Chapter 17
17
“Icould have driven there,” I told Joseph when he picked me up later that night. Dressed in a powder-blue short-sleeved shirt that made his irises pop and black cargo shorts, he looked super cute. He steered me toward his pickup truck and opened the passenger door for me to climb in. “It’s only a twenty-five-minute drive, I checked.”
He circled the vehicle and hauled himself behind the wheel, pulling away. “What’s the fun in asking you to hang out with me if we meet there? I wouldn’t get the pleasure of spending these extra twenty-five minutes with you.”
“Okay. Huh… Thanks.” I could feel my cheeks turning a bright shade of red.
“And by the way, you look pretty tonight.”
My face grew warmer at the compliment.
Iris and I had decided last night I’d wear a denim skirt with a black tank top and sneakers. I had braided my hair and applied a coat of glimmery gloss and mascara.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.”
Joseph bowed. And a tiny smile broke free on my face, removing the tension in me and flushing the rocks piling in my stomach. Could I do that? Put my trust in a guy I only spent a few hours with? Could I let down my guard and just enjoy the night?
I fidgeted with the bracelet around my wrist, feeling a bit out of my element. Sure, Joseph and I had fun together in the past, but this felt different.
He kept stealing glances at me, and these wordless exchanges confirmed I could do this. With him. Trust and let go a little. Even though we agreed this was a night between friends, it felt awfully like a date.
He spoke first, and I sighed in relief. “Avalon, I have one super important question for you before we get there.”
“Go ahead. Ask me,” I said.
“Pizza, burgers, or tacos?”
Oh, I hadn’t seen that one coming. I tapped my finger against my chin. “Hmmm, let me see. Pizza.”
He pumped his fist. “I was hoping you’d say that because I know the perfect place.”
We drove for thirty minutes before Joseph parked his truck. From where we stood, I could admire the ocean and the low sunrays reflecting on its surface. Exiting the vehicle, salty air clung to my skin and filled my nose. With a look around, I took in the cedar shakes building with navy-blue trims, doors, and banister. Surrounded by green foliage bushes and decorative palm trees, it was beautiful. Wooden swings tinted with the same natural color as the cedar walls were hung on the wrap-around porch. Ocean Mist was written in big navy-blue letters on a sign hanging from a three-foot tall pole next to the small cobblestone alley.
“Wow, I’m speechless. It’s the most charming place I’ve ever been to.”
“Come on. Let’s sit.”
Joseph grabbed my hand and pulled me forward.
Inside, the hostess led us to a small table on the covered back deck overlooking the ocean. From our spot, we saw seagulls fighting for clams under the pier on our right. A family, with two kids running around, trying to fly a kite on the mostly deserted beach. A young couple kissing, walking hand in hand, and an older man jogging shirtless, a black Labrador running at his side.
Pink brush strokes painted the sky. The view stole my breath away.
The tables were made of recycled wood, and the chairs were painted a mix of soft pastel shades. Whiskey-colored beams crossed the whitewashed plank ceiling.
Inside, a few booths lined one of the walls, the seats covered in a sand-colored, seashell-patterned fabric.
I relished the ocean breeze brushing my skin and the sound of the waves hitting the shore.
“How is it going tonight, Joseph?” the server asked as she brought us two glasses of water and a pitcher of lemonade.
“Great. Thank you, Glenda.”
The lady winked at my friend. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order.”
The man working behind the bar waved at us next, and Joseph returned the gesture.
“Wow, you’re on a first-name basis here. Wait, is this your family’s restaurant?” I asked. “Or do you befriend everybody wherever you go?”
“Yes, it’s my?—"
A woman in her thirties walked toward us. She was beautiful with shoulder-length brown hair and a contagious smile. “Joseph, you came. I was hoping to see you two tonight.”
He moved to his feet to hug her.
“Amanda, this is my friend Ava, the one I was telling you all about. And Ava, this is my stepmom, Amanda. She’s Kelly and Scarlett’s mom. And she owns the place.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ava,” Amanda said, leaning forward to pull me into a hug. Now I knew where Joseph inherited his hugging inclination. It was a family trait, no doubt. “You two let me know if you need anything. Order all you want. It’s on the house. And once again, I’m glad to meet you, Ava.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Curry.”
