by Jacob Chance
Is she struggling with these new emotions like I am?
I don’t know if it would make me feel better to know she’s experiencing the same sudden attraction I am, or if it would be worse, because I might be more apt to act on it.
I pull into her driveway and shift the truck into park. Turning my head toward Maddie, I find her eyes on me.
“Thanks for a great night. I would’ve been miserable if I had to stay there longer.”
“I’m glad I could help.” Her hand goes to the handle, and she slips out onto the driveaway. She aims a quick glance my way as she goes to close the door.
“Maddie,” I call out. “I had fun too.” Her face lights up with the sweetest smile I’ve ever seen before closing the door between us. My eyes follow her until she’s safely inside her house.
Laying my head back on the head rest, I sigh. Tonight’s been crazy. For lack of a better explanation, I’m going to chalk it up to all the excitement from being back home. It has to have something to do with that, doesn’t it? Because to think of the possibility that I might be more than crushing on Maddie Winters is unacceptable.
Chapter Three
Maddie
“Have you figured out what you’re going to do with Shaw for your date?” Clover questions before taking a sip of her chocolate shake. We came to the mall to celebrate with some pre-college shopping before we have to go to work.
“No, and it’s not a date. Besides, I’m pretty sure he’s been avoiding me since the party, so it’s probably not something I need to waste time thinking about.” But I can’t seem to stop. “I’ve barely seen him, and when I have it’s only been long enough to exchange a quick wave.” Absentmindedly, I twirl a lock of hair around my finger and look around the mall’s food court. After the party, I assumed things would be different between us. He seemed interested in me and I let myself get hopeful. I imagined we’d talk from time to time when he came over, but he’s been so scarce I haven’t had the opportunity. And now, I’m wondering if I imagined all the interest that I thought I saw in his eyes.
“When have you ever known Shaw not to be at my house?”
“Never. He’s practically a permanent fixture.”
“Not anymore, he’s not. Wow.” I sigh, my shoulders slumping dejectedly. “He really is avoiding me.” I’m convinced that’s the reason for his absence. “If he doesn’t want to do something with me, he should say so, instead of acting like a chickenshit.”
“Maybe that’s not it at all. He could be busy working. Or he could be avoiding you because he has feelings for you and he can’t act on them.”
“Ha,” I cackle. “That’s a good one.”
“What? It’s possible,” she says, lowering her mouth to the straw once more.
“You’re crazy if you think Shaw looks at me as anything but his best friend’s little sister. He would never be interested in me romantically. Didn’t you notice the girls at school that hung all over him?” I spin my empty cup back and forth on the table using my palms, not wanting to admit for a split second how the other night I thought he actually might be interested in me.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
“It means he’d never go for a girl like me.” I wave my pointer finger from my pink hair-covered head to my toes and back up again to circle my makeup-free face.
Clover frowns. “What’s wrong with you? You’re adorable.”
“Adorable. Exactly. Why would Shaw want cute when he can have college girls? He’s not going to come back and slum it with me.
“So? That doesn’t mean he wants to date them.”
“Marshall does, and he’s a guy.”
“Your brother is a pig, though. He sleeps with pretty much anyone who pays his dick some attention.”
“Ugh, I know. It’s revolting, but I still love him.”
“Ain’t family great?”
The bell above the door chimes, and I glance up to find Shaw walking toward me. My eyes flick to the large clock on the side wall and notice there’s only ten minutes until The Cookie Crumbles closes.
“Can I help you?” I ask.
Shaw steps up to the other side of the counter. “What? Don’t I even get a hello first?” His lips arch up on one side in an endearingly crooked smile, but I’m not falling for it.
I press my palms flat down on the counter and lean forward. “Hello. Can I help you?”
Shaw laughs. “I’ll take a dozen chocolate chip cookies and a dozen sugar cookies.”
“It’s kind of late to be picking up an order,” I state.
He shrugs. “I volunteered to make the run. The guys are starving for the best cookies in town.”
“I can’t disagree with you on that. You should’ve come earlier when we had brownie, white chip cookies. Those are to die for.”
“I’ll have to come back, I guess.” His eyes look me over, telling me that cookies aren’t the only reason he wants to return, and my insides twirl excitedly. But my brain tells me to stop being delusional. This is Shaw and he’s really here for the cookies.
“Sure, you can do that.” I try the best I can to keep my voice even. I don’t want him to know what an effect he has on me.
“I haven’t seen you much lately,” he says
“I’m where I always am. You’ve been busy?” I’m curious if he’s been avoiding me or not.
“Yeah. I got a job doing landscaping three days a week. Between that, working out, and skating, I haven’t had a lot of extra time.”
I study his face, moving over the column of his neck and continue down to his arms, bared in his tight t-shirt. “You do look really tan.”
A grin bursts across his mouth, his straight teeth so white in his golden, chiseled face. “It goes with the territory of working outside.”
“I don’t think I’d like that. Too many bugs and it’s so hot. How do you stand it?”
