Page 36 of The Perfect Distraction

It might have been her imagination, but she thought he seemed nervous compared to earlier when they’d been flirting over the phone. Maybe the reality of the situation was settling in for him too.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah. Fine. You?”

“Fine.”

“Okay, then. Let’s go.”

He started to walk around to open her door, but she held up a hand and said, “That’s okay. I’ve got it.” The less this felt like a date, the better. They were just two neighbors going to the beach together, that’s all. Never mind that he was hot and they’d made out last night. That was in the past, and today, they’d have a fresh start.

“Have you ever been to Petoskey State Park?” Colton asked as they drove away.

“A few times when I was a kid, but not in a lot of years.”

“Did you visit your aunt and uncle every summer?”

“When I was young, but it tapered off in my teen years. What about you? Have you lived here all your life?”

“Yeah. Born and raised just like my parents and grandparents.”

“Did you always plan on staying here?”

He shot her a look like she’d just asked him a particularly difficult test question.

He shrugged. “This is my life. My family and business are here. I guess I never really considered living anywhere else.”

She recalled what he’d said about Gretchen and how she’d wanted a different life. But hadn’t she known this was home for him from the beginning? Had she thought she could change his mind? And if Colton had really loved her, why wouldn’t he have tried to reach a compromise? It was all so confusing, which was another reason she shouldn’t get too involved.

“What about you? Have you ever thought about living anywhere else?”

Now that she thought about it… “Like you, I’ve stayed where I was raised, and that’s where my job is, but I guess it’s possible I might move someday.” Christopher’s family lived in Southeast Michigan too, and she’d assumed they’d stay there and raise their own family. Now there wasn’t much stopping her from moving if she really wanted to, although she would miss being close to her parents and sisters.

“Here we are,” he said as he pulled into the park. He had a prepaid park pass, so they drove right in and found one of the few remaining parking spots near the beach. They gathered all their belongings and trekked across the hot sand to find their spot, weaving among the other beachgoers who’d already staked their claims.

“This okay?” Colton asked.

It was already eighty degrees, and his shirt was sticking to his chest, which didn’t bother her at all because it only showed off the muscles underneath.

“Yes, it’s fine,” she said, plunking down her beach bag. Since much of the prime real estate near the water was taken, they were on a stretch of sand that backed up to the dunes. Looking around at the throngs of people, Beth was just as glad. This way, they’d be afforded a little privacy, and she wouldn’t have to strip off her clothes in front of a crowd. She could just imagine Becca saying, “What are you worried about? You’re gorgeous. Own it!”

With that thought, she smiled and started to take off her clothes. But as she was pulling the tank top over her head, it got stuck on her ponytail, and she couldn’t seem to free it.

“Need some help?” Colton asked, laughing.

“Yes, please,” she said, her voice muffled through the tank top.

Stepping close enough that she could smell his manly scent, he carefully freed her hair and tugged the tank top over her head. And then he stopped and stared. Glancing down, she saw that he’d zoned in on her breasts, which were propped up thanks to the built-in bra.

I knew I should have worn the one-piece!

Clearing his throat loudly, he handed her the tank top, but he didn’t step back. “Here ya go.”

“Thanks.” When he still didn’t budge, she said, “Ahem. Mind stepping back so I can take off my shorts?”

He chuckled and took a step back. “Not at all. Knock yourself out.”

“Are you just going to stand there and watch?”