by Jacob Chance
Awake with the dawn, I brush my teeth and run a comb through my hair. As quietly as possible, I leave my room and head down to the beach. After the movie finished and before he went off to bed, Zeke managed to whisper for me to meet him to watch the sunrise. None of our friends are early risers, and last night was full of drinking shots. I refrained from doing more than one, but aside from Zeke, everyone else was trashed.
My heart skips with anticipation and so do my feet once I’m out the back door and down the porch steps. Bouncing along the slate path, I continue on until I come upon the sand dunes. Climbing up to the top, I wonder what I’ll see on the other side. Will Zeke be waiting? I hope so because it’s been much too long since I saw him or felt his lips against mine.
I trudge tiredly along the last few steps and then run down the other side straight toward Zeke. He catches me in his arms when I jump up and wrap my legs around his waist. Leaning forward, I press a kiss to his lips.
“I missed you.”
He smiles. “I missed you, too. What a nice way to start my day.” He squeezes my ass in his large hands. “This is pretty great, also.” He winks.
“You went to bed early, is everything okay?”
“Everything’s great now that you’re here. I got you some coffee and a muffin. Let’s have breakfast together.” His answer makes me curious if there’s something wrong.
Carrying me to a blanket, he sets me gently down and hands me a large to go cup of coffee. He sinks down beside me and picks up his own cup. Staring out at the horizon, we enjoy the peace and quiet. We’re alone on the beach, not another soul in sight. Crashing waves and rolling tides are the only sounds.
Zeke hands me a white paper bag. “Breakfast is in there. I wasn’t sure which kind you’d want.”
Peering inside, I remove a blueberry muffin. It’s bigger than my hand, and I can barely hold onto it. Setting my coffee between my legs, I tear it into two pieces. “Want to split this?”
“Sure. Give me whatever you don’t want.” I hand him the larger half and set the bag to the side.
“Where did you find coffee and muffins so early?” Tearing off a chunk, I shove it in my mouth and hum with pleasure when the large blueberries burst in my mouth.
“There’s a place near the bar we were at the other night.” He sinks his straight white teeth into the muffin, and I wish he was biting me instead. Chewing, he thoughtfully tips his head. “This is really good.”
“It’s amazing. Thank you for breakfast.”
“I found out last night that I need to leave this morning.”
“Is everything okay?” Is he sick? Or one of his family members?
“There’s no emergency. My brother showed up at my apartment unannounced yesterday. Nick gave him a key and he forgot to tell me until last night.”
“Oh, wow. How long is he visiting for?”
“That’s the thing. I haven’t spoken to him for weeks. I didn’t know he was coming, and I’m not sure when he plans to leave.”
“What time are you hitting the road?”
“In the next hour or so.” Sadness washes over me as I think about how this is the last time we’ll be sitting together like this.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ll miss you today.” And every day.
Shoving the last piece of muffin between my lips, I brush the crumbs from my t-shirt. I’m still wearing the tank and sleep shorts I wore to bed.
Zeke wraps an arm around my shoulders, curling me into his chest. Silently, we watch the sun rise from the horizon like an orange and reddish pink ball of flames. The way it reflects on the water looks like a trail of orange paint bleeding into the sea. He presses a kiss to the side of my forehead and my chest fills with like? Love? I’m not sure what this is, but I’m content to stay in his arms forever. Everything about this feels so right. It’s not fair that we’re not free to be together.
Zeke rises to his feet and holds a hand out for me. “Are you leaving already?” I question, my voice sad.
“Nope. Come on.” I place my hand in his and allow him to pull me to my feet. “Let’s take a walk.” We stroll slowly, my eyes scanning the sand for small treasures.
He squeezes my hand. “What are you looking for?”
“Shells, rocks, or sea glass. Whatever strikes my fancy.”
“What’s the criteria for striking your fancy?”
I smile. “There are no set rules. I like interesting and original items. Things that are different and not ordinary.”
“You just listed qualities I like about you.”
“Thank you,” I murmur awkwardly. I’ve never been great at accepting compliments, but if you criticize me I might bite your head off. Which is one of the reasons why Zeke and I have butted heads at practice. When you add the sexual tension between us to the mix, it’s a recipe for an explosive combination.
Zeke pauses, leaning down to pick something up. His thumb brushes over the object freeing it of sand. “Here.” He holds out his palm revealing a perfectly formed shell.
“That’s beautiful.” My fingers close around the cool surface and I place it on my own palm to study the flawless shape.
