Here's the next part! My semester is almost over, so if anyone has any books they would like me to write a story on, let me know because I'll have plenty of time over the summer! (: I hope you enjoy! xoxo.

Belly's POV

That Saturday was the Fourth of July and Jere and I started setting up the fireworks on the beach after dinner. Once I was done fixing the last firework, I wiped my hands off and looked up to see Jere staring at me. "What? Do I have sand on my face," I asked, absently running a hand across my cheek.

"No, no. I was just thinking. I'm really happy for you and Con. You guys seem really happy. And lord knows how long you've loved him." I felt my cheeks flush and looked down at my feet. "Seriously. All the time growing up, I watched you make googly eyes at him like it was your job. I'm surprised I never caught you drooling." I looked up with wide eyes and saw a giant grin on Jere's face.

"You are such a jerk," I exclaimed, chasing after him when he ran off. We began running in circles, laughing hysterically. Somehow, Jere became the on chasing me and he caught me in his arms and started walking toward the water. "Take it back! Take it back or you go in!"

"NO! Never," I managed to shout between my bursts of laughter. He eased closer to the water and I could feel his laughter under my weight. In the distance, I saw two figures approaching us and instantly recognized Conrad's relaxed gait. "Conrad! Conrad, save me from your evil brother!" Jeremiah turned around and started laughing even harder. Plopping me in the sand, he started walking toward his brother and the other person – who I now recognized to be Alexia.

I sat up and dusted the sand off the bottom of my shorts just and Conrad reached me. I smiled up at him, taking in his flawlessness. He was wearing a button up, which happened to be unbuttoned, with a white t-shirt underneath it and a pair of khaki shorts. His shirt defined his muscles so well, and I couldn't help but stare at his arms a bit too long.

"Let's go get some ice cream," he blurted out. I looked at his face, confused.

"Ice cream? We have to start the fireworks soon. And the town is going to be packed with everyone watching the fireworks there." Conrad merely shrugged his shoulders at what I said and grabbed my hand. Trailing beside him, I couldn't help but think how I could stay in this moment forever.

Conrad's POV

As I started driving into town, I felt my heart speed up with anticipation. I knew what I wanted to tell Belly, but I wasn't sure now was the right time. What I had to say would change everything, and I wasn't sure if it would be a good change or a bad one. I just got her, and I didn't want have to give her up so soon if that's what it came down to. In my heart, though, I know I owed it to both of us to just get it out of the way and tell her. I would deal with her reaction when it came. One step at a time, I told myself while finding a parking spot next to the ice cream shop.