“Nope.” He pops the p, earning a laugh from me. “I’d never be caught dead wearing cowboy boots, but I did like to have some fun in the mud.” He shrugs as if that’s all the explanation I should need.
The more I get to know Drew Jacobs, the more I realize he’s like an onion. As I peel back each layer, I’m more intrigued. I just hope I don’t get too attached and he makes me cry when it ends.
24
Drew
When I find a place that’s secluded from the crowd, I gun my SUV once again and launch us into the dry sand. I love the slip and slide as I maneuver through the sand and turn us so we will have an easy escape when we leave. Abby’s adorable when she grabs the handle and braces herself. Thankfully, instead of fear on her face, it’s exhilaration. Her smile lights up my world, and I feel it deep in my soul. To give her a bit more of a ride, I continue down the soft sand longer than I originally intend. I’m not showing off, but I want to keep that smile on her face for as long as I can.
Once I’m parked, I offer, “Want to get out and walk on the beach?”
Abby’s eyes sparkle, and her golden-brown eyes shine with excitement. “Duh… why else are we here?”
“Are you the type who likes to get their toes wet in the water?”
“Uh…” She shrugs. “Not really. Maybe in the summer, but since we’re in Washington, and it’s never that warm to walk around soaked.”
“Summer was the worst when it came to getting wet at the beach. I swear, we could show her a puddle that was only an inch deep, and she’d be up to her neck soaking wet by the time we finished walking. Mom used to make us wait until the very end to go play in the waves because Summer always had to have a full wardrobe change after just supposedly getting her toes wet.”
Abby rocks her head back and laughs. “Sounds like me as a kid. My mom would take us to the beach and always had to bring multiple changes of clothing. She finally started bringing a small tent so we could change before returning home. There was no way she’d let me get into her car soaking wet and full of sand.”
Now that’s an image I can’t get out of my head.
I look her over from head to toe, raise my eyebrows, and smirk. “Is this something I should worry about?” I’m only teasing, but the thought alone has me needing to get out of this vehicle and walk around.
“No. Thank you very much. I’m sure I can stay dry and relatively sand free. Besides, we don’t have any change of clothes with us. I won’t ruin your vehicle. Promise.”
Oddly enough, I’m not so sure I’d mind. Sure, sand is a bitch to get out, but if it meant she’d have to strip first…
Abby interrupts my lustful thoughts when she kicks off her shoes and socks and pops open the door. When I hesitate to follow her because my brain is apparently slow on the uptake, Abby chuckles. “Come on, Jacobs. Let’s see if we can stay out of trouble.” With that, she turns and runs down the beach.
It only takes me a minute to shed my socks and shoes, throw open the door, and sprint to catch up. Abby’s got a good start on me, but since my strides double hers, I eat up the distance between us quickly. When I almost catch up, the brat kicks it into high gear and pulls away. Her lead doesn’t last long. Within a second or two, I throw out my arms and reach to pull her in. Unfortunately, her legs tangle in mine, and it ends up being more of a tackle. To keep her from getting hurt, I turn us so that I take the brunt of the fall as we land in the soft sand.
“Well, that’s one way to win.” She smirks when her eyes meet mine, but I can tell she’s not bothered by my antics at all. Her face splits in two as she rolls her eyes and giggles. “I’ll have to remember you fight dirty.”
If she thinks that’s playing dirty, she ain’t seen nothing yet. My hand reaches under her exposed skin from our tumble and tickles her at the waist. Holy shit. She’s ticklish. She twists, turns, and squirms to get out of my reach. But I just can’t let that happen. I get lost in the moment and before I know it, she’s squealing. “Okay… enough… I can’t… breathe.”
Instantly, I stop my torment, and she falls onto her back to pant. Since my bottom half is tangled in hers, I lean up on my elbow to look her in the eye as I hold her hip in place. I make no movements to tickle her. But I’m not ready to let her go either.
