23. Lizzy
By the time I arrive home later that evening, I’m exhausted.
Cameron had asked if I’d go with them to show Megan around Seaside and of course, wanting to spend more time with him, I did.
We went downtown, walked along The Promenade, and Milli got her wish of going to the aquarium, since we were right there.
Cameron and I were careful not to be affectionate in front of Milli.
Sure, we held hands under the table at dinner and stole a few kisses here and there, but for the most part, we simply spent the day together, hanging out.
Honestly, it wasn’t much different than when he joined us on our daily outings.
However, with his sister in tow, we did more touristy things.
When we went to get taffy at The Candyman Store for Megan, Milli saw the multi-person bike rental shop next door.
Now that we had enough people to pedal the bikes she always sees around town, she easily convinced her dad and aunt to rent a three-person bike and explore.
Of course, she rode in style being strapped into the front basket with a seat belt, while two of us adults pedaled like crazy around the touristy part of town.
We quickly deemed Cameron as the permanent pumper and official navigator in our expedition, while Megan and I took turns pedaling when the other got tired.
Milli’s excitement as we spotted new things through the town was infectious.
It had been years since I’d ridden one of the bikes and soon after leaving the rental shop, I quickly discovered why.
First, Seaside may feel flat to the ordinary walker, but it’s not.
Next, those bikes look magical to the average onlooker, but we quickly found they’re hard to start and even more difficult to stop—don’t even get me started on turning.
Lots of laughs were shared as we came to high-traffic areas in town, and our cute little adventure quickly became a full team sport.
By the time we finished, my face hurt from laughing, and my legs stung from pumping.
I’m certain Megan knows something is going on between us. She conveniently took Milli swimming when it was time for me to leave. Cameron insisted on driving me home and although I could easily walk, I couldn’t turn down additional time with him.
I assumed he’d just drop me off, as he needed to get back to his family.
But that crazy man parked, got out of his car, and walked me to the door.
Then kissed the living hell out of me. When he pulled away, leaving me breathless and panting, he sexily teased, “I’ll see you at seven tomorrow morning.
I’m making breakfast, so come hungry. For the record, if my sister weren’t here, I’m not sure I’d let you leave tonight. ”
“Promises, promises,” I teased as butterflies took flight in my belly. I’m not sure how we’d manage it, but the thought of waking up in his arms again did sound promising.
As I sit on the couch reminiscing, I realize how easy it was being with him today. Sure, this could be a post-sex-induced haze, but I’m certain this thing with Cameron goes far beyond our physical connection.
It has from the start.
Last night only solidified just how much I like him.
What will happen when I return to school?
“Earth to Elizabeth… Come in, Elizabeth,” Ryan says as he taps my foot and plops down on the couch next to me.
“Huh?” I ask, immediately returning to the present.
Thumbing over his shoulder, he says, “I started talking when I walked in. But you obviously didn’t hear. You good?”
“Yeah.” I stretch and nod. “I’m good. Just zoning out.”
“Lanie’s over at Sloane and Jax’s place, helping her organize some new shelf. Mind if I watch some TV?” he asks, reaching for the remote.
“Not at all.” He flicks it on and pulls up his favorite streaming service.
“Have you watched The Night Agent ? I made the mistake of starting the series when Lanie was out with Raven the other night. Now I’m dying to find out what happens next. I’m only like two episodes in, so you haven’t missed much.”
“Between school and work, I don’t really watch many shows,” I admit. “But go ahead. I’m gonna head upstairs soon anyway. I need to shower and get ready for the week.”
“Before you go, can you help me with something?” Ryan asks, starting the show, then immediately pausing it to keep it ready for him.
“What’s up?”
“I wanna surprise Lanie with an anniversary gift, but I’ve been on the fence and could use your opinion.”
“What did you have in mind?” I’m curious as to what he might have planned.
“I’ve thought about taking her away for the weekend, but with the music festival in town and your dad and aunt coming right at the same time, that might not be a good idea.”
“You can always give her the gift of a vacation and pick the date together,” I offer, knowing my sister would simply appreciate the thought.
“True. I also thought about jewelry, though she doesn’t wear much.”
“What about a charm bracelet? It could turn into a tradition where you’d add something new each year.
Oh… Last time we were out, I swear I saw her eying one the other day.
It was in that shop just around the corner from Pop’s.
Maybe take her to a nice dinner and give her that, then go on a vacation when things slow down, or when she’s on a break from school. ”
“Hmmm… I like that idea. Getting away after the holidays might be more enticing when it’s drizzly and cold in Seaside… And she does have that break in February.”
“Business is slow then, right?” Ryan’s a project manager for his family’s construction business. He and his dad do both renovations and new construction projects now that Ryan’s onboard full time.
“True,” Ryan muses. “I could make it more than a long weekend, if we wait.”
“I’m sure no matter what you choose, Lanie will love it.”
“I know you’re working, and Milli keeps you busy, but is there any way we can meet up this week? Then you can show me which bracelet you’re talking about.”
“Of course. I’m not sure of my schedule tomorrow, but will Tuesday work? I’m usually back from Astoria by ten most days this swim session.”
“Great. I’ll double check my schedule, but I’m certain I’m in the office Tuesday morning, so I can meet you then?”
A long yawn escapes, and it’s evident if I don’t get off this couch, I’ll be here until tomorrow morning. Forcing myself to stand, I stretch the slumber from my limbs. “I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow, but I’ll text you when we get back to town.”
Just as I’m about to leave the room, he stops me. “Hey… I forgot to ask… Did you enjoy your birthday?”
I couldn’t stop the grin on my face if I tried. “Yeah…” I exhale heavily. “It was certainly memorable.”
“I’ll bet it was.” He chuckles. “By the way, Lanie sort of had to fill us in on some of the details between you and Cameron, or you would’ve had unexpected company when you missed Sunday brunch this morning.”
“Oh, shit,” I gasp. “I’m so sorry. I totally forgot about it.”
“We figured you were… ummm… distracted.”
“Ohmigod, Ryan!” I laugh at his effort to remain diplomatic. “Distracted? You’re sticking with that?”
“You may be twenty-one, but you’re dealing with three older sisters and the protective guys who love them. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for them or you for that matter. Maybe text us next time?”
“Point taken. I should’ve known better.” Hell, if one of my sisters didn’t show up, I’d be the same way. “But for the record. If I’m with Cameron, it’s by choice, and we’re likely… well…uh… distracted… As you said.”
Ryan’s deep laughter fills the room. “Good God, Elizabeth, there are just some things I have no business knowing.”
“Just the perks of being married to my sister, dear Ryan. I seem to recall you and Lanie being distracted a lot when you first got together.”
“As long as he’s treating you well, he can distract you all he wants. We really don’t care. But for the love of all that’s holy, call, text, or hell, it’s a small enough town, send a smoke signal.”
“Okay, point taken.” I laugh. “You’re worse than Dad, I swear.”
Cocking a brow dubiously, he says, “I’m worse than the colonel? Your dad’s pretty chill, but let’s face it, he’d probably be cleaning his guns on the front porch when you returned if he knew you’d stayed out all night with a guy he didn’t know you were dating.”
“Touché! My dad would be so much worse.”