Wow. I'm glad this story has gotten such a positive response so far. I hope you all like this chapter as well. :)

Also, I guess it may seem like they're relationships and whatnot are moving too fast. But since right now they're thinking it's only going to be a summer thing, they kind of have to move fast, right? Does that make sense? I hope it does. :/

Chapter Two

"It's so peaceful," Carlos said in almost a whisper. It was about eight in the morning and he, Kendall, and Katie were on the beach.

"It's nice," Kendall said. He liked that it was just them and the ocean. No people giving them curious glances like at the pub the evening before when they went to dinner. And everyone came up to them and asked his dad to introduce them. It all made Kendall very uncomfortable. He didn't like people prying and judging.

"We should come here this afternoon and swim," Katie suggested.

Kendall smiled. "Sounds like a plan." Something caught his eye. Off to the left, a figure was quickly approaching them. A jogger, or something. He didn't think much of it until the figure got closer and was almost to them. "Logan?"

Logan stopped in front of them. He was breathing heavily, but smiling. "Hi, guys."

"Hi," Kendall said. "Um. You jogging?"

Logan nodded. "Yeah." He sat next to Kendall on the blanket they had laid out. "I like to jog in the mornings. It wakes me up and whatnot. What are you guys doing?"

Kendall shrugged. "Just hanging out. We just wanted to enjoy the beach and ocean."

"Uh... Where's James?" Carlos asked.

Logan grinned. "Probably sleeping."

Carlos bit his lip. "Can... can I ask you something, Logan?"

"Sure."

"Mr. Knight... he said... James... and you... always have a boyfriend during the summer?"

Logan sighed. He had wondered when Kendall and Carlos would catch wind of that. "We do. But it's not what you think."

"Well, what is it then?" Kendall asked.

It didn't seem like Kendall believed him, and that hurt Logan a bit. "There's more people to date during the summer.," Logan said and realized that didn't sound the way he wanted. "I mean... of all the gay guys I know who live around here, I don't like them that way. And the ones I could possibly like, don't like me. When people come around for the summer, there's more options. If someone likes me, I go out with them."

"But what about James?" Carlos asked.

"Oh, James. Summer is his favorite season. He... feels like he's gonna find his true love during the summer. It kills him when his summer boyfriends don't take their relationship seriously. Like, if they're just looking for a fling. Or if the guy has a boyfriend back home."

"Poor James," Carlos said with sympathy.

"How long do these relationships last?"

Logan looked at the girl. "You must be Katie."

"Yup. Now answer my question."

Logan chuckled. This girl had spunk. He liked it. "My shortest was three days, longest two weeks. James' shortest was also three days, but his longest was a month. The length of the relationship depends on how long the guy is in town."

"And I'm here all summer," Carlos said happily.

Logan liked how excited Carlos was. James needed a nice guy who genuinely liked him. "You guys should come to the coffee house at some point today. I know James would be happy to see you, Carlos."

Carlos giggled a little. "OK."

Logan smiled at him. Carlos was totally perfect for James. He was probably the first guy James liked that Logan approved of. Logan turned to Kendall. "I should get going. I need to shower then get to work."

Kendall's mind was assaulted with thoughts of a naked Logan. "OK. Um. We'll be here this afternoon. If you and James wanna join us..."

Logan smiled at Kendall, making Kendall's heart leap. "I'm sure we can swing that." He stood. "See you guys later." He broke into a jog again and headed off.

…

Carlos made sure they went to the coffee house before they headed to the beach. He wanted to see James in case he wouldn't be able to join them later. James was talking to some woman when they walked in, so their orders were taken by Logan. Carlos was disappointed when it was Logan who gave them their drinks. He sighed. "Who's that lady James is talking to?"

"His mom," Logan said. "Sometimes she likes to chit-chat with him when she comes in. You like the ice chocolate, Ktie?"

"Yeah," Katie said. "It's really good. I was expecting it to be like a milkshake, but it's not."

"It's one of my favorites," Logan told her. "Hello, Mr. Knight. The usual?"

"Yes, Logan," Mr. Knight said.

Logan gave Kendall a quick smile and walked off.

"You kids like this place?" Mr. Knight asked.

"Yeah," Carlos said, casting a glance at James.

Kendall laughed. "Their coffee is really good."

Mr. Knight nodded. "The best I've ever had. I'll be right back." He went to pick up his to-go cup and paid. He stopped at their table on his way out. "I'll see you guys at home later. Maybe we'll order a pizza. Hello, Brooke," he added to James' mom.

"Hi, Tom. Are these the kids I've been hearing about?"

"Yes. My son Kendall, daughter Katie, and Kendall's friend Carlos."