We stare at each other for an endless moment before she finally breaks our silence with a breathless, “Hi,” before biting on her lower lip.
The vixen likely knows that one move alone does it to me every time. Without a second thought, I close the distance between us and press my lips to hers. God. She tastes of peppermint and Abby. Utter perfection. I could die a happy man in this moment. Her tongue darts out and traces the seam of my lips, and I happily invite her in.
Her hand runs through my hair, and I could kiss her like this forever. Her tongue meets mine, and I take control of the kiss until we’re both breathless and gasping for air. As I pull back, I realize all good things must come to an end. If I don’t put an end to this, I won’t want to stop. Ever.
As much as I’d like to continue this train of thought, sex on the beach is better as a drink than reality. There’s no way I want sand in places it should never exist, and I’m not much into an exhibitionist either. Hell. I don’t even know if Abby’s ready for something like that, but there’s no way in hell I’d ever turn her down, should she show interest.
I slowly kiss her a few more times, then suggest, “Ready for that walk you wanted?”
She lets out a huff and pouts in the most adorable way. “If you insist.” But a smile forms as she rights herself into a standing position, right alongside me. She reaches out her hand and helps me to my feet with ease. Together, we walk hand in hand down the beach, without a care in the world.
We walk in silence, enjoying the seagulls and watching the waves in the distance. Abby points out a large ship in the distance as well as a place to sit off in the distance on a log in the sand. She leads us there, and I gladly follow.
When we reach the log, the wind picks up. Instinctually, I wrap my arm around her and pull her close. I’ve always been mesmerized by crashing waves, and I find myself lost in the unique rhythm of the ocean. We’re a good thirty feet from the water, so there’s no risk in getting wet. Abby takes my hand in hers and leans closer to my chest. Between the steady sound of the water and her warm body on mine, it’s so peaceful. Abby runs her fingers along my knuckles, and I relax into her further.
It could be minutes or hours that pass, but I’ve never been more content than just watching the sunset with the beautiful woman beside me. When she breaks the silence, her voice is barely above a whisper.
Her steady hands never miss a beat as she says, “You know… on the way here, I got a little nervous?”
What? That’s the last thing I thought she’d say. Where’s she going with this? Shit. Have I done something to offend her? “Why is that?”
She doesn’t make eye contact but continues staring out at the ocean and stroking my hand. “I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I’m not a virgin, but I’ve never gone away with a guy for the night, either.”
“Okaaaayyy,” I draw out, hoping she’ll explain more. I never expected her to be a virgin, but I’m not sure how I feel about thinking of her with other guys. My gut twists as my heart rate spikes.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m completely attracted to you. Because… well…” she sputters, “you’re you.”
“Glad you think I’m eye candy, Angel,” I spit out, though I still don’t follow her train of thought.
Instead of laughing, like I expect, Abby looks horrified as her eyes dart to mine. “No… that’s not what I meant.”
“Well…” I stare at her for a moment before continuing, “what do you mean?” My hackles rise; what else am I supposed to think when someone makes a comment like that? I’m used to being liked for my looks, my status on the team. But I thought Abby was different. I didn’t think she gave a shit about any of that.
“Ohmigod. Pleas
e don’t take that the wrong way. The look on your face says a thousand words.” She places a hand on my chest and suddenly, I’m much calmer. “Drew…” She waits until she has my full attention before continuing, “I could be blind, and I’d still be completely attracted to you. You’re smart, funny, caring, and more than just a guy with a pretty face. You’re the whole package.”
I can’t help the grin that forms. She just paid me the highest of compliments, and pride soars through me just as much as relief—Abby does see the real me.
“Now, don’t let that go to your head.” She levels me with a stare. “Your ego is already inflated—as it should be—but that’s still not what I’m trying to get at.”
“Okay,” I say as I try my best to school my features. “What are you getting at?” I prompt.
“I was nervous because of me… and my past. I’ve never had so much on the line as I’m feeling with you. When I’ve been with other guys… it was… well, different.”
“Different how?”
