Shrugging, I said, “Sorry, Mist.” I felt bad. I was supposed to meet up with her, but I had lost track of time and well, everything. My mind had definitely been in the clouds.

  She frowned and said, “Is that all you’re gonna give me? ‘Sorry Mist?’ Come on, tell me. I waited till like ten, but once I realized you weren’t coming, I spotted Aaron and went to talk to him. You know he’s single again?”

  That wasn’t surprising. Aaron was always single at the beginning of the summer. I think he used that as a tactic to hook up with as many girls as possible. Of course, once the time came to leave the beach life and go back to reality, he would break off whatever love connection he had made by telling them he was getting back with Rena, his ex-girlfriend. I doubted she ever really was his ex, but since he never brought her to Waverly–every summer she’d spend it back in Paris where she grew up as a kid. Her and her family had come over to the States when she was ten–there was no way of knowing for sure.

  “Is that so?” I gave her a questioning look.

  She threw her hands up, obviously annoyed with me.

  “We didn’t do anything, okay? We just talked… and kissed,” she mumbled under her breath.

  I shook my head, disapprovingly.

  “Just be careful, Mist. He’s bad news.”

  She pulled her glasses down and looked me dead in the eyes. “Read my lips. I. Don’t. Give a fuck. He’s hot, and I soooo want him. End of discussion. Now, you never answered my question… where the hell were you last ni–”

  She stopped mid-sentence, looking past me directly at the ocean.

  “Holy fucking ding dong donkey nuts,” she exclaimed.

  Chuckling at her explicit statement, I followed her gaze and knew immediately what she had seen.

  My breath caught in my throat and I swallowed hard. There, right at the edge of the water, stood Zach. He was wearing a pair of blue and green swim trunks with nothing else. Water laced his muscular, sun-kissed figure. His damp brown hair slightly covered his right eye. He appeared to be alone and ready to dive in once more.

  I quickly looked away fixing the top of my one-piece, but Misty was still staring at him. I grabbed her arm forcefully.

  “Hey!” she shouted.

  “Shhh! Stop staring at him!” I stated, quietly. I don’t know why I was so paranoid; it wasn’t like he’d be able to hear us. The beach was packed with vacationers and thankfully, it didn’t appear like he had spotted me.

  “Why would I wanna do that? He’s fuckin’ gorgeous!” she admitted.

  If I hadn’t mentioned it before, Misty was boy crazy. Ever since I’d met her, there was always someone she liked. Her hormones were through the roof.

  “Because! That’s exactly about last night,” I replied, feeling my face flame.

  She furrowed her brows, saying, “About last night? Huh? Oh! You were with him?” Her face lit up, and for the first time since I had met up with her since arriving in Waverly this year, she seemed proud of me.

  “Damn, Brae! That’s who you dissed me for? Well, damn. Look at you! I’m proud of you! He might be just a smidgen hotter than Aaron… maybe.”

  He was definitely hotter than Aaron. Sure, Aaron was your typical dream guy. But there was just something about Zach that made him so much more irresistible than Aaron.

  “Okay, bitchola. Details please,” Misty demanded.

  “There’s nothing really to tell,” I said, looking back over at the shore, trying to catch another glimpse of Zach. He was still standing at the edge of the ocean.

  “Um, yeah there is. Who is he? How did you meet him? What’s his name? Did you screw him? God, I would’ve jumped his bones the minute I could. Why haven’t I seen him around here before?”

  Looking back at her, I finally gave her the answers she sought. “Because this is his first time staying here with family. And no, I didn’t screw him! We didn’t even kiss… although we almost did. Anyways, he’s nineteen, and his name is Zach, and he’s so flipping amazing! I met him yesterday at the park after I saw you, and oh my God, Misty, I’m crushing on him bad!” I admitted.

  A smile spread on her face from ear-to-ear. “Yeah? Zach, huh? Oh wow, he is so godly. You’re in trouble. Big trouble. Look at him… mmm. He is yummy. So, what’s the plan?”

