Georgia Heat

“I love you so much, Jovie. Have fun and be safe.” My mom gave me one last fleeting hug and a kiss before my dad sped off sporting a very disgruntled look on his usually cheerful face. I stood on the curb in front of a large hotel called Crystal Waters Resort. I furrowed my brows, wondering how on earth my brother and his friends could afford staying in a hotel this nice for three months. I wandered to the lobby and stood awkwardly at the front desk as a clerk lady chatted rapidly on the phone.

“Jovie!” I jumped slightly and turned to see an exact replica of myself, he was flashing me a brilliant white smile and I jumped into his arms. “Carter!” I hugged him tightly and took in a deep breath; sea salt and sunscreen.  I laughed and stepped back from my twin and smiled at him goofily, “Now how can a broke kid like you afford a nice place like this for the summer?”

I grabbed my bag as he ushered me to the elevator, “And how in God’s name did you convince mom and dad that you were responsible enough to stay here? I tried that and they laughed!” I folded my arms and leaned against the elevator door. Carter laughed and copied my stance, “Well 1. I am older than you.” I scoffed, “By 3 minutes!”

He held up a second finger, “I am way more mature than you.” I rolled my eyes, “Yeah, well.”
He held up a third finger,” And my buddies and I are splitting the rent for the summer so it only costs me about 300 a month.”

“Which is exactly what you have made at the auto shop for the past six months...” I mumbled to myself. Maybe I should get a job...
The elevator rung as it stopped at the 7th floor. “Jovie there is something I need to tell you about why you are here.” I trailed my bag behind me and followed him through the poorly decorated hallways. “Yeah?”

“Mom and dad wanted you to stay with me so you could be... educated about what they were going to tell you but something came up with one of the guys and we had to rush this....”

He stopped at the final door on the hallway and stared at me, trying to find the right words to say, wrestling with his inner thoughts. I looked at him skeptically, “Carter what’s going on. I can feel your stress.” He just shook his head and opened the door to the apartment, “I didn’t want it to happen like this.” He mumbled under his breath as he ushered me into the large room. “Wha-”

“Your room is on the left. I had them bring an extra cot so you and I sleep in the same room. I don’t trust the guys.” He grumbled. He grabbed my suitcase and dragged it into a small room, leaving me awkwardly standing in the middle of a trashed living room.

“Hey! It’s Jovie right?” I turned around to see a guy with a glowing smile, his hand extended. I smiled in return, “The one and only.”
“I’m Samuel.”
“Nice to meet you.” He blushed and dropped his hands to his sides, “So-”

“Well I be damned! Is that the famous Jovie I have been hearing way too much about?!” I was suddenly swept off my feet and was in a major bear hug. I laughed as he set me back down. He took my hand and bowed, “The name’s Joey Vice. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms.Evans.” I touched my heart softly, “Oh the pleasure is mine, sir.”

He laughed and threw his arm around Samuel, a boyish smile plastered on his face. “So where is your bro? I haven’t had a chance to harass him yet today.” Carter chuckled as he walked by me, hitting Joey in the arm. He plopped down on the couch and rest his feet on the table, “Anyone seen Harley yet?” As soon as the words left his mouth a shirtless god walked out of the separate bedroom, running his hands through his messy dark hair. He looked at me and stopped, my heart went into overdrive. He. Was. Perfect. His eyes were a stormy grey and had a slight 5 o’clock shadow on his perfectly chiseled jaw. His lips looked like they would feel like velvet and his chest...

“Yo, earth to Jove.” I broke from my trance and scowled at my brother, “Yeah?” He gave me a warning look. Joey laughed, “I know. Isn’t he just dreamy, Jove? My god I could stare at him for hours.” Joey winked at the greek god and licked his lips seductively. Samuel and Carter laughed and I rolled my eyes sitting on the couch with the boys, laying my feet on Carter and resting my head on Joey.

A low growl erupted through the room, I looked over at the greek god, his jaw was tense and he was giving death glares at Joey. Samuel rolled his eyes, “He’s not doing anything Davidson, let it go.” I through a puzzled look at Carter and he glanced around nervously then flicked my thigh.

“My god sis, have you gained weight? Your legs are feeling a little heavy.” I rolled my eyes, “You know I can kick you from this position right?” He chuckled and flicked my nose.

“Loser.”