She looked at Carlos a lot longer than the other two. "Nice to meet you." She and Mr. Knight walked off, discussing something business related.

James came up to their table. "So that was my mom," he said to mostly Carlos. "She wasn't mean, was she? Sometimes she can be mean."

"She was fine," Carlos said, wondering why James seemed so worried.

James nodded. "OK. So, um, Logan tells me we'll be joining you guys t the beach."

"That's what we were hoping for," Kendall said.

James chuckled. "You just wanna see Logan all half naked and wet."

Carlos laughed at Kendall's blush. "I think you caught him," he said to James.

James grinned mischievously. "Logan will be pleased to hear about that."

"Don't!" Kendall called after James as he walked away. When James ignored him, he mumbled, "Shit."

…

James knew he had a hop in his step, and he didn't care. He was about to see a gorgeous guy half naked on the beach. A guy he hoped to get to know better. Much better. Something about Carlos drew James in. His sweet little smiles, hi blush. James loved it all. Carlos could possibly turn out to be someone special.

"There they are."

James looked to where Logan was pointing. Carlos was building a sandcastle with Katie. Kendall was reading a book. "Let's go."

They went over to where they three had a blanket and beach umbrella set up. Logan immediately took a seat next to Kendall. "Hey. I love that book."

Kendall smiled at him. "It's my third time reading it."

As they discussed the book, James went over to Carlos and Katie. "This is a pretty sweet castle."

"Thanks," Katie said. "Unfortunately, we had to rebuild part of it because Carlos knocked it over."

"That was an accident!" Carlos cried. He sighed and looked at James. "Wanna help?"

"Sure." James sat. "What can I do?"

Katie handed him a shovel. "You can make the moat."

"Can I build a bridge too?"

Katie shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat. Carlos! No! That's all wrong!" She pushed Carlos out of the way and fixed up the tower he had been working on.

Carlos laughed. "She's so bossy," he told James.

"So is my little sister."

"You have a sister?"

"Yup," James said. "Julie. I also have a brother named Josh. They're twins. Um. They're my half siblings. They live with my dad and step-mom about an hour away from here. They come down here every July for the whole month."

"It's nice that you get to see them," Carlos said. "Do you like your step-mom?"

James nodded. "She's really nice. A lot younger than my dad, but nice. She always treats me like I'm part of her family."

"That's good."

"Are your parents divorced?" James asked Carlos.

"Nah. They're still together. They're back at home with my three brothers."

"Um. Why are you here for the whole summer without them?"

"I think they felt sorry for me," Carlos said. "People in our town aren't so nice to me and Kendall because we're gay. My parents know how much it hurts me. So when Kendall asked if I could come along, they said yes. So far, everything has been great here."

James felt sorry for Carlos. It must've sucked living in a place where people don't like you for being you. "Well, no one hates gay people here. A gay couple owns the diner, and a lesbian couple owns the bookstore. Everyone in town loves all four of them."

"You've never had problems?"

James shook his head. "Not once. You'll have a good summer here. Maybe I can have a part in that..."

Carlos blushed. "I'd like that," he quietly said.

Back on the blanket, Kendall and Logan had finished discussing the book.

"So are you enjoying your time here?" Logan asked Kendall.

"It's only my second day, but... I am. It's nice here. No one's called me a fag."

"That's rare here. Does that happen a lot where you live?"

"All the time," Kendall said.

"I'm sorry."

"It's harder on Carlos. He's more sensitive. He's also always so nice to everyone and feels they should be nice back. It hurts him when people are cruel."

"How could anyone be cruel to Carlos?" Logan wondered. The guy was so sweet, it seemed impossible.

Kendall sighed. "I don't know. So, um, you like living here?"

"I love it most days," Logan said. "People are nice to me here. And every summer, you meet so many people. Some are interesting." He paused, just looking at Kendall. "I find you interesting."

Kendall smiled. "Yeah? Why?"

"When you first walked into the coffee house, I don't know, I felt... drawn to you. I wanted to know you."

Kendall put a hand on Logan's knee, making Logan's heart speed up. "Well, we have all summer. Unless I end up like your three day relationship."

Logan laughed. "My summer relationships were so short because that's how long they were here. They all hardly count as relationships. There was no way they'd go beyond those few days in the summer. I only slept with the two week guy..." Logan watched Kendall, wondering if he said too much.

"Oh," Kendall said. "Have you... slept with a lot of guys?"

"No. Just two. The first time was with my first boyfriend ever. Then there was Mr. Two Weeks."

Kendall sighed. "I've never had sex. Messed around, but no sex. And... why am I telling you this?"

