Which is where I’m heading now. I have my e-reader in my beach bag along with a towel, sunscreen, and my phone. The only thing I want to do is lie around and read the latest romance novel I downloaded. I’ve been sucked into reading since I was a young girl, something my mother and I used to do together before she passed away. Half the time, Dad would come into their room and find me passed out asleep while reading with my mom. He’d just wake me up or carry me to my bed. Those were the best days ever; I never knew that one day I’d wake up to them being gone from a car crash. It turned my world upside down, but I’d be damned if I would let it swallow me whole.
My home is within walking distance to the beach, so as soon as my bathing suit and shorts are on, I slide into a pair of flip flops, put my sunglasses on, and walk toward the water. My home is on the smaller side—a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house. The rent is ridiculous, which is why I have an older but paid-off car, and no credit cards to my name. I traded in one luxury for the other. I think it was the right decision to make.
I’m down at the beach in a matter of a few minutes. I lay my towel out, get everything ready the way I want it, and dive into my book. I don’t even notice a shadow looming over my head until the clearing of a throat gets my attention. “Ahem.” Only then do I look up.
“Mr. Reid? Well, this is, umm… different.” Did I mention my home is within walking distance to the hotel? It’s a quick ten-minute walk to work. Half the time, I choose to drive because I’m coming from school, but if I’m not, I’ll walk if the heat isn’t too intense.
“Hello, Cam. Do you mind if I join you?” Easton asks.
“Hi, I’m not so sure that’s a great idea. The hotel looks down on fraternizing with its customers,” I tell him. He’s only wearing a pair of black board shorts and sunglasses. I get my first full-fledged view that is Easton Reid, and I’m sure drool is pooling around my mouth. He is ripped, with strong arms, a lean torso, and he didn’t forget leg day, thank goodness. His abs are showing me he has a full six-pack with that delicious “V,” and I am totally drooling now.
“I won’t tell if you don’t.” He smirks, then goes the extra mile, licking his bottom lip. I kid you not, my whole-body shivers when he does it.
“I guess, if you won’t, then I won’t either. But, seriously, I can’t afford to lose my job. I’m this close to making all of my dreams come true.” I show him with my thumb and pointer finger just how close together it is.
“No problem, I couldn’t stand staying in the hotel another minute and figured I’d go for a walk along the beach. Imagine my surprise when I saw you out here. I thought you’d be working today.” He sits beside where I’m lying on my towel. It makes it hard to look up at him with this awkward angle. I’m in a two-piece bathing suit, and it’s decently modest, but let’s face it. Even at my age, when lying flat on your back, gravity tends to do indecent things to your boobs. With that thought in mind, I sit up, mimicking how Easton is sitting.
And damn both of our sunglasses; I want to see his eyes so badly, yet I can’t. “I’m off today, thank goodness. After yesterday. I need it,” I breathe out.
“About that, I never got a chance to apologize to you. I don’t like being caught unaware, and you shocked the shit out of me,” he replies.
“Oh, that didn’t bother me too much. I mean, sure, it surprised me, but it was work that has me needing this day off more and more. I keep telling myself, six more months then I’m home free,” I babble.
“Oh yeah, what are you going to school for?”
“An ultrasound technician. I’m hoping to get on at the hospital. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll look at a few private practices. I want normal hours, something that isn’t so hard on my body, and that I know will keep me safe and secure.” I seem to be telling Easton every damn thing about myself.
“It sounds like you’re heading in the right direction then.” He stretches his arms over his head. I watch every move he makes, and when he settles back down, I notice he’s getting red on his back.
“Hey, do you want some suntan lotion? You’re getting red.” I offer him my tube.
“Sure, that would be great. I’ll do your back if you do mine.” He wiggles his eyebrows, something I can see even with his sunglasses obscuring my view. I can’t help it; I fall back on my towel in a fit of giggles.