  I didn’t know to what she was referring. “Plan? What plan? There is no plan.”

  She shook her head, not approving of my answer. “Of course, there’d better be a plan if you want him. You do want him, don’t you?”

  Did I want him? Did I want Zach? Hell yeah, I did. But how? How could I do anything to make him mine? That wasn’t something I knew how to do.

  “Well?” she asked again.

  “Yeah. Yes, I want him. Misty, I like him… a lot. I haven’t been able to get him out of my head since I laid eyes on him. And I know it’s only been a day, but I’ve never liked someone this much.”

  Crap. I had it bad for this guy. It was as if it had happened all of a sudden, but I couldn’t control my feelings for him.

  “Then, we’ll figure out a plan of attack.” She winked at me.

  I then shook my head, with regret and embarrassment. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

  Me and my big, fat mouth. I probably shouldn’t have said anything just yet to her. Misty wasn’t one to hold back from doing something she believed in… like trying to hook me up with Zach. I would die if she were to do something.

  “Why the hell not?” she looked at me, perplexed.

  “Because, he was about to kiss me last night, and I got so nervous, I blew it. He told me more than once he thinks I’m beautiful and he always calls me pretty girl,” I finish on a whisper.

  Her face broke out into a grin, “Oh, Brae. This is going to be easier than I thought. He already likes you. It’s sold.”

  I spent the rest of the day with Misty and we talked about Zach and Aaron. It was nice to have some girl talk and just relax. I told her I would be heading out again tonight to hopefully see him, and I prayed that I wouldn’t blow it a second time in a row.

  Chapter 4

  Two weeks went by since I had first met Zach, and almost every single night after dinner, we’d sit down on the sand and admire the stars together.

  * * *

  I found myself counting down the hours till I could see him again. I didn’t know what was going on with me, but I knew that I had it bad for him.

  All I wanted to do was spend my time with him. It was to the point that I would rather skip dinner altogether and go see him. However, I chose not to do that so my parents wouldn’t become suspicious of my new behavior.

  One afternoon I was sitting with Molly on the beach right behind our house, building some sand castles with her. Misty had been spending more and more time without me. I had a hunch she had been seeing Aaron on the regular and I was worried about her. But every time I’d see her, she seemed happy, so I just let it go.

  “Good job, Molly! That’s a great castle!” I shouted excitedly, encouraging my little sister.

  “Tink you, Rae,” she responded, proud of herself.

  “My! She has gotten big!” Looking up, I saw Mrs. Neverly hovering over us with Sampson on a red leash.

  “Hey, Mrs. Neverly! Hi, Sampson!” I greeted them back. “Look, Molly. Say hello to Mrs. Neverly and her dog, Sampson.”

  Molly looked up at Mrs. Neverly with a smile. Then, averting her gaze at Sampson, she shouted, “Doggy!”

  Sampson got close to her and licked her on the cheek, making Molly explode in a fit of laughter.

  “Yep, that will always do it,” Mrs. Neverly said, smiling. Then looking at me, she asked, “How are things, dear?”

  I pushed myself up, slapping my hands on my ass to rid myself of the excess sand.

  “Everything’s going really well, thanks. How are you and Sampson doing?”

  “All good with us. Just taking our afternoon stroll on the beach. Sampson loves it. He loves people, especially kids,” she said turning her chin up at Molly, “but you already know that.”

  I giggled nodding. “Yeah, Sampson is a big pile of mush. We love him.”

  “Misty not around much this year?” she asked.

  Shrugging, I replied, “Yeah, she’s around, but I think she’s got things to do or something.”

  Furrowing her brows, Mrs. Neverly responded, “Oh?”

  I nodded again. “Yeah. Misty is a bit boy crazy,” I said. It was kind of hypocritical of me to say since lately, all that ever occupied my mind was Zach.

  “I see. No boyfriend for you?” she asked.

  I didn’t know how much I should reveal, but I figured it would be harmless to let her know there was someone on my mind.

  “No boyfriend per se, but I did meet a really nice guy about two weeks ago, and we’ve been spending some time together. He seems really sweet.”

