Hating You, Loving You (Inked Hearts 4)

Another.

I surf until the beach is crowded with tourists and families. Until my lips are blue and my toes are numb and my body is screaming for food and water.

It feels good wanting something physical. Wanting everything physical.

I ride the wave into the beach. Return the board with Dean. Go back to our stuff.

"Freezing?" He pulls a towel from his bag and tosses it to me.

I wrap it around my shoulders. "Maybe."

He grabs another. Towel dries his hair haphazardly. It falls in messy waves as he wraps the towel around his shoulders.

He stays in his Speedo.

It's… I…

Why does he have to be so hot? It's wrong.

A deep breath keeps my expression neutral. "You're getting looks."

"Why's that?"

"Curious, yeah?"

He nods. "People are weird." He stretches his arms over his head. Lets out a yawn. "Don't know about you, but I could go for some Golden Needle."

My cheeks flush. It was a bitch move criticizing his tea selection. But Dean doesn't seem like a guy who drinks tea, much less cultivates an assortment of rare teas. And… well, that's no excuse. But Dean doesn't respond to earnest apologies. "You couldn't pick it out of a line up."

His smile lights up his bright eyes. "Is that a challenge?"

"Yeah." The words tumble out of my mouth without stopping in my brain. When it comes to Dean, I'm senseless. I'm compelled to push back. And to linger in his presence.

"I know just the place. But lunch first. I'm starving—"

My stomach grumbles at the thought of food.

"There's a nearby place with great cheese enchiladas."

Mmm.

"On me."

"I'm in."

This is bliss.

Cheese and tomato nirvana.

Some other plane of existence, where corn, red sauce, cheese, and guacamole meld into flavor perfection.

I let out a soft groan as I take my next bite. The enchilada melts in my mouth. Soft tortillas. Chewy cheese. Rich, wet sauce.

"Fuck, Chloe. You're giving me ideas."

I flip Dean off, but it's without enthusiasm. This lunch is too good. There's no room for anger or frustration or irritation in my brain.

I chew, swallow, suck water from my straw. Let out another soft sigh.