is sharp and impossible. They’re both off-limits. And yet… the deeper she goes, the harder it is to come up for air. ------- “You should’ve stayed on the boat,” Jake said, voice quiet but firm. “I’m not made of glass,” she snapped. Reid pushed off the wall with one boot. “No, you’re made of trouble.” “Reid—” Jake warned without looking at him. “What?” Reid said with a shrug, moving a step closer. “Look at her. She knows what she’s doing.” Madeline lifted her chin. “And what exactly am I doing?” “Turning this into something dangerous,” Reid said, almost too calmly. His eyes didn’t waver. Jake finally looked at her. “It already is.” She swallowed. Her pulse thudded in her throat. “You think I don’t feel it too?” Reid’s lips twitched like he almost smiled. “Oh, she feels it.” He stepped closer—just enough to make her catch her breath. “But I don’t think she knows what to do with it.” Jake stood now, his movements slower, more deliberate. “That’s enough.” “No,” Madeline said, softer now. “He’s right. I don’t know what this is. With either of you.” Reid’s voice dropped. “Then let us show you.” A long silence. The kind that doesn’t feel empty—just heavy. Jake’s gaze didn’t waver. “Together.” Her breath hitched. Rain hit the windows. Her towel slipped an inch lower on her shoulder. “God help me,” she whispered.