“I’m making decent money, and I need it for college. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do,” he states.
I smile and finish boxing up his cookies. “Here you go.”
He reaches for his wallet. “How much do I owe you?”
I wave my hand. “Don’t worry about it. We’re about to close anyway.”
Shaw sets a twenty dollar bill down on the counter and pushes it toward me. He picks up the box of cookies. “I’ll see you soon.” He pauses, his eyes promising he will.
I hope so.
“See you.”
Clover saunters out from the back with a knowing grin on her face. We were lucky when we both were able to find employment at the same place. It makes our shifts pass by much faster.
“I guess he hasn’t been avoiding you after all.”
“Maybe not.”
“You heard him. He said he’s been busy.”
“I didn’t expect him to come out and say that the night of the party freaked him out and he’s been staying away on purpose.”
“He seemed happy to see you.”
“How do you know? You weren’t even out here.”
“I was watching the video feed on the computer.”
I shake my head. “Of course you were.”
“This is better than anything on Netflix. I can’t wait to see the next episode.”
“Shut up. It’s not an episode, you jerk. It’s my life.”
“He obviously volunteered to come here because he missed seeing you.”
“Or maybe he’s just hungry for some cookies.”
“Maybe he’s hungry for the sight of you. His eyes were eating you up.”
They were? Maybe I wasn’t imagining it.
As much as I hope Clover is right, I don’t dare to believe it. Shaw would never do anything to risk his friendship with Marshall. And to think he would be interested in me enough to chance it, is only setting myself up for disappointment.
Marshall left for his summer camp counselor gig this morning. As much as I’ll miss him, I was happy to see him go. If Shaw really wants to talk to me, I shoul
d hear from him soon. And if I don’t, then at least I’ll be sure to keep my distance. Just knowing one way or another should be an improvement over this limbo of he likes me-he likes me not.
He shows up at my work midafternoon, smiling at me when it’s his turn to order. “Hi, Maddie.”
“Hey, Shaw. Can I help you?”
“I’ve been thinking about that brownie cookie you told me about. Can I get two of those and a bottle of water, please?”
“No problem. Is it for here or to go?”
“Here.”
I hold in the smile that wants to creep out. He’s going to stay for a while. Maybe I can take my break and join him.
Reaching into the glass case, I remove two cookies and set them on a small plate before I grab a bottle of water. Setting both down in front of him, I ring his order up. “That will be six dollars and fifty cents.”
He hands me a ten. “Keep the change.” He winks and takes his stuff to a small table in the corner and sits facing my way. Our eyes connect, and the inside of my stomach buzzes with a fuzzy warmth until I can’t take it another second. I’m the first to look away.
I wait on a few more customers and step out back where Clover is restocking inventory on shelves. “Hey, can you man the front for a few minutes? I want to take my break.”
“Sure. Does it have anything to do with Shaw being here?”
“Ugh. How do you know that?”
“I see everything. You should keep that in mind.” She smirks, and I stick my tongue out at her.
“Why do you think he’s here?”
“Duh, because he wants to see you.”
“Maybe he just wanted to try the brownie cookies. I did mention them the other night.”
“It’s interesting timing that your brother left this morning and Shaw just happens to show up at your work. Now get your butt out there and talk to him before he leaves.”
“Oh shit.” I scurry back out front with Clover following. Shaw is still sitting there, but he’s glancing down at his phone. Should I still go over?
Clover answers my silent question for me by shoving between my shoulder blades. She sends me sailing a good three feet before I’m able to catch my balance. Shaw glances up as I approach, his lips parting in a smile.
“Hey, I’m on break. Would you mind if I join you?”
His smile expands. “Not at all.” He places his phone down on the table and focuses on me. “Have you given any thought to where you want to take me?”
I smooth a hand over my ponytail. “Not too much. I wasn’t sure if you still wanted to go.”
“Why wouldn’t I want to go?”
“I guess I thought maybe you’d change your mind.”
“Well, I didn’t. And if you changed your mind, I wouldn’t be okay with it.”
We both sit there painfully awkward. Neither of us wants to admit to the other what we’re feeling.
Shaw breaks the silence first. “Do you still want to go?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Good. Now that we got that settled, you need to figure out where we’re going and when.”
“How about tomorrow? I’m off all day and night.”
“That works for me too.”
“I think I have something fun for us to do. Dress for the beach, but bring clothes to change into. I’m going to take you to one of my favorite places.”
“I’ll get a little insight into what you like then.”
“You will. Hopefully, you won’t be bored.”
“I can always use a good nap.” I raise my middle finger at him and he chuckles. “What time do you want to leave? I can pick you up.”
“How about nine?”
“Works for me. I’ll grab coffee and breakfast for us on the way.”
“Sounds good. If you change your mind or can’t make it just text me.”
“Why would I change my mind? I’ve been looking forward to this since Daphne’s party.”
“You have?” I blurt out the question.
“Yes. Why do you think I made a bet with you in the first place?”
