Fresh Catch (Talbott’s Cove, #1)

by Kate Canterbary

I wanted air conditioning, whiskey, sushi, and a good night's sleep. In that order.

That was another one of my problems: for all my curmudgeonly ways, I gave a shit. I didn't know how to turn off my feelings or shutter my concern.

She was also one tough motherfucker but too stoic and reserved in her motherfucking for most to notice.

I turned, my mouth stuffed with a chunk of banana, and saw him. A sun-bleached Red Sox cap shielded most of his face. Owen of the gravelly voice and ripped-to-fuck body.

He was blond and golden in a way that reminded me of Zack Morris, Endless Summer movies, and The Beach Boys.

He was a Red Sox fan, and—apparently—I was wrong.

Owen was strong and sure, and I wanted him. In every possible way.

I went from zero to pervert in three seconds flat.

It was a damn good thing he was hotter than the sun itself because there'd be no surviving his chaos otherwise.

"The last time I had a burger, it was made of mushrooms, lentils, and pumpkin seeds." "That's a crime," I replied. "Tell me who did that to you. I'll make him pay."

"Shit, that's not the right thing to say. I don't have to prepare myself to respect anyone's sexual orientation. No one should need an adjustment period to accept another human being.

"Social media is inherently dehumanizing. Most platforms peel back the artifice of human communication and reduce people down to basic instincts. There's a reason the internet is filled with porn."

"People on Twitter are like cats," Cole continued. "They knock shit over because why the fuck not?" "Seems like a great use of time," I replied.

"People on Facebook are dogs at the dog park. They're running around in circles, looking for belly rubs, and barking when they're happy, sad, angry, and confused." He handed me another plate. "People on Tumblr are raccoons. They only come out when it's dark and they love trash. There are a few on Reddit, and they're toads. They make a lot of noise and then disappear when someone wants to interact with them on a meaningful level. And the people on Instagram, they're squirrels. They love shiny things and never stop fidgeting."

I didn't think I could move from this spot if a family of tiny purple ponies paraded down the hall and asked for directions to the carnival.

"We're basically watching a glow-worm orgy," I said.

I wanted to tell him he was beautiful and goofy and erotic, all at once. I wanted to watch the way my words affected him. I wanted him to give me his words, and I wanted them to come from the same confusing places as mine.

What the running fuck is happening right now?"

I didn't know what it was about his acceptance and affection, but it gave me wings.

I needed this. Not a fling, not a rough hookup, but Owen. I needed him to dirty me up, take me apart.

All the fucks, yes. My eyes drooped shut, and stars and rainbows danced behind my lids.

She meant well," I repeated. "She just didn't understand." "That doesn't make it any easier to swallow," Cole said. "Good intentions do not erase or excuse harmful actions."

We want to be accepted, cherished, adored. We want someone to recognize our messy, complicated souls, and love us for those messes and complications."

"I hate them," he hissed. "They didn't deserve you, or your gold-medal dick."

"I want to try the shandy," he said, his brows furrowed in thought as he studied the menu. "Please don't," I replied. "It's not right to mix beer with lemonade. It's a crime against reason."

"We're never given things when we want them," Cole said. "It's the universe's way of fucking with us."

"I'm not like most people," I said carefully. "I don't feel the need to post all my thoughts and experiences on the internet, or see anyone else's thoughts and experiences. I'd rather take my time to understand someone piece by piece. I don't want to condense anyone down to a blurb or caption. I want to hold and treasure every piece, and I want someone to do the same to me."

He's a doctor, she's some kind of scientist, and they wanted me to take them on as deckhands for the haul. At first, I thought they were high on Ecstasy or something. Turned out, they were just really fucking weird."

I love this reference to Nick and Erin!!

A gust of relief blew through me. I'd never expected anything short of acceptance from these people, but the world was packed with contradiction. Good people often made hateful choices. Friends turned their backs and families closed their doors. It mattered that JJ was willing to speak up for us, more than I'd expected.