  “Oh! Nice. And your parents like him?”

  I made a face letting her know I had yet to spill the beans.

  “Ah! I see,” she answered, understanding. “Well, I won’t say a word. What’s this young man’s name?”

  “Zach, but this is his first time coming to the beach. He’s been staying with his grandmother for the summer,” I stated.

  A look flashed on her face that I couldn’t read, but before I could ask her about it, she spoke again.

  “Well, dear, I’d better get going. Good ol’ Sampson here loves his walks. It was great seeing you again.”

  “You, too, Mrs. Neverly,” I said, and then facing Molly, “Molly, say goodbye to Mrs. Neverly and Sampson.”

  “Bye-bye! Bye, Sapon!” my little sister said, gleefully. I had to admit, sometimes the way she mispronounced things was cute.

  “Goodbye, sweetheart,” Mrs. Neverly said looking at Molly.

  After ten minutes had gone by once they were gone, Mom came out looking for Molly.

  “Hey, my beautiful girls. How’s my little one?” she asked.

  “She’s been great, Mom. Having a wonderful time playing. Is it time for her n-a-p?” I asked, spelling the word so that Molly wouldn’t catch on.

  “No nappie! No nappie!” Molly shouted. I stared at her and smiled. I guess the little stinker was smarter than I thought. How could she possibly know we were talking about her going down for a nap?

  Mom laughed. “She’s catching on quicker than expected, but she knows when Mommy comes out with her pink bunny, it’s time to nap. Come here, sweet girl,” Mom motioned for Molly to go to her.

  Not fighting it, Molly slowly got up off her tush, and held up her arms for Mom to pick her up. Mom kissed her forehead and Molly immediately placed her head on her chest.

  “First she says no, and then she’s ready to sleep. So funny,” I said fondly.

  I went up to Molly in Mom’s arms and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. “Rest well, little sis. I will see you later.”

  Molly just waved at me, her eyes growing heavy. It was like a switch had gone off.

  Mom started walking with Molly toward the house, and then turned around to face me. “You coming in or going to see Misty? Where is she by the way? I haven’t seen much of her.”

  “She had some things to do, but I think I’m going to take a walk or something. I’ll be back in time for dinner. Anything good on the menu tonight?” I asked.

  “I’ll be grilling some barbecued chicken with fries and veggies on the side. I’ll see you later, Braelynn. Are you going to join us tonight to watch the fireworks?”

  Evidently, it was the Fourth of July, and every single year, the town of Waverly would all gather on the beach around 9 p.m. to watch the fireworks. It was a spectacular show that every year, I would spend with Misty watching them. Mom always tried to get me to watch them with her, Dad, and Molly. One year, I would. Just not this year.

  “I think I’ll be with some friends, sorry, Mom,” I responded.

  “It’s okay. I’ll see you at dinner.”

  “Okay, bye,” I responded before looking out towards the ocean. Once she was inside, I made my way toward the shore to feel the water with my bare feet. It felt cool and refreshing. I wanted to go for a dip, but I decided to continue walking in the hopes of seeing my dream man on my way.

  “You mean you’ve never been on an airplane before?” I asked, not able to believe he had never flown in an airplane.

  * * *

  It was just after 8 p.m. and I had been sitting on our usual spot with Zach in front of the ocean for a little over an hour now. We had easily drifted into a friendly conversation, and I was finding it harder and harder to steady my rapidly beating, racing heart. Every night, we would sit just close enough that we would barely touch, our shoulders softly brushing against one another.

  Zach shook his head. “Nope, not once. Never really had a reason to go anywhere else and no opportunities ever came up, so in Waverly was where I stayed all my life.”

  I stared at him in amazement. “Wow! I’ve travelled so many times. I can understand where you’re coming from, but one day, you’ve got to get out and see the world; it’s pretty amazing.”

  He just smiled at me with his eyes full of want and sorrow, and I immediately hoped I hadn’t offended him.

  Crap, Rae. What was wrong with me?