“I assumed you were just being nice because you felt bad for me.”
“Maddie, why would you think that?”
“Because I didn’t know anyone else at the party and you’re a nice guy. I figured you were trying to make me feel better.”
“I want to spend some time with you. I know your brother is my best friend, but we’re friends too, right?”
Ouch. There’s the dreaded word—friends.
“Yep, we are.” I rise, pushing back the chair with the back of my legs. “Time for me to go back to work. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He holds up his phone. “If you think of anything I need to bring, let me know.”
“I will. See ya.” I’m three steps away when he calls out, “Maddie.”
I turn to face him once more. “Don’t even think of backing out on me. It’s not an option.” His tone is serious, as is his expression.
I nod and head back behind the counter. Clover takes advantage of our lack of customers and grabs my hand, tugging me toward the back room.
“What happened?”
“We’re spending tomorrow together.”
“Oh my God,” she squeals.
“Shh.” I wave my hands. “He doesn’t need to know that I have a crush on him.”
“I think he’s hoping you do. Did you figure out where you’re going to go?”
“I’m going to take him to Newport. We’re going to start at the beach, and then I’m not sure.”
“The beach is a good plan. You can check his bod out.”
“Yeah, but he can check mine out too. Maybe we should do something else.”
“No way. Wear that new bikini I made you buy. I bet it still has the tags on it.”
“I was thinking of taking it back.”
“Nope. You’re going to wear it tomorrow and knock Shaw on his ass when he gets a look at you in it.”
“You have pretty lofty expectations for a bikini. Does it come with a hot body too?”
“Shut up. You have no idea how attractive you are. It’s a good thing you have me to tell you.”
“That’s why I keep you around,” I tease. But the truth is, Clover always has my back, no matter what the situation is. There’s no jealousy between us. We want the best for each other in every situation, and even though I’m young, I realize that kind of friendship is rare. If it weren’t for Clover, I don’t know that I’d have the courage to follow through tomorrow.
I head back out to the front just as the bell rings. Clover steps forward to wait on the new customer while I study Shaw. Standing, he clears his table off, throwing out his trash before striding to the door. He turns, holds his hand up, and smiles my way before pushing the door open. My body vibrates with a combination of nerves and excitement about what tomorrow will bring. If all I can have is one day with Shaw, I plan to make the most of it.
Chapter Four
Shaw
When I pull up at Maddie’s house, she’s already waiting outside on the front porch steps. She rises with a smile when she sees me, and I jump out to get the door for her.
“Thank you. I never knew you were such a gentleman.”
My lips quirk. “Now you do.”
“I need to grab some stuff from the garage,” she informs me as she tosses a canvas bag on the passenger side floor.
“Show me what you want and I’ll get it.”
She punches in the code and the large door slowly raises. She points to two surfboards. “I was thinking we could do a little surfing if you’re up for it.”
“Of course I’m up for it, and my board is already in the back of my truck, so we just need to bring yours.” I grab her long, pink surfboard. “What else do you want?”
“I’ve got the rest,” she replies, picking up two skimboards and a small cooler.
We exit the garage and I press the button to close the door behind us. Placing the boards in the back
of my truck, I arrange everything so it won’t shift around on the ride. Maddie gives me a quick nod of approval and a thick lock of her hair falls in front of her eyes. I sweep the soft strands across her forehead and tuck them behind her ear while she stares up at me with wide eyes.
“There. That’s much better. I like seeing your face.” Catching hold of her arm, I guide her to the passenger side and close her inside once she’s settled on the seat. Making my way around the truck, I fight back a smile. I’ve got an entire day to spend with Maddie, and that makes me surprisingly happy.
“Where to?” I ask.
“Oh, yeah.” She laughs. “I forgot I was in control of today. We’re going to Newport, Rhode Island. Do you know how to get there?”
“I sure do. Sit back and relax. Your coffee is this one.” I point to one of the cups in the holder. “And there’s a strawberry frosted donut in that bag for you.”
She squeals excitedly. “How do you know about my love for strawberry donuts?”
“Maddie, I’ve been around you for years. Do you think I don’t know anything about you?”
“I guess I never gave it much thought.” Her head is lowered as she peeks inside the paper bag. Reaching inside, she pulls the donut out. “This is perfect. The frosting is so thick and none of it has smushed.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Conversation stops as Maddie enjoys her breakfast. My eyes keep flicking quick glances her way as I drive on the highway. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so happy about a donut before. My gaze lands on her lean legs, and as much as I’d like to linger over the fair stretch of skin, I force my focus back to the road.
I hear a smacking noise and notice Maddie sucking the sugar off her fingers. Fuck me. I look back at the road and grip the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles whiten.
Maddie shifts on the seat, tucking one smooth, bare leg under the other, and I contemplate whether her skin can possibly be as soft as it looks.
She turns to face me, as much as her seatbelt will allow. “So you said you know things about me. And now I’m curious about what you meant.”