“Call me Amanda, sweetheart. I’m too young to be called by my last name.”
“Thank you, Amanda, it’s generous of you to have us tonight.”
“My pleasure,” she said. “We’re so happy Joseph decided to move here. We missed him a lot when he was up North.” They exchanged a genuine smile. From the way they both interacted, I could tell how close they were. “I was lucky enough to replace a server who didn’t show up tonight and meet you guys. I’ll be inside. I hope to see you again soon.”
“Me too,” I said, more comfortable around Joseph’s family members than I could ever have predicted. Hopefully, if I met his dad one day, he would be as easy-going and welcoming.
“Wow, I think I just had my first girl crush,” I said, once Amanda disappeared inside.
“She’s the best. Dad is about the same. I swear, nothing seems to deter them. They’re a great match. When my father moved in with Amanda and Kelly, they’d offered me the apartment over the garage when I visited. Now it’s fully mine. I live with them, but I sorta have my own place at the same time. With the newborn and Kelly, who talks a mile a minute, I love having my own space.”
“The best of both worlds.”
When Glenda came back to take our order, we both asked for spinach and extra bacon on our pizza.
“How is it even possible?” Joseph asked after she left. “I’ve never met anyone ordering the same exact thing as me before.”
I shrugged. “Guess we were destined to meet,” I teased.
He clinked his glass of lemonade with mine. “Let’s drink to that. I like the idea our meeting was all planned by the universe up above.”
The rest of the dinner passed too quickly. The food was delicious and the company, charming.
“Dusty’s?” Joseph asked as we made our way toward the exit.
“Yes.”
Amanda joined us at the front door. “How was the food?”
“Excellent,” I said.
“I like to hear that,” she replied before pulling me into another hug before I could add anything else. “Joseph told me he’s giving you a surfing lesson tomorrow. Come over and order breakfast when you’re done. I’ll be here all morning.”
“I’d like to give you a hand during lunchtime. If it’s okay with you. Joseph will be working anyway, so better make the most of my time here.”
“You sure? You could just relax on the beach, perfect your tan, or read a book.”
“Nah, I’d much prefer helping out.”
“Okay then. We’re always short of staff. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Amanda said before wishing us a good night. “I gotta go back to my girls.”
We parked at Dusty’s. The lot was half-full. From outside, the shack almost seemed abandoned. The red paint was chipped in most places. The wooden trims around the windows were in dire need of sanding and a fresh coat of paint. The flower beds were filled with weeds. Even the whitewashed sign above the front door only hung on one side.
I grimaced and glanced at Joseph. “You sure we’re at the right place?”
He snickered. “Don’t let the exterior scare you away. I swear it’s the best hangout spot in town. If it was too clean and didn’t look like a shit hole, all the tourists would invade our special place. As long as they think it’s unsafe, they’ll stick to the overpriced tourist traps and let us be in peace.”
“Well, in that case, show me the way.”
Inside, the dive bar looked nothing like its exterior. Wooden plank walls and tables with red-leathered booths, black wrought iron chandeliers, and at the back, an antique jukebox was set in a corner, next to a small, empty space I believed to be a dance floor.
A group of people was busy throwing darts, next to the pool and foosball tables.
Country music played, and I recognized one of my favorite singers.
Joseph pointed to the two booths before us. “These are my friends. Most guys are lifeguards, so you might see them if you spend some time at the beach. Diego and Carmen are siblings, and all their friends hang out together. The girls have a wild side, but don’t worry, they’re great people. Come on, let’s go and say hi. Then we can either sit with them or play a game of pool or chat by the bar.”
His fingers intertwined with mine. And I enjoyed the assurance they provided me.
Summer to remember, I repeated in my head at the sight of all those people already familiar with one another, chatting and laughing. And I was the outsider.
My pulse pounded in my head. This was a big step for me, meeting a bunch of strangers all at once. Not that I was super shy, but I preferred small groups of people to big gatherings. With a breath I wished was deep enough to carry some courage along with it, I fixed a curl to my lips as Joseph introduced me to everybody, never letting go of my hand. As if he was aware I was slightly out of my element and required his comfort. Most of them rose to their feet and hugged me. What was with all the hugs tonight? I’d never been hugged by strangers before, but here, it felt normal.
