What the fuck is he worried about then? Jacob?
“Well, I think all things considered, Jacob is very nice,” my mother says pointedly, and I nearly stop breathing because the way she looks at me when she says the words is…
She’s never liked any of my boyfriends. She’s always been pretty clear about that.
“I think you lucked out, Aaron,” Shannon says with a grin. “That boy is practically Prince Charming.”
Her words make the world around me small. I catch Garrett’s stare.
“Yes, it’s almost like he’s too perfect. Like he was created just for Aaron.”
Garrett finishes his bagel. “Alright, we’re off to finalize our plans for our epic party.” He says.
“Enjoy your day, Aaron.”
When Jake and I get to the beach, I’m practically jumping out of my skin. All morning, I couldn’t stop thinking about Garrett’s words. Or my dad’s.
I focus on setting up our beach towels and umbrellas as Jacob unpacks the beach bag and his books. Apparently, his duffel was full of books.
More than I would bring on vacation.
He plops down on his beach blanket, watching me as I struggle with the damn umbrella. My temperature rises, and it’s not from the damn weather.
“Fucking hell!” I bite as I nearly throw the damn top because it won’t click in right.
“Hey…” He sets his book down, standing as he approaches me with a weary look.
“Are you okay? Are you mad about earlier?”
“What?” I look at him in question.
“I didn’t mean to swear in front of your parents and be awkward, it just sort of—”
“No.” I shake my head. “No, I’m not mad at you because you told my family you think I’m hot as fuck.”
His cheeks redden again and suddenly the anger dissipates.
“Oh. Good,” he says. I smirk.
“You really think I’m hot as fuck?”
He rolls his eyes as he tries to click the umbrella in.
“Isn’t it obvious?” he asks.
“Yeah. But maybe I like to hear you say it,” I say with a chuckle. “Maybe I like it when you praise me a little.”
The umbrella clicks in.
“There we go,” he says, adjusting the angle. “Sometimes you just need to take a step back.”
His words aren’t lost on me. He turns to look at me. “If it’s something I did—”
I pull him closer, sliding my hand over his exposed skin. He falls into my hold easily.
“It’s nothing you did,” I say. “I promise.”
He nods. “Okay.”