Logan laughed again. "I don't know. How'd we even get on this topic?"

"Because I was nosy?"

They both laughed.

"So..." Logan said. "Friday us high school students who live in town are having a bonfire here on the beach. Do you... wanna go?"

Kendall smiled at him. "Like as your date?"

"If you'd like that."

"I really would," Kendall said.

Carlos, Katie, and James finished the sandcastle. Katie left, no longer caring about the castle. She sat with Kendall and Logan on the blanket.

"Wanna pretend we're giants and stomp the castle?" Carlos asked James.

"Fuck yeah!"

They stood and stomped away, laughing the whole time. When they finished, they sat near the rubble of the castle.

"I wanna ask you something," James said to Carlos.

"OK."

"Friday there's gonna be a bonfire here. Do you... wanna be my date?"

Carlos felt like his heart was going to fly out of his chest. "You sure you wanna take me?"

James smiled. "Of course."

Carlos bit his lip than whispered, "I've never been on a date before."

"So... I'm gonna be our first date ever?" Carlos nodded. "Sweet."

"You don't think it's lame?"

"Not at all," James said. "I think it's cute. And I like that I'm your first date."

Carlos was relieved.

…

Kendall watched Carlos with amusement. It was Friday night, and they were waiting for Logan and James to come pick them up. Carlos was pacing around the living room with worry. "It's gonna be fine," Kendall told him.

"Kendall, this is my first date ever," Carlos said. "With a guy who's way out of my league."

"He's not-"

"What if I screw up? What if I say something stupid? What if he realizes he doesn't like me?"

"None of that is going to happen," Kendall said.

"Why aren't you nervous?" Carlos demanded to know.

"I am. Just not as nervous as you." It was true. Kendall hoped he'd make a good impression on his date with Logan. He wondered if they'd kiss. If Logan would find him a good kisser. He didn't want there to be any awkward silences. He didn't want Logan to get bored.

Mr. Knight walked into the living room. "Boys. I, um, wanna talk to you about your, uh, dates tonight."

Kendall sighed. "Dad, please don't be trying to have a sex talk with us." His mom and Carlos' parents covered that awhile ago.

"Well..."

"I know not to have sex on the first date, Dad."

"Kendall-"

"Carlos and I are virgins. We're not gonna give it away to some dudes we've known for almost a week."

Mr. Knight sighed. "Fine. No sex talk. Just... be careful tonight. And have fun."

The doorbell rang. Kendall and Carlos gathered their things and went to the door. Kendall opened it. Logan and James stood on the front porch, looking nervous.

"Ready to go?" Logan asked.

"Yup," Kendall said. He and Carlos walked off with Logan and James.

James and Carlos ended up walking in front of Kendall and Logan. There was a slightly decent gap between the pairs.

Kendall decided to strike up a conversation. "So, town kids go to this bonfire?"

"Yeah," Logan said.

"Will they be mad about me and Carlos coming along?"

"You're my date. If anyone gives you shit, I'll tell them off. Plus, you're gonna be here all summer and your dad lives here. You're a special case."

Kendall smiled. "Good. So, um, your grandparents own the coffee house?"

"They sure do," Logan said. "When they decide to retire—which will be when they die—my dad will take over. He's the only one of their children to stay in town. I'll probably take it over after him."

"And you like working there?"

"It's never boring. I met you there."

That made Kendall's heart flutter. "Your mom's a realtor."

"Yup. She and James' mom sell and rent all the houses in town." Logan glanced at Kendall. "What does your mom do?"

Kendall chuckled. "She's the secretary for a shrink. Who's now her boyfriend. Jerry."

"Ooh. Juicy."

Kendall laughed. "She worked for him for a year before she asked him out."

"Your mom made the first move?"

"She did."

Logan made a noise of approval. "Go her."

"Katie and I think Jerry's gonna propose soon. He's moving into our house this summer."

"Do you like him?" Logan asked.

"Yeah. He actually does dad stuff with us. Unlike my real dad."

"Uh-oh. I sense resentment."

Kendall sighed. "When I was little, I just wanted to spend time with my dad. All Dad wanted to do was work. We hardly saw him. I used to think there was something wrong with me. That he didn't like me."

"Aw." Logan put an arm around Kendall.

"It's fine. It just... sucked. After Katie was born, my mom couldn't take having a husband who was never around. So they divorced. It wasn't until my dad moved here two years ago that he started making noise about spending time with us."

"Maybe he realized he made a mistake back then," Logan said. "He could be making up for lost time."

"I guess. And now that he has his own practice here, he seems to have more free time. Katie likes spending time with him."

"You don't?"