We sat in a booth, and Leslie and Veronica were quick to include me in their conversation. After a moment, I eased into their presence and answered their questions. Joseph squeezed my hand under the table and whispered in my ear. “Told you, you’d fit right in.”
I bowed my head, my wariness chipping away.
“Thanks for inviting me tonight.” I was thankful he brought me along to spend time with his friends tonight. He didn’t have to, but I appreciated he did. And it meant something to me. My other hand returned to the straw in my glass, and I punctured a cherry at the bottom and lifted it to my lips, listening to the stories the girls were cheerfully sharing.
Around ten, Joseph leaned closer and asked, “Wanna get out of here? It’s almost time for me to drive you back home, and I want to spend a few moments alone with you before we have to leave. Walk on the beach?”
“Sure, I’d like that.”
We hugged everyone goodbye, and after the girls made me promise to come back another time, Joseph and I followed a small path behind the bar leading to the sandy beach. A sliver of the moon shone high in the sky, basking us in a white glow.
The sound of the surf washing the shore was a relaxing melody.
As if we’d done it multiple times before, my fingers laced through his.
“This is beautiful,” I said, my gaze roaming the expanse of white sand and water around us. “We should do this again,” I said, feeling bold for once in my life. “Go out.”
“Yeah.” He caught me glancing at him sideways. “I bet you’d like it here.”
“I do.”
We halted and turned to face each other, cast under a spell only the moon witnessed. “Can I kiss you?” Joseph asked after what felt like a long time. “I’ve been dying to all night.”
His hand rested on my cheek, his thumb grazing the skin there, his stare boring into mine. In the silver light, his blue irises appeared steel gray.
“You don’t have to ask,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes, I do.”
I traced my bottom lip with my tongue. “Then the answer is yes.”
In slow motion, Joseph’s other hand molded to my waist, and he stepped forward, leaving no space between our bodies.
The thrumming of my heart vibrated through my entire self.
I sucked in a shallow breath when he tilted his head forward and skimmed his lips across mine. I fisted the front of his shirt, my head spinning, and held him to me as his mouth shaped to mine, more confident this time.
My other arm looped around his neck, deepening the connection we shared.
Shivers of pleasure ran through me.
I could barely breathe on my own anymore.
On my tiptoes, I pulled Joseph closer, our mouths never breaking apart as we tasted each other for the very first time.
Stars danced before my eyes.
One of Joseph’s hands entangled in my hair, holding me in place as he savored my mouth. When his tongue teased my lips, I parted them to welcome him in.
I’d never felt so unsteady on my feet than in that instant. Even my heart turned giddy.
Time stopped existing as we lost ourselves in the feeling of us.
“God, it’s even better than in my dreams,” Joseph murmured against my mouth as we moved apart to catch some fresh air.
“You dream about me?” With a finger, I traced the length of my lips, now sore and swollen, trying to ease the sting.
“All the time.”
My heart galloped wild in my chest at his confession. “I dream about you too,” I admitted.
We exchanged a soft laugh.
“I should drive you back home.”
“Can you kiss me one last time?” Who was this girl? I’d never been that assertive before in my life. I kinda loved the self-assured version of me.
“You won’t have to ask me twice.”
And before I could drag a full breath in, Joseph’s lips were back on mine, exploding my world into a splash of vibrant colors.
Both his hands were around my waist now. Mine around his neck.
“You were right,” I said when we broke apart. “I am going to enjoy my summer here.” I looked away, and Joseph kissed my forehead.
“I was hoping you’d say that. It happened twice so far tonight. I think we’ll get along just fine, you and I.”
I knitted our fingers. “We already do.”
Parked in front of my house a little before midnight, Joseph and I kissed some more.
My lips were numb. And my heart, about to explode.
“Night, Avalon. I’ll pick you up at six. Bring warm clothes. We could light up a bonfire tomorrow night and grill some marshmallows or sausages.”
“I’ll be up and ready. Not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight, though. I think my head will replay our date for the next few hours.”
“That will make two of us,” he added with a wink. He walked me to the front door and claimed my lips one last time before driving away once I got inside the house.
I texted my best friend the moment I slid under the covers, fresh-faced and showered.
Me
I kissed him.
She replied within a minute.
Iris
The surfer boy?
