Chapter 13 #3
We arrive at the beach in minutes. Chase parks in public access where other golf carts and cars line up.
I can already hear the waves crashing; it sends a thrill deep inside my bones.
After gathering our items, we walk along the pier; seagulls fly ahead in sync.
It’s such a beautiful day, and there is hardly anyone out here, which is nice.
It takes no time to find a spot for us to set up. I brought my favorite beach blanket, which is big enough for at least six people to sit on. I like to keep it in the trunk of my car just in case I want to run away to the beach.
I dig my toes into the wet, cool sand, tiny broken seashells gently poking at my heels.
The ocean is looking noticeably blue today; giant waves continuously dance along the shoreline.
I watch Chase and Danielle walk side by side looking for shells.
They seem to hit it off so far, and I couldn’t be any happier for her.
Even if this is nothing more than a brief affair, I believe they complement each other well.
I watch Theo as he walks back from testing the ocean’s temperature.
Even this man’s walk is gorgeous. What the fuck is wrong with me?
I try not to peer at him for too long. I can’t have him thinking I’m some desperate, broken girl needing attention from someone I barely know.
As I turn to look away, he removes his shirt while approaching me.
I watch as his impressive muscles flex with every slick movement.
His upper body is just as I pictured it in my dream.
This man was molded close to perfection.
Even though he’s wearing sunglasses, I know he is watching me stalk him.
I see a smirk form on his charming mouth.
He knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s enjoying every second.
He sits down right beside me, his broad shoulder grazing my arm. A tingle runs straight through me, similar to what I felt after my explicit dream. Why does he make me feel nervous but calm and comfortable all at the same time? I can sense him looking at me from my peripheral.
“What are you thinking about, beautiful?” he asks with ease. I can’t help but look over at him and take in the stunning scenery of Theo Rivers.
Seeing him here at my favorite place, looking like a whole damn snack. I put my arm down between us, close enough to where our arms are brushing against one another. Somehow, my body lets me know in this moment that I need his touch. The hairs on my arm instantly rise with every brush of our skin.
Theo takes his sunglasses off and holds my stare. I let out a slow breath before responding, “Nothing much.”
He squints at me like he’s trying to figure me out on a deeper level. “That’s all you’ve got? I can tell that you’re in your head, so it’s hard for me to believe that. I want more.” He gives me a light arm bump, which gets me a little off balance.
I give a dramatic sigh. “Okay, Theo, I want to know who you are. I hardly know you, yet here I am sitting on the beach beside a stranger wondering what the fuck I’m doing here.”
“There’s my spicy Olive,” he lightly chuckles. “You are like an onion with endless layers, and I’m intent on peeling you until I reach the center.”
I make sure he sees me roll my eyes at his reply. “You’d tire of me before even starting,” I say in annoyance.
He gently grabs my chin and tilts my face in his direction. His ocean eyes instantly burn through me. “You may not have confidence in others, and I can’t change that. But when I say something, I fucking mean it.”
The air leaves my chest for a moment. This is one thing that sparks my curiosity about him. In the most peculiar way, I genuinely believe him and his words and I’m desperate to let him in.
Theo softly runs his thumb along the side of my jawline. His strong, calloused hand could easily wrap around my petite face. I can’t help but close my eyes and allow us this moment. Though it may seem like a small gesture, I’ve never experienced such an affectionate touch by a man.
I slowly open my eyes, not wanting this physical interaction to end.
Theo’s expression almost holds empathy behind it.
But within seconds, his eyes grow cold. “I don’t know who hurt you, but they better hope our paths never cross.
” His words knock the breath out of me, all I can do is give him a slow nod.
I’m not ready to dive into the debacle called my life just yet.
The day has been pretty great, which is a lot coming from me.
Theo and I end up joining Danielle and Chase in the ocean.
The water is freezing at first, which has me slowly inching in.
Theo makes sure I don’t hesitate any longer by picking me up and tossing me into a wave.
The audacity. I so badly want to be mad at his actions, but seeing Danielle’s contagious laughter and the four of us together, I can’t help but join in.
It feels incredibly satisfying to genuinely laugh for once. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this giddy on the inside. Today has been one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.