"I don't know. I'm just not used to spending a lot of time with him."

"Hopefully, you'll get used to him this summer."

"Yeah. Hopefully."

…

James loved how excited Carlos seemed about the bonfire. He asked all kinds of questions. James told him there's be hotdogs and s'mores. Beer too. And, yes, they could swim if they felt like it.

"I never had beer before," Carlos said.

"What?" James had yet to meet someone his age who hadn't had alcohol. "You never had any at a party?"

"Kendall and I are never invited to parties," Carlos admitted. "We're kind of outcasts."

"Really? You seem like cool guys." Who wouldn't want Carlos around?

"Our classmates don't seem to think so."

"Well. I'll make sure you have extra fun tonight."

"I-I don't wanna get drunk."

There was that adorable stutter. "You don't have to," James said. "No one will pressure you. Not on may watch."

Carlos smiled. "Thanks."

They reached the beach, where the bonfire had already started. Not everyone was there, but it was a decent crowd. James helped Logan lay out the blanket close—but not too close—to the fire. Their dates sat, and James and Logan asked them if they wanted anything to drink.

"What's here?" Kendall asked.

Logan shrugged. "Soda. Beer."

"Soda," both Carlos and Logan said.

"Our dates have never been to a party," James informed Logan as they walked.

"I know. Kendall told me. Poor things. You know, Im surprised how easy it is to talk to Kendall."

They greeted people as they reached the drinks. They answered a few questions about their dates before grabbing two sodas each.

"That's good," James said. "Talking to Carlos is easy too. I'm really liking him."

"And I'm really liking Kendall."

"Hopefully these dates go well and they like us too." James really wanted Carlos to like him a lot. Something about Carlos was special.

They went back to the blanket and James handed Carlos a drink. He spent some time getting to know Carlos. Carlos told James about his three brothers. He talked about how his dad was a cop and his mom did something IT related. It sounded like they were a close family.

"You must miss them," James said.

Carlos nodded. "Yeah. But Kendall and Katie are like family too. And it's nice being in a place where the people don't hate me for being gay."

"Do you call them often?"

"Every night," Carlos said with no shame.

James smirked. "Have you told them about me?"

Carlos looked down at his hands. "Yeah. If, um, things go anywhere with us, they'll want to meet you."

"I look forward to meting them then." James was rewarded with a beautiful smile from Carlos.

…

After making some s'mores, Logan asked Kendall, "You wanna go for a walk?" He wanted to be alone with Kendall.

"Sure," Kendall said with a small smile.

Logan knew exactly where he wanted to take Kendall. They took off their shoes and walked along the water.

"I like that I'm so close to the beach here," Kendall said.

Logan grinned. "I love it. My house is at the top of a hill and the beach is right below it. I can hear the waves when I open my window. The ocean lulls me to sleep almost every night."

"That sounds nice. Wait. Top of the hill? You live in my dad's development?"

"I haven't told you that?"

"No."

"Huh." Logan thought that had come up. "Well... Now you know."

"I like that you live close," Kendall said.

"Easier access?"

Kendall laughed. "Maybe."

They came upon a wall of rocks.

"We have to climb that," Logan told Kendall.

"OK..." Kendall didn't sound too sure, but followed Logan anyway.

It didn't take them long to reach the other side. A little way to the left it went from sand to grass. They were at the bottom of a hill. Atop the hill sat a house. Logan pointed. "My house."

"Shit! Why do you actually go to the public part of the beach if you have this?"

Logan shrugged. "I like meeting people. If it's too crowded, though, James and I come here."

"This is so cool," Kendall said, gushing a little. "And is this, like, yours?"

"Technically it's our property. That's why the rocks are there. To separate it from the rest of the beach."

"Nice." Kendall rested his back against the rocks, and Logan could see his smile in the moonlight. He looked positively gorgeous. Logan had never been attracted to someone based on personality and looks. It was always personality. But not with Kendall. Logan liked him for both.

Logan stepped closer to Kendall. "I don't want you thinking I do this often. Because I don't."

"Don't what?" Kendall asked.

"Kiss someone I barely know. I usually know the person kind of well before I kiss him. I mean, I knew the guy I had a three day relationship with from the summer before."

"You wanna kiss me?"

"Very much so."

"Then do it."

Logan stepped closer again. Now their faces and bodies were only centimeters apart. Logan looked into Kendall's eyes, searching to see if he wanted to back down. He didn't seem to, so Logan closed the distance. He was aiming to give Kendall a quick kiss, and Jesus his lips felt good against Logan's. But when he went to pull away, Kendall grabbed the back of his head and initiated another kiss. There was more to this one. Lips moved furiously against each other. Tongues fought for dominance—Logan winning. Logan's hands tangled in Kendall's hair. Kendall's hands got dangerously close to Logan's ass. It was as if Kendall was afraid to touch. The need for air soon became too much and Logan stepped back. They were both breathing heavily and smiling at each other.

