AllFreeNovel
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There’s no surfacing from him.
There’s no coming back from being swept up in the undertow.
I didn’t see him coming, but that didn’t stop him from barreling into my life like a man hell bent on distracting me so far from the man I was with that he became my everything.
I guess I never learn when it comes to men. I throw myself into relationships wholly – always have. And time and time again, I get burned. Except this time, I’m the one who initiated the burning, and instead of walking away clean, the flames ingulfed me.
With another gust of wind, my hair blows around my face, and I tuck a few wayward strands behind my ear.
“Ready?” Mel asks, trying to control her long hair in the breeze.
“I guess.”
That makes her smile. “Come on, Ellie, this is good. I’m going to bet you dinner and drinks that you’ll be in the arms of your man tonight.”
“You get that for free with Alex anyway,” I point out. “That’s no bet.”
“Fine whatever you want then. I know I’m going to win anyway.”
“And if you’re wrong and this all goes to shit?”
“I want free coffee and cookies for a week.”
I shake my head. “Sure. Whatever you want. But expect to be drowning in alcohol later with me. Not coffee.”
“We’ll see.”
The glow of a massive bonfire is visible between the cars as we weave our way towards his house. Breaking through to the open yard, I feel a twinge in my chest at seeing the ocean laid out before me, the vast deep blue even darker in the shadows of the fire.
I’ve missed it.
A teepee shaped bonfire is blazing by the edge of the yard with a semi-circle of hay bales surrounding it. Each bale is covered with a blanket, and a few people have already claimed their seats there, while another twenty or so stand in small groups around the yard, talking and laughing.
The bar area is set up on the grass along the side of the house with a table covered in liquor bottles and mixers, and coolers of ice and beer to the side. Music fills the air from large speakers up on the porch, and the sweet and twangy voice of Jason Aldean filling my ears is making me wish I was dancing in Tyler’s arms right now.
“I’m going to need a drink,” I tell Mel, already walking in the direction of the alcohol.
As Mel and I are making ourselves vodka seltzers, Ally and Ashley come up behind us.
“Hey, hey!” Ashley greets, placing her hand on my shoulder.
“Hi.” I give them both the best smile I can muster without already having a few drinks in me.
“Oh my god, Ellie! Your hair! I love it!” Ally exclaims. Touching it, she lifts a few pieces in her hands.
“You look hot, Elle-belle.” Ash smiles wide, turning me this way and that.
“Thanks.” I laugh nervously. “I needed a change.”
“Well, I can guarantee you Tyler will notice and love it.”
“I didn’t do it for him.”
“I know.” She shrugs. “I’m just pointing it out.”
“Well, don’t,” I tell her. “Let’s just go sit by the fire.”
“Sure,” Ally says, hooking her arm with mine. I look around as we walk, but I don’t see him. I’m not sure I’m ready yet anyhow. Being here is bringing back everything we were that last night, and has me second guessing myself.