“This shell reminds me of you. It’s perfect on the outside, unblemished and pristine. There’s not a single chip missing. Your beauty is exemplary and unmatched by any other.”
“Zeke, I’m glad you think so, but you might be the only one who would. I’m far from those things you mentioned.”
“Don’t downplay your looks. You’re stunningly perfect. But much like this shell, every time you study it you’ll notice something different. And that’s what happens when I look at you. Maybe it’s some small characteristic I missed before, or some nuance I notice that sets you apart from others. I’m convinced I could be with you every day and I’d still learn new things about you.”
“Zeke.” My eyes fill with tears at his beautiful words. Nothing I can say could ever measure up so I crash my lips into his. Pouring my heart and soul into the kiss, I show him how much I think I love him.
Connected together, we’re lost in our own world with only the sounds of the surf and the gentle caress of the breeze as our tongues dance. Zeke draws away, cupping my cheeks in his palms. “I’m not ready to end our time together.”
“I’m not either.”
“How would you feel about me meeting with Mark and seeing what he has to say?”
“I think that’s a great idea. But what if he says no?”
“The season hasn’t begun yet and they could find someone to replace me with easily enough.”
“No. I don’t want you sacrificing an opportunity for me.”
“It’s not for you… it’s for us.”
“Still.” I shake my head.
“Let’s not worry about it until we know for sure. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes. It won’t be easy, but I will.”
“I have a question for you and I want you to really think about this before you answer.” He looks so serious. What is he going to ask?
“Will you be my girlfriend, Amelia Monroe?”
“Of course I will.” I throw myself against his chest and squeeze my arms around his waist. He kisses the top of my head.
“I wanted you to think about it before you answered.”
“Pfft, I already have.”
His hands slide down to squeeze my shoulders. “I need to hit the road. I’ll miss you.”
“Be safe driving home and text me when you get there.”
“I will.”
“Do you need my number?”
He grins cockily. “Don’t you remember? I already have it.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Zeke
Driving back to Boston wasn’t bad. Traffic was light due to the early hour I left and I made it home quicker than I anticipated. After watching the sunrise with Amelia and our talk, I didn’t want to leave. Every moment we spend together is better than the last. I look forward to sorting things out with Mark so hopefully she and I c
an pursue something serious.
The apartment door closes silently behind me and I set my duffle bag down on the entryway floor as I kick off my sneakers. Grabbing my phone, I type out a text to Amelia. I don’t want her worrying about me making it home safely.
Me: I’m home. I miss you already.
She replies immediately.
Amelia: I’m glad you made it in one piece. I miss you, too. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow night.
Me: Me, too. Enjoy your beach time and we can talk then.
I don’t want her tied to her phone all day feeling like she needs to stay in touch with me. I want her to have fun.
Amelia: Have a good day.
I smile as I read her final message and pocket my phone. Padding on sock covered feet down the hallway, I knock on my bedroom door and wait for an answer. When there isn’t one, I turn the knob and peer inside to find Jase asleep in my bed, dirty blond hair peeking out from the covers.
Standing still, hands on my hips, I remind myself how great it is to see him when all I really feel is annoyed that he didn’t let me know he was coming. Is a phone call too much to ask for? What happened to extending simple common courtesies, especially to family members?
Jase has always been selfish. I’ve never allowed myself to admit it until now, but I can’t help the resentment running through me. I had to leave the girl I care about because he showed up out of the blue. This isn’t the first time my plans have changed for him. And it’s not like he’ll appreciate that they had to. When he doesn’t get his way he’s the king of complaints. Nothing is ever his fault and if it is he’s great at turning it around on some other poor sap who’s willing to fall for his bullshit. Fuck. I’m more resentful than I realized.
“Jase,” I call his name. He doesn’t stir. “Jase.” I try again, this time louder and still have no luck. Bending over, I pick up his sneaker, pitching it at the lump he makes under my covers.
“Goddamn,” he growls.
“What the hell?” A female voice joins in.
“Son of a bitch, Jase. You’re not alone?”
“Coach?” A female arm pushes the comforter down enough for me to see who’s in my bed with my brother.
“Kerry.” I nod curtly at one of the members of my team.
“This is really embarrassing.” Her cheeks are bright pink.
“Not for me, it’s not.” I stand with my hands on my hips. “Jase, get your ass up and meet me in the kitchen. You have some explaining to do.”
“It’s great to see you too, Zeke.”
“Save it. If you wanted to see me you would’ve told me you were coming, or at least made sure I’d be here. Get dressed, both of you.”
“Yes, dad,” Jase mumbles like a sulky teenager. Has he always been