Me
Who else?
Iris
Grumpy-Asshole. Whatever. How was it? I want details.
I related all the events of tonight.
Iris
On the beach? Sooo romantic. My heart loves it. A LOT.
Me
I knew you’d approve. We’re really doing it? Making this summer one to remember?
Iris
Ab-so-lu-te-ly. Are you still surfing in the morning, or did you change your plans for an intensive make-out session instead?
Me
Plans haven’t changed. Who knows, maybe we can do both? We’re spending the entire day together.
How is it going with delivery girl? What’s her name? You never told me.
Iris
Tuscana.
Me
Oh, exotic. Love it.
Iris
She’s from Maryland. Nothing exotic about it. *winking emoji*
Me
*laughing out loud emoji*
Gotta go, I must be up and ready by six.
Iris
Six? Like S-I-X, six?
Are you sure you’re okay? Did you bump your head?
Me
Yep. And no. Waves are supposed to be better in the morning. It’s a tide thing.
Iris
Okay. You must really like him if you agreed to this.
Me
We said we’d do things out of our comfort zone this summer. And surfing at dawn is a combination of two things I’ve never done before.
Iris
You go, girl. Keep me updated and send me a picture of that man of yours in nothing but swimming trunks so I can attest to how bad you’re screwed.
Me
He’s not my man.
Not yet at least.
Iris
But he will be. I can feel it. Sleep tight. Or not. Your hormones must be having a blast right now. Enjoy the party. *winking emoji*
Me
Speak for yourself, Miss Dating-an-Older-Girl. Night xx
Iris
Shhh. I’m deleting this conversation in case my parents decide to spy on my phone. Good night x
Still surfing, no pun intended, the high of kissing Joseph, I tossed and turned for the next hour. I saw the minutes changing on the screen of my phone. No matter what I did, I couldn’t find a soothing position.
Desperate to catch some sleep, I closed my eyes and relived the kiss on the beach over and over again. My body warmed up. My hand slid between my thighs into my night shorts. With hastened circular movements, I rubbed the part of me that throbbed as the images invaded my brain for the umpteenth time.
Broody green eyes replaced the sky-blue ones.
And dark hair pushed away blond locks.
With a shake of my head, I tried to scare away the new images my brain was forming. In vain. Unlocking my phone, I scrolled until my gaze landed on the picture of us Joseph sent me. But as soon as my lids closed again, it was Ryder’s face that usurped my fantasies. A fresh wave of pleasure invaded me at his sight.
A loud groan left my mouth. This was not happening.
I could have stopped the movement of my fingers. But the more Ryder’s face filled my mind, the hotter I got and the more sensitive I became. Damn it. He was even screwing up with my sexual scenarios.
Wet heat coated my fingers. My body was eager to pretend they were his.
The deep baritone of his voice was all I could hear.
Oh god, this was bad. I was sick or something. Because why would Ryder infiltrate my fantasies otherwise?
My breaths picked up, and I nipped on my lower lip to keep the moans in.
This wasn’t right, yet it sent an addictive thrill through me. Each time Ryder’s face took over my imagination, the more my body overheated, and the closer I got to a release. But touching myself with him in my mind felt like a betrayal. A subconscious one. On the other hand, no matter what I did, his face wouldn’t fade away, and I really craved that climax.
I rubbed my clit faster, tilting my head back as my back arched, and ribbons of pleasure wrapped around me, taking me hostage.
I pushed my conscience aside and focused on the stormy eyes trained on me. And those pouty lips that looked delicious. The appealing chest muscles he paraded before me the other day when I entered his apartment.
The friction between my legs became too much. I increased the pace of my fingers until I exploded into a state of rapture. My heartbeat drummed faster. I couldn’t suck a full breath in, exhausted by the orgasm that shot through me. Never before had I made myself come this hard. As if all my nerve endings were connected.
I prayed it was a glitch in my head—a one-time thing—and Ryder wouldn’t become the source of my sex dreams. Damn, I refused to give him any more power over me. It was all due to my night with Joseph. The guy who cared enough about me to treat me with decency and make me smile.
My conscious mind took over. I knew it was all a mistake when it switched the images in my mind.
Within minutes, my body got heavier. My mind quieted. And I finally abandoned myself to rest.