Lamar looks genuinely wounded by that.
“Boys, be polite.” Anne flicks Mason on the head. “Lamar, sweetie, I’m proud of you as well.”
The brothers continue their playful banter, occasionally aiming a friendly jab at either Tyler or Lamar, while I silently observe and eat my breakfast with a stupidly large grin on my face. I don’t have siblings, I don’t even have much of a family to be honest, but I don’t hate this, this family vibe, hanging out with the guys. I kind of love it. However, a pang of unease twists in my gut, reminding me that I've never had this and perhaps never will.
SIX
Jace surprised me with his surfing skills. I really thought he wouldn’t be really good at it here. You know; given the differences in waves and currents compared to what he's used to. Yet, I’m honestly surprised when he can hold his own remarkably well. I whistle at him as I let my ass fall onto a towel after a few hours of fun, producing some awesome bacon and egg leftover sandwiches that my mom packed for us out of my bag.
He catches the sound and waves before paddling back to shore. As he comes out of the ocean for the gazillionth time–shaking out his wet hair and pushing it back–my old short-sleeved UV shirt clings to his well-defined body.
I blink at the funny feeling in my gut. Huh, guess I didn’t anticipate that the dark blue material would be this tight on him, since it is my old one and all. And yeah, we’re about the same height, but I am broader. At least I thought so, the way this shirt wraps around him might prove different, though.
Shaking off the strange feeling, I unwrap the sandwiches and wave one to him. “Here, before you accuse me of letting you starve.”
“Well,” he begins as he sets his surfboard in the sand beside me, “that would be impossible, considering the all-you-can-eat buffet your mom prepared. She's amazing, by the way.”
Yeah, I noticed Jace’s silly grin all during breakfast. He was trying his damn hardest not to show it though. So, I shrug it off. “Feel free to drop by anytime. My mom loves having company over.”
He peels off the shirt–unveiling his washboard abs and the scar he showed me in the car–and tosses it onto his board before drying off. Emerging from beneath the towel with a big grin, his hair sticking out in all directions, he says, “Friends, huh? That was quick.” Taking the sandwich from my hands he drops down beside me. “Don't I have to earn my place in the good graces of the almighty King?”
I snicker. “Nah, you proved yourself on a board alright. That last wave was impressive.” I smile, holding up my sandwich. “Bon appétit.” Our sandwiches tap together, and I lean back, savoring the warmth of the sun on my skin–since I let my shirt dry on my board as well–and loving the salty breeze while we eat in a comfortable silence.
After a while, a group of women stroll along the shore, stealing glances in our direction as they pass. Jace nods at them, flashing a crooked grin.
“Do you ever stop flirting?” I inquire, watching as they giggle and continue on their way, occasionally looking back.
“What?” He feigns innocence after finishing his last bite, still observing. “They were checking you out too.” He turns his gaze back to me, his eyes wandering over my chest and abs, the corner of his lower lip caught between his teeth. “And rightfully so.”
“You're at it again.”
“What? Flirting?” I nod. “You seem to enjoy it.” He winks, then cracks open a Gatorade and drinks, eyeing me as he does so.
I just stare. Well, damn, maybe he's right. Not that I’m into him or anything, of course not, but he showers me with more compliments and attention than my girlfriend does. He genuinely listens when I talk to him about whatever, and it's clear he appreciates it as well. It’s addicting, a nice change.
That’s not good now is it? I really need to talk to Kaylee, figure shit out. It's not even the stupid fight from last night that's bothering me so much; it's the dwindling attention whenever we manage to meet. If she even wants to meet up at all. So far, the first week back in college wasn’t that great. Relationship-wise, that is.
“Thinking mighty hard over there,” Jace remarks, nudging my bare shoulder.
I inhale loudly and cock my head his way. He’s staring at me intensely, a small frown in between his stormy gray gaze. “Nah, it’s nothing, I think. But is it normal to hit a slump after only two years of dating?”
Jace’s brows soar. “Already huh? I don’t know? It sounds like a bit quick, but I’ve never had a serious girl- or boyfriend for the long haul, so I might not be the best person to advise on this.”
“Never been in a relationship? Why not?”
A half-smile tugs at his lips. “I don't have any trouble with hookups. Obviously.” He gestures toward himself.
“Obviously,” I reply with an eye roll, suppressing a grin as he chuckles.
“But every time I tried to make it more than that, it just never worked out. I must be incredibly unlovable, so I eventually stopped trying.” He pushes his hair back and gives me a grin that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Well, here's a suggestion.”
“Hit me.”
“Maybe actually get to know someone before you stick your dick in ‘em? Might help.”
“Maybe I like it better when they stick their dick in me,” Jace’s low voice rumbles.