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult or offend you in any way.”

  “You didn’t, pretty girl.” He smiled at me then and as always I wanted to melt into the sand. Those dimples and that gaze alone would have me dreaming of him every single damn night.

  We continued talking for the next hour until the crowds settled on the beach. Independence Day on Waverly Beach was always crowded. Tonight was no different, except for the spot that Zach and I shared. We were pretty much secluded from the rest of the people, sitting next to one another on the right side of the crowds. I looked around but didn’t see my parents and Molly anywhere in sight. I was glad and relieved they weren’t around, honestly. Not for nothing, but I just felt better knowing I was really alone with Zach. I couldn’t even seem to locate Misty. I wondered if she was off somewhere with Aaron. I was worried about her. Aaron was bad news, whether she claimed that she wanted to sleep with him or not.

  Everyone looked up in wonder as the glittering sky lit up with Peony and Brocade Crown fireworks. They were definitely a sight to see and Waverly did an awesome job every single year putting on a spectacular show.

  “So beautiful,” I stated, looking up at the magnificent, sparkling colors.

  “You sure are,” he said, and as I turned to look at him, I noticed he had been staring at me.

  I blushed, smiled, and dropped my gaze.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” Zach said, chuckling.

  “It’s okay… you didn’t,” I responded, looking back into his piercing blue eyes. “The way you look at me and talk to me makes it so difficult…”

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “You make it so difficult for me to have control and every day I am finding it harder to resist kissing you,” I confessed. In that moment, I didn’t want to hold back from him anymore. I had been dying to kiss him and touch him since the beginning of the two weeks that we had met. Every single night as I lay in bed, all I could think about was Zach and his sweet lips on top of mine.

  He inched closer to me and softly whispered in my ear, “Why would you want to hold back,” as he placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. Instinctively, I turned my head and our lips met.

  Catching him by surprise, his eyes widened and then he smiled, kissing me back.

  Just as I had imagined, his lips were soft, full, and oh my God, so amazing. If there currently weren’t any Roman Candles jetting above us, there sure as hell would have been from the intensity of our kiss. His desire matched mine; he was reciprocating the want and hunger I had kept inside of me for the past two weeks.

  His wet tongue caressed mine, as I placed my hand on his neck, pulling him closer to me. Our bodies faced one another, and I didn’t care if anyone were to see us there. I had wanted this kiss more than anything lately that nothing could get me to pull away.

  “Wow, Rae. That was intense,” he smiled, after we had been kissing for a while.

  The fireworks had long since stopped. Waverly’s Fourth of July spectacular had come to an end. As I looked around, I could see the majority of the people had left. Most were families with young children, so I figured they were heading back home to send them off to bed. I still couldn’t find my parents and Molly or even Misty and Aaron. Our spot on the beach seemed to be a bit isolated from where the crowds chose to sit. It was absolutely perfect.

  I smiled. “It was, wasn’t it?” I responded. He gave me his perfect smile once more and with his left hand, moved his dark hair that had been hanging in front of his eyes. Then, he took that same hand and placed it softly on my cheek.

  “Pretty girl,” he whispered.

  My insides turned to mush. The butterflies in my stomach were fluttering so hard they caused me to quiver. Nothing compared to the way he made me feel.

  I couldn’t stop staring into his eyes as he looked at me. No other kiss I had ever received had been as passionate as the one we had just shared.

  “I’ve never met anyone like you before,” he continued.

  “Me neither,” I replied.

  “I really like you, Rae,” he added.

  “I really like you, too, Zach.”

  Caressing my cheek, he bit his bottom lip. I wanted to feel them on me once more, and as if reading my mind, he kissed me again.

  Zach was everything I had ever wanted. He was sweet, affectionate, sexy, drop dead gorgeous, and all I wanted to do was make him mine so that I could kiss him over and over again any time I wanted.

  At that very moment, I knew I had lied to him when I told him I liked him. I didn’t really like him. I had fallen in love with him, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t realized it sooner.

  Chapter 5

 

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