Abby lets out a long breath I didn’t realize she’d been holding and looks back to our hands for a moment. Then takes a deep breath as if she’s fortifying herself. She straightens her spine and looks me directly in the eyes. “I didn’t have as much to lose with them. I knew they were short-term relationships. I knew things were casual. But with you…” She trails off and glances to the ocean. Suddenly, I’m a bundle of nerves.
I reach out and tenderly lift her chin to force her eyes to meet mine. “With me, what, Angel?” The way her eyes hold mine and raw emotion flows, I feel as if I’m standing on the edge of an airplane ready to take a leap into the great unknown. God. I hope she’s about to say what I’ve been feeling all along.
“With you…” she whispers. “I have so much more to lose.”
Shaking my head, I need to put her fears at bay. “You’re not out on this ledge alone, Angel. I’m right there with you. If you’re not ready to do anything more than what we’re doing—I’m completely fine with that. I invited you here this weekend simply to spend time with you. I have zero expectations. So, please don’t feel any pressure. There are plenty of beds, though I’d never kick you out of mine.” I smile to let her know I’m joking. “I’d never expect you to sleep there either.”
She sighs heavily. “I know…”
“Abby. I really like you. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll let you take the lead as far as where things go. In the meantime, let’s just enjoy this beautiful sunset together.”
She reaches to my face and pulls me in for a quick kiss. I feel it from my head to my toes. There’s nothing more that I want more than to wake up with her in my arms. But there’s no way I will pressure her into anything either.
25
Abby
Ohmigod! I am such an idiot. I was simply trying to tell Drew I’m really into him, and now he thinks I want to put the brakes on things. Gah. I’m such a blubbering nitwit. Why oh why couldn’t I have just told him I’m falling for him and that the reason I’m afraid is because I’ve never slept with anyone I’ve had feelings like this for? Hell. I think I’m on my way to loving him, and I’ve just squelched any chance I have of showing him what he means to me.
Holy shit. Did I just say love him?
Yes—I did. I mean—I do. I’ve never felt this way for anyone else. I’ve never given myself the opportunity. Fuck. What should I do now?
Before the sun fully sets, Drew and I walk back hand in hand to his vehicle. It was comfortable but made me feel a little let down. I want to take things further, but how do I let him know—after basically putting my foot in my mouth by stopping it and making things come to a screeching halt.
Since we drove so far down the beach, it doesn’t take long to return to the cabin. When we get inside, Drew gets to work on fixing dinner. Well, he pulls a lasagna out of the fridge, pulls a Caesar salad from a bag, and places the loaf of garlic bread on the counter, for when it’s ready to go into the oven. He tosses the salad but waits to add the dressing and croutons. I’m a huge pasta fan, so I’m eager for this meal.
When he sets the salad back in the fridge and the lasagna in the oven, he lets me know we still have about an hour before it’s ready. He asks if I’d mind if he takes a shower; our little roll in the sand made him feel a bit grimy. I tell him I’ll do the same when he gets out.
My mouth waters at the sight of Drew when he returns to the living area. He’s got a pair of basketball shorts on and is just pulling his shirt over his head, giving me the best view imaginable. I try not to stare like the complete dork I am, but, God, is it difficult. If I thought I wanted to take things further before—I without a doubt do now. Holy hell, he turns me into a pile of goo just looking at him. I swear I’ve only seen the likes of him on photoshopped pages of magazines.
Drew pulls me out of my fantasy. “Everything okay, Angel?”
“Uh… Yeah.” Just had to unstick my tongue from the roof of my mouth. Thank you very much… but don’t mind me. Can you lift your shirt up again?
“Did you get too much sun today? You… uh… look a little flushed,” Drew questions as he closes the distance between us. He stops right in front of me and brushes his palm along my cheek. “You feel a little warm. Are you sure you’re okay?”
Seriously? This is my life?