"That... was awesome," Kendall said.

Logan nodded. "Fuck yeah, it was." He took off his shirt, and idea in his head.

"That may have been an awesome kiss, but we're not having sex."

Logan laughed. "I was thinking we could swim." He tossed his phone on top of his shirt. "You ever make out in the ocean?"

Kendall's smile widened. "No." He took off his own shirt and put his phone on it. "Sounds fun. Will the water be cold?"

"Maybe a little. I'll keep you warm." He grabbed Kendall's hand and they headed into the water. It was a little chilly, but bearable. They both quickly went under then it was much better.

"You promised to keep me warm," Kendall reminded, jumping with a wave.

Logan swam over to him. He put his arms on Kendall's shoulders, and wrapped his legs around Kendall's waist. He kissed Kendall's forehead. "I'm really never like this."

"I believe you," Kendall said. "When you say it, you look worried that I think you're a slut or something. And I don't. Even if you were... you look at me like I'm special. I like that. I like you."

"I like you too," Logan said before kissing Kendall again.

They kissed for awhile. Until a wave finally knocked them over. They laughed as they made their way out of the ocean.

"That was fun," Kendall said.

"A lot of fun," Logan agreed. He sighed. "I guess we should head back to the bonfire." He didn't want to be around other people, though. He just wanted to be alone with Kendall.

"OK," Kendall said with some reluctance. Logan was glad Kendall seemed to feel the same.

…

Back at the bonfire, Carlos was having a lot of fun with James. They had a few hotdogs then James introduced him to some people. Carlos was pleased that everyone was so nice. He wasn't used to that. After mingling, they made some s'mores. Then they settled on the blanket and watched the ocean and stars.

"This has been fun," Carlos said.

"You know what's make it more fun?" James said with a flirtatious tone.

That made Carlos nervous. "Wh-what?"

"A kiss."

Carlos let out a shaky breath. "I-I've, um, n-never kissed anyone before."

"Really?" James sounded genuinely shocked. "Who wouldn't want to kiss you?"

"A lot of people," Carlos said as he looked at his hands in his lap.

"You're nervous," James said. He kissed at Carlos' shoulder, making Carlos shiver. "It can just be a simple, quick kiss. You want to, right?"

Carlos nodded. "I do. So much."

James took hold of Carlos' chin, and turned his head. Carlos was looking into James' eyes, the firelight reflecting off of them made them even more beautiful. Then James' lips were on his. Carlos was so lost in the softness of James' lips that he almost forgot to kiss back. Almost. When James pulled back, Carlos' lips were tingling.

"Was that good?" James asked, sounding worried.

Carlos smiled at him. "It was excellent."

Suddenly, Kendall plopped down next to Carlos. Carlos looked at Kendall and Logan who were being all snugly. "Why are you shirtless?" Carlos asked.

Kendall grinned at him. "We went for a swim." He looked at Logan and kissed him quickly.

Carlos wondered exactly happened during that swim. Or maybe he didn't want to know. He checked the time on his phone and sighed. "Kendall, it's almost one. Your dad will want us back."

Kendall pouted. "I don't wanna go."

"Well, neither do I. But do you wanna piss your dad off?"

Kendall groaned. "No."

Reluctantly, they all got up and gathered their things. As they walked, James held Carlos' hand. For some reason, that made Carlos feel giddy.

"I had fun tonight," Carlos told James.

"So did I. We should do something again soon."

Carlos smiled. "We should." He was glad James still wanted him.

They reached Mr. Knight's house too soon for Carlos' taste. Now he had to separate from James.

"Well, bye, I guess," James said. "I'll text you. OK?"

Carlos nodded. "OK. You can, um, k-kiss me good-bye. If you want."

James grinned and gave Carlos a quick peck.

They both looked over at Kendall and Logan. The two were making out.

Carlos rolled his eyes. "Kendall, you're dad could be watching." Kendall didn't seem to hear. Carlos sighed and pulled Kendall away from Logan, making James laugh. "We gotta go, loverboy."

Kendall had a goofy smile on his face. "Bye, Logan."

Logan face matched Kendall's. "Bye. I'll text you."

Carlos dragged Kendall inside. Once the door was shut, they both said, "Best date ever."

So sorry it took awhile for this to update. I spent a few days catching up on some reading... I'll try to be quicker with the next chapter.