Chapter Three
Then
Jasper
“Ican’t believe you hit her in the face,” Riley spats, straddling his surfboard while we wait for another wave to break.
Easton and Bodhi went into Joe’s to grab a fish taco.
Those fuckers haven’t stopped giving me a hard time since last week when my rogue volleyball came into a direct collision with Helen’s niece’s face.
The event unfolded in slow motion as I ran at full speed through the thick sand and over to her.
“I was annoyed our game was interrupted,” I puff.
“We were for sure going to lose the game to those bastards from Shadow Falls anyway,” Riley replies, shaking out his wet hair. “But I can’t let you live down how shitty that spike was.”
“It was an accident,” I repeat for the hundredth time this week.
“Sure,” Riley retorts. “And you didn’t look that annoyed when you carried her into Helen’s house. Like some knight in shining fucking armor.”
My heart skidded to a halt when my eyes fell on her dark brown hair and tiny freckles on the bridge of her nose. It’s true, I wasn’t bothered any longer. I was pleasantly surprised at how that situation worked out for me.
“I hit her in the face.” My palms flip into the air. “What else was I supposed to do?”
“I’m just saying, dude.” His voice drawls out, letting me know I won’t be living this one down for a while.
“Fuck you,” I reply. We both share a laugh. With my legs draped over either side of my board, I lift myself with locked arms and glance over my shoulder for the wave. “The water’s too calm today.”
“I saw her yesterday at Shore’s Bikinis.” He smirks, ignoring my attempt to change the subject.
My ears perk up. “Was she shopping?”
He licks his lips, and suddenly, I don’t like the look on my friend’s face. “She was working there.”
Did she get a job already? Interesting. “Do you know much about her?”
“I don’t. You’re interested, aren’t you?”
A smile slipped, and finally, I decided to give in to Riley’s harassment. “She’s fucking hot.”
“Totally.”
“I only spoke to her for a few minutes when I took her back to Helen’s house, but there’s this intense deepness to her that I find fucking sexy.”
“She has this gothic princess vibe.” He beams. I still don’t like that look.
“Nothing like the girls here in town.”
“Aren’t your dad and Helen still hooking up?” he says, more of an observation than a question. “That’s a good excuse to hang out with her niece.”
I shrug. “They are, and that’s not a bad idea.”
Riley stretches his arms, cracking his knuckles. “Duke’s the man. He’s going to be single forever.”
My father hasn’t been in a real relationship since my mom died when I was young.
They were childhood sweethearts, and both grew up in Coconut Grove.
Sometimes, the thought of not knowing her causes me deep sadness.
Growing up, I tried so hard to remember things about her.
I’d use pictures to help create memories that I don’t have.
What I do remember, though, was how hard it was on my dad. Since then, he’s had a string of hookups where none stayed long—until Helen. She’s independent and supportive, and she accepts my dad for being the distant man he is.
“I don’t think he wants anyone in this town. He grew up with all of them, just as we did,” I say.
“But he liked Helen because she was an outsider,” he states, assuming that’s why they’ve stayed in their relationship for as long as they have. “She’s not a permanent fixture in this place like we all are.”
Bodhi and Easton are waving us down from the shore. Tenting my eyes to get a better look, I notice they’re both holding cardboard boxes, probably filled with tacos.
Riley cups his hands around his mouth. “We’re coming!”
“I’m starving,” I say, flipping onto my stomach.
Riley does the same, and we both paddle to shore.
“It was about this time yesterday when she was working.” He smirks, not even using her name. He knows I’m still thinking about her. “Wanna head over there?”
Hell fucking yes.
“Why not?” I roll my shoulders, trying to play it off.
“These are from Joe.” Bodhi handed me a basket with three fish tacos in it. Joe is the owner of Joe’s Taco Shack. He, my dad, and Bodhi’s mom went to high school together. As most of us in this town, our families go way back.
“Thanks. I’m starving,” I say, snatching the food.
“Jasper and I were thinking about going down to the boardwalk,” Riley tells them.
Easton cocks a brow in my direction. “Dude, you hate the boardwalk.”
“Remember that girl I hit with the volleyball last weekend? Helen’s niece?” I begin with my mouth full.
Bodhi and Easton both nod.
“Apparently, she works at Shore’s.” Riley slaps my shoulder, interjecting before I have the chance to continue. “And Jasper here might have a thing for her.”