How can I tell him I’ve only got the hots for him and not sound like a nymphomaniac? “Nope,” I blurt out. “I’m all good. I think I’ll just go hop in that shower now.” And take a very cold shower—at that.
I bolt from the room like my ass is on fire, so I can avoid any future embarrassment. I grab my things from the spare bedroom and make my way to the hall bathroom. Just as I’m about to step foot inside, Drew calls out, “If you want to take a bath, there’s a jacuzzi tub in the main bathroom. We have plenty of time before dinner.”
Cold shower or warm jacuzzi tub? Decisions… decisions. I must hesitate a moment too long because he assures me, “The tub also is attached to the shower, so you’re welcome to use both. I’ve left my shampoo and conditioner in there, should you need it.”
Well, that makes my decision easy. I can do both.
“Thanks,” I say as I duck into the master bedroom on the other side of the hall.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. The room smells entirely of Drew. My senses are already on hyperdrive and having his masculine scent completely envelop me is practically torture. I want nothing more than to march back out there and drag him back in here with me. Maybe I should just do something to take the edge off, so I won’t be so hormone driven?
Fuck. What’s a girl to do? I know I’d fly off like a rocket if I had my best battery-operated boyfriend. But if I’m being honest, I’d rather not fly on a solo mission. I’d rather it be with Drew. Maybe I’ll just have to figure out a way to get him to ‘See the light,’ and realize he misunderstood my intentions at the beach.
Decision made. I hop in the shower and set the water to as cold as I can handle. It does nothing to temper my wacked-out libido, but it does make my cheeks less flushed and my body cool down. Maybe I can get through dinner and not have anymore embarrassing moments.
I will neither confirm nor deny that I may have sniffed his body wash. Who wouldn’t want to smell it? It does the trick, kind of—but something’s missing. Something unique to Drew. Great. Just as I’ve calmed my body down, I’m worked up again.
God, this is going to be a long and torturous night.
Thankfully, dinner goes off without a hitch. I’m able to control my hormones and keep from embarrassing myself even further. I throw on a pair of yoga pants and an oversized t-shirt to lounge in. The conversation flows, and we clean up with ease.
Afterward, Drew and I settle on the couch. He asks if I mind him checking the score as he flips to the sports channel to catch up on the latest college ball stats, and I can’t help but smile at how adorable he is. I assure him I’m used to my brother and dad doing the same. I don’t care as long as he’s not offended if I pull o
ut a book to read.
The sports channel holds my interest for a bit, but when I realize there’s still another quarter left in the game, I reach into my purse and pull out my Kindle. Drew instinctually raises an arm, and I snuggle into his side. There’s a sense of comfort as I relax into his arms. It feels as if we’ve been doing this forever.
When the game finishes, and he’s confident about the stats on his opposing teams, he flicks off the television. This gets my attention immediately, and I set my Kindle aside. Glancing at the clock, I see it’s already after ten.
Drew stands and stretches as he yawns heavily. “Sorry about that,” he says with chagrin written across his face. “I get lost in the stats on the nights I don’t have games. It’s great to see my opponents and try to get a leg up for next week’s practice.”
“It’s no problem, Drew. Really. I caught up on a book I’ve been dying to finish. I only have a few chapters left, but I’m sure I know how it’ll end as they’re just wrapping things up at this point.”
“If you want to finish, it won’t bother me.”
I shake my head. “Nah. It’s getting late. What do you say to getting up early, going for a run on the beach, then hang out here some more before heading back to campus?”
“I think that can be arranged.”
We spend the next few minutes cleaning up. Before I know it, he’s in the master bedroom getting ready for bed, while I use the main hall bathroom. Just as I finish brushing my teeth, a thought hits me for how to rectify my comments from earlier. I just hope my nerves don’t fail me now.
26
Drew
I hear the water turn off from the hall bathroom just as I shuck off my shirt for bed. As much as I’d love for Abby to sleep with me, I know she’s not ready. And let’s face it. If she were in my bed, there would be a lot more than sleeping going on.
Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series Page 19
