AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fruity mystery punch or beer?” he asks as his eyes sweep over me. I swear my heart skips a beat. This guy needs to stop his gorgeousness before my heart skips right out of my chest.
My face flushes, and I giggle like a schoolgirl. I’m so lame. “Fruity mystery punch. Whatever is in it tastes delicious.” I raise my cup, and he taps his against mine before he takes a sip. A smile plays on his lips as though it’s dying to show itself, but he won’t let it. I study his face, taking in his mysterious nature. For some reason, it pulls me to him, and I want to know more about him. It’s also so sexy, my knees buckle.
“Want to take a walk? Or do you need to get back to your friend?” He nods toward that end of the beach, and I glance over, my eyes scanning for Leigh. The shore’s more packed than it was five minutes ago. Too many heads and too much going on.
“I should probably get back to her. Thanks for the drink, though. Are you here with anyone?”
“Nah, I’m on my own tonight. My nightly walk brought me here, and I decided to stay.” He shrugs those thick shoulders of his, and I want to wrap my hands around them and feel the muscles contract. Damn. “How about I walk you back to your friend?”
My stomach flips. I stall and sip my drink while my mind races. I want to go with him. More than anything, I want to slip my hand in his, walk down the beach, and let my problems drift out to sea, never to resurface again.
Yeah, like that’ll happen, Addi. Life isn’t a fairy tale.
Though sometimes I wish it were.
But one walk can’t hurt, right?
Besides, I need to find Leigh. And that’s exactly what we’ll be doing. Finding Leigh.
Yep, while you take in every inch of his scrumptious body.
My mouth waters from his scent, the woodsy spicy cologne sending shockwaves through me. I shift my feet in a desperate attempt to rub my legs together, the ache unbearable.
It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way toward someone. I concentrate on my breathing, the air releasing in short spurts. I can’t think about it. I must not think about how horny I am.
Fuck.
It’s pointless.
I’m ready to hump a fucking tree.
* * *
I look up at Cole. He studies me like he’s undressing me with his eyes.
I’m in trouble.
Shut up, all you frozen margaritas! I had way too many of you, and now my inhibitions are all fucked up.
God, I’m talking to my drinks now. I need my bed.
With a deep breath, I cover my face with my hand, the warmth on my cheeks burning through my skin. Giggles escape, and I feel the heat run down my body. If the sand could swallow me up, I’d gladly let it. “Sorry, had a bit too much of this punch. I’d love your help.”
Cole nods and holds his hand out in front of him to signal me to lead. We fall into stride next to each other, moving down toward the water. It’s dark out now, the sun having set over an hour ago, so the water and sand are now cool between my toes.
“Are you from around here?” Cole asks, his elbow brushing mine. A sharp sensation flies up my arm, and I almost trip in the sand.
It takes me a second to remember he asked me a question.
“Yes, born and raised. I left for a few years for school. I actually got back last week.”
“Where did you go to school? And why would you ever come back?” Cole chuckles, and his shaggy hair falls into his eyes.
“I have a bachelor’s in art design from Columbia in New York City.” I watch his face as I answer, purposely avoiding his second question.
A person’s face will tell you a lot. Some hide it better than others, but there are still those twitches, those mannerisms that come into play. I like trying to read people, which is exactly what I’m doing to Cole. His eyes carry a sadness to them, but I can’t put my finger on it. Too much alcohol clouds my brain, and my ability to read others flies out the window.
Cole bites his lip as he listens. I love how he’s paying attention, his eyes focused on me and walking the beach. Makes me feel interesting.