“Looks like we’re going to the boardwalk then!” Bodhi exclaims, then turns and starts walking toward the promenade.
“Let’s fucking go,” I call out, ready to see her again.
It’s only a ten-minute drive down the coast toward the other end of town. The guys and I immediately head over to the small shops.
“It’s busy today,” Riley observes, flipping his sunglasses over his eyes.
“I know,” I agree, scanning the crowds. I think of all the missed sales my dad’s surf shop is missing out on, not being located on this end of the shore.
I told my dad we needed to relocate the shop a few years ago, but he refuses to give up his coveted spot on the south end of town.
We’re flanked by two luxury resorts and are just a short drive from many high-end businesses.
The four of us walk side by side down the boardwalk, where we’ve spent our childhood weekends, high school afternoons, and late nights.
I lower my sunglasses to block the bright sun of this late afternoon summer day while simultaneously avoiding bumping shoulders with the tourists on the narrow sidewalk.
“Hey!” Easton calls out to a group of girls about our age standing outside a cafe. They all look over and smile, sipping drinks out of hollowed coconuts. Tourists love those.
“Let’s talk to them,” Riley suggests, pivoting in their direction.
“Yeah, buddy!” Bodhi nudges my arm. “Let’s go.”
I have no interest in those girls. My mind is hyperfocused on getting to know the one I hit in the face with the volleyball.
I haven’t stopped thinking about her vibrant green eyes and intense stare.
This is my chance to see her again while I’m brave enough.
I need to act on this impulse because it might not come again.
“I’ll catch you guys later,” I say, waving them off.
Easton pauses. “Are you still going to talk to Helen’s niece?”
I nod. “I have my mind set on it now. Why not?”
“Good luck, man!” I hear Riley reply behind me. He’s already approaching the group of girls. I feel better without the baggage of having my friends anyway. They would have made the situation more awkward.
When I get to the entrance to Shore’s Bikinis, I don’t go in immediately.
Instead, I peer through the windows to see if I can spot her.
After one quick sweep of the small shop, I spot her.
Avery is standing in the corner of the store with a black sundress on.
She’s wearing the only black clothing in the entire store.
I feel my lip curl into a half smile. The strings of what appears to be a matching black bathing suit top peek through the thin straps of her dress.
Her long dark hair rests down to the middle of her back.
I catch myself drooling at the sight of her. She’s fucking gorgeous. I can’t talk to her, what am I thinking?
Just then, I see Francesca and a few of her friends walk into the store.
I jerk my head back, hiding behind a large bush.
Fuck. I hope she didn’t see me. She just graduated from my high school and has been trying to get with me since her freshman year.
I hoped she would attend school out of state, but I guess not.
Her dad owns a hotel in town, and she likes to flaunt their family’s money every chance she gets.
How could she think anyone would find that attractive? Only tourists and college guys are on spring break because that’s all she seems to hook up with.
I watch as she struts right up to Avery.
She glances back at the other two girls with her eyes lowered and a devious smile.
The three of them say something and then start laughing, but the look on Avery’s face doesn’t seem like she finds whatever was said funny.
A protective surge shoots up my spine, compelling me to step in.
Against my better judgment, I yank the handle on the door and strode in.
Adrenaline is pumping through my veins, knowing that Francesca is acting like the pretentious snob she is.
As I approach the group of girls, I hear one of them comment about the lack of color Avery is wearing and that the only reason she got this job is because of her aunt Helen.
God, I hate Francesca. I walk right up to Avery and slide my arm around her neck. “Hey, babe. When are you off?”
Avery looks up at me with her eyes wide. “Um, hi.”
I smile at her, then look over at Francesca.
“Hey, Jasper.” She gives me a fake greeting. “Do you two know each other?”
I turn to Avery, appreciating being so close to her. Of course, I take advantage of the situation. “We do.”
Avery’s eyes bore into mine while her eyebrows furrowed with confusion.
“Oh.”
“We’re dating.” I smirk but keep my tone steady with confidence. “This is Avery.”
She turns her nose up in the air. “Yeah, we’ve met.”
“Good,” I reply sarcastically, then turn back to the beautiful girl under my arm, who still looks perplexed. “What time are you off?”
Avery rubs her lips together as her cheeks flush red. She is attracted to me. Hell yes!
“In twenty minutes, actually.” She smiles.
My eyes remain locked on hers. “Do you want to meet me on the beach when you’re done?”
“Sure,” she answers with a nod.