A float of orange and red clouds reflected off the water as Caleb walked Emery from the beach volleyball game toward the motel.
His arm brushed hers when the sand gave way under his step. “Sorry,” he said with a light laugh. Then she slipped and fell against him. “Sorry,” she whispered.
That’s when his hand clasped hers. It was warm and strong and magically filled her with the colors in the clouds.
“You’re still going home in two weeks?” he said without looking at her.
“I asked Dad if we could stay another week.” Dad’s answer was noncommittal, almost distracted, but he seemed more anxious to get home than she liked. Apparently he had an additional class this fall, and Mom had things to “tie up” at the bank, whatever that meant. Still, she was hopeful for an extended stay.
Emery was not ready to leave Sea Blue Beach. Funny to say since she didn’t want to come in the first place. Since the trashing of the West End High football field, she’d spent every day with Caleb. If he was working at the Starlight, she’d skate the late session, then hang out with him afterward.
Today, while playing volleyball, Jumbo said West End High was pretty ticked about the trashing and demanding those responsible to come forward.
“But we’re not talking, right?” Jumbo leaned into the huddle of Caleb, Emery, Alvarez, Kidwell, Crammer, Shift, and Hollingsworth, and zipped his lips. They all followed. “Loose lips sink ships.”
Emery loved being a part of their crowd. She loved sharing a secret with Caleb.
“I never thought I’d say this ’cause school means football, but I don’t want this summer to end.” He slowed as they neared the motel and pulled Emery into the shadows of the palms along the Beachwalk. “This is the best summer. Because of you.”
“Even though I made you ride the Ferris wheel?”
“I made you trash our rival’s football field.” His laugh resonated in his chest.
“And I didn’t get arrested.”
“Nope. I trust those guys with my life. Hey, my mom asked if you’d come to dinner one night. Your folks too.”
“You mean Mr. Ransom and Mr. Quinn will meet face-to-face? Not sure the world is ready for it.”
“I’m not worried about our dads. It’s my nutcase sister that scares me.” Still holding her hand, Caleb’s tanned arm rested against hers, which was finally a lovely burnished brown.
“Still trouble in River City?”
“That starts withCand rhymes with pass? Yeah. She was blaring her music the other night, and when Mom asked her to turn it down, she cranked it louder. I grabbed my keys and left.”
She squeezed his hand. “Wish I had some advice for you, but being an only—”
“Talking to you is enough.” He drew her into a hug, and she inhaled his scent—suntan lotion, salt water, and sand. He embodied everything she imagined about true love—trust, affection, friendship.
“Better get you home,” he said, releasing her too soon. “I don’t want to get in trouble with the Boyfriendinator.”
But she didn’t want this moment to end. She wanted to stay with him. Listen to his heartbeat.
“I love you, Caleb.” The words came with a soft sigh.
“What?” He snapped back, taking his warmth and affection with him.
“Nothing.” She spun around and made tracks for the Sands. What did she just say? Why, why, why? So dumb. He’d asked, “What?” but he heard. She knew by the way he released her. By the look on his face. Way to ruin everything, Emery Quinn.
“Emery, wait.” Caleb ran in front of her to cut off her escape. “I love you too. Can’t believe it, but I do.”
“Stop, stop.” She pressed her hands over her flushed cheeks. “It’s okay, you don’t have to say you love me. I don’t know how those words came out of my mouth without my permission, but you don’t have to say it back. Just forget—”
He was kissing her, covering her moving lips with his. There was no going back now. His arm cinched around her waist as she raised her arms to his shoulders. His mouth was hot and salty, the kiss more perfect than the one in the truck. Because love came first.
The moment ended slowly, then he touched his forehead to hers and gazed into her eyes. “I swore I wasn’t going to fall in love until I was twenty-five. You’re making a liar out of me.” He kissed her again. “You got some sort of power, Emery Quinn.”
His final kiss goodnight was sweet, drawing a second “I love you” from her. Then he whispered the same in her ear, igniting chills down her sunkissed arms and legs. She watched him go, her fingers resting on her tingling lips.
