2. Chapter Two
Two
Chapter Two
Cricket
The fading afternoon sunlight bathes everything in a golden haze, casting long shadows across the sand. Soft music drifts through the air, mingling with laughter and the gentle murmur of conversation as Abby and I approach the beach gathering our new friend, Natalie, invited us to after we met while getting iced coffee. Warm tiki torches line the perimeter, flickering in rhythm with the ocean breeze, lending the scene a cozy intimacy.
“You think we’re underdressed?” Abby whispers, glancing down at our casual sundresses.
“Absolutely not.” I nudge her shoulder, smiling reassuringly. “Natalie said it was casual, and she didn’t seem the type to exaggerate.”
“True.” Abby grins, her confidence restored. “Besides, we look cute.”
“Damn right we do.” We both laugh, nerves fading as Natalie waves us over, her welcoming smile radiant even from a distance.
“I’m so glad you two came!” Natalie hugs me warmly, her embrace sincere. In the short time since we’d met earlier, it already feels like we’ve known her for ages.
“You’ve got a perfect night for this,” I say, glancing around at the relaxed group spread across the sand. Some guests cluster around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows, while others lounge on blankets near a long, rustic table piled high with appetizers and cold drinks. Everything feels easy, laid-back, just like Natalie herself.
“Let me introduce you around,” Natalie says cheerfully. “Luke’s down by the fire—he’ll be thrilled you made it.”
Abby nudges me softly, whispering under her breath, “This is exactly the kind of thing we swore we’d avoid.”
I roll my eyes playfully. “It’s just a casual beach party. No romance involved.”
“Uh-huh,” she teases gently. “There are those famous last words again.”
We trail Natalie down toward the fire pit, the sand warm beneath my bare feet. Natalie calls out to her husband, Luke, and he waves back. Beside him, a tall, silver-haired man stands sipping casually from a bottle of beer, eyes scanning the horizon thoughtfully. When his gaze finally lands on us, it holds for a beat longer than necessary, sending an unexpected ripple of warmth through me.
“Luke, this is Cricket and Abby,” Natalie introduces warmly, smiling up at her husband with obvious affection. “Our new friends are renting the cottage down the beach.”
“Great to meet you both,” Luke says, shaking our hands firmly. “Welcome to Love Beach.”
“Nice to meet you, too.” Abby grins broadly, clearly charmed by his relaxed confidence.
Luke gestures to the older man beside him. “And this is Cameron Shaw—Natalie’s dad.”
My surprise must show on my face, because Cameron chuckles softly, extending his hand to me with a wry smile. “I hope that’s a good shock, not a bad one.”
“Good,” I assure him, feeling oddly flustered by his presence. He’s tall, solidly built, his handsome face framed by neatly trimmed silver hair. He has the kind of distinguished look that speaks volumes about experience and authority, yet there’s a relaxed ease about him that makes me instantly comfortable.
I shake his hand gently, startled by the spark of electricity at the simple contact. My gaze locks onto his, noticing how clear and deep his eyes are, a striking shade of ocean blue.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Cameron,” I manage, suddenly aware of how dry my throat has become. “Natalie didn’t mention her dad was visiting.”
Cameron laughs warmly, the sound rich and inviting. “Probably because she didn’t want to scare off her new friends.”
Natalie playfully elbows him. “Be nice, Dad. Or no marshmallows for you.”
He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Forgive me.”
“Only if you roast my marshmallow perfectly.” She points dramatically at the fire. “Golden brown, no black bits.”
He grins, eyes twinkling with obvious affection. “Your wish is my command.”
“I’ll do it, Cam. I know just how my wife likes it,” Luke says as he walks off with a smile.
Cameron rolls his eyes, chuckling as Natalie drags Abby off toward the drinks, leaving me standing awkwardly next to Cameron, suddenly very aware of how alone we are among the friendly chaos.
“So, Cricket—” Cameron’s voice breaks the brief silence, calm and confident. “Natalie mentioned you’re a teacher?”
I nod, relieved to have an easy topic. “Second grade. I’m from a small town with only one elementary school.”
“Where is that?”
“I’m from Star Mountain and I love it,” I say with a true smile. I really do love my hometown.
“Star Mountain?” His eyebrows rise with surprise. “Beautiful place.”
“You’ve been?” I ask, genuinely curious now. Most people I meet outside our little town have barely heard of it.
“I visit on occasion.” His eyes seem distant for a moment before snapping back, focused warmly on mine. “Teaching is admirable work. Those kids must adore you.”
I shrug modestly, though his compliment sends another wave of heat through my chest. “I love it. Exhausting, but rewarding.”
He studies me thoughtfully, lips curling into a gentle smile. “Exhausting, yes. I can relate. My career wasn’t exactly relaxing either.”
“Retired now?” I guess, noting the relaxed way he holds himself, the casual clothes, the tan that suggests plenty of time outdoors.
“Mostly,” he admits. “Learning to enjoy life a little slower these days.”
“Love Beach seems like a good place to learn that,” I murmur, glancing out at the endless stretch of beach, the peaceful crash of waves in the background. “It feels easy here.”
“That it does.” His voice drops slightly, more intimate now. “It’s nice to finally breathe. I’m not sure I ever knew how until recently.”
I turn slightly, facing him fully, intrigued by the quiet vulnerability beneath his composed exterior. “That sounds familiar.”
He chuckles softly, his gaze thoughtful. “Something tells me you’re the type who finds it hard to slow down, too.”
“Guilty,” I admit sheepishly. “Even on vacation, I feel like I should be productive somehow.”
His laughter rings out, sincere and warm. “Ah, a fellow workaholic. Then maybe we should help each other relax. Hold each other accountable.”
I raise an eyebrow teasingly, heart rate picking up despite myself. “Accountable how?”
He shrugs casually, eyes dancing with amusement. “I’ll remind you it’s okay to lounge around doing nothing. You can tell me when I start slipping back into business mode.”
“I think I can handle that,” I reply lightly, grateful he’s taking our flirtation in stride without making it feel awkward. His ease puts me at ease, too. It’s dangerously comfortable standing this close, our shoulders nearly brushing.
“Good,” he says decisively, eyes still locked onto mine. “Then it’s settled.”
A silence falls again, but it’s comfortable rather than awkward. I find myself struggling against an inexplicable pull toward him, curiosity mingling with a fluttering attraction that feels too strong, too sudden.
“You know,” he finally says quietly, breaking the silence gently, “it’s been a long time since I had a conversation this enjoyable.”
My cheeks warm slightly, his honesty catching me off guard. “Likewise. It’s rare to find someone who listens.”
“Oh, I’m listening.” His voice is soft, sincere. “You’re quite captivating.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, feeling shy now, unused to such genuine attention from a man who feels so… substantial.
I remind myself sharply: this is exactly what Abby and I swore we’d avoid. The last thing I need is to complicate my carefree week with a charming older man who makes my heart race with just a glance. Especially someone so closely tied to the new friendships we’re making here.
“So, Cameron,” I say, clearing my throat slightly, trying to steer us back onto safer ground. “Do you plan to spend the entire vacation perfecting marshmallow-roasting techniques, or do you have other big plans?”
He chuckles, clearly amused by my deliberate shift to casual conversation. “Mostly marshmallows. But I’d like to explore a bit, too. See if this place can teach me how to truly relax.”
“I hope it does,” I say sincerely, smiling gently. “You deserve it.”
His eyes soften, holding mine again for a long, meaningful moment. “Thank you, Cricket.”
As I glance away, cheeks warming again, I know deep down I’m already breaking Abby’s rule. I’m drawn to Cameron Shaw. His quiet confidence, thoughtful manner, and undeniable charm are all so attractive. But the voice of reason inside me speaks louder, reminding me firmly that Cameron isn’t the kind of guy to have a carefree vacation fling. He’s complicated, mature, and undeniably attractive.
I’m here for relaxation, not romance. Right?
So, despite my undeniable pull toward him, I resolve silently to keep things friendly and uncomplicated. Anything else is asking for trouble.
* * *
Cameron
I lie in bed, wide awake, sheets tangled around my legs, body hot and restless. It’s been hours since I said goodnight to her, but I’m still hard, still aching. The kind of ache that doesn’t go away with time. If anything, it’s gotten worse.
Cricket.
Her name is a drumbeat in my head, and every time it hits, it triggers a new image. Her in that tank top, soft curves barely contained, the line of her bra just visible beneath the thin fabric. The way her breasts moved when she laughed, the deep V of her neckline drawing my eyes, whether I wanted to look or not. And those shorts—damn. Her legs went on forever, toned and smooth and impossible to ignore. She had them crossed so casually, so confidently, like she didn’t even realize how tempting she looked.
I shift, rolling onto my back with a groan, my body tight with need. I can still feel the heat of her beside me. I didn’t touch her. Barely even stood close, but it didn’t matter. The way she smiled at me, the gleam in her hazel eyes—playful, curious, interested—it lit me up like nothing has in years.
She was funny, sharp, and real. No pretenses. No bullshit. Just this bright, beautiful woman who made me feel important while she talked to me. She’s younger, probably too young, but I just don’t care. I feel a pull to her I haven’t felt for anyone since Natalie’s mom died. Fifteen years is a long time to be alone.
I rub my hands over my face, then press them to my chest, trying to calm my racing pulse. It doesn’t work. Every thought circles back to her—the flush in her cheeks when she teased me, the way her lips wrapped around her straw, the soft shape of her mouth. I want that mouth on me. I want her legs around me. I want the weight of her on my chest, my lap, anywhere she’ll fit.
I want to see her again. Not just because she’s sexy—though she is, in the most distracting, heart-thudding way—but because I liked being around her. I liked how easy it felt. She made me forget everything else for a little while.
I exhale sharply and turn my head toward the dark window. The ocean is out there, quiet and endless, but my mind’s still full of her.
I need to see her again. Make her laugh again. Get her talking, watch her light up, and maybe, if I’m lucky, touch her. Taste her. Feel those long, gorgeous thighs wrapped around me instead of just imagining it.
Tomorrow, I decide firmly, I’ll find a way to see her again. Not because it’s rational, or even wise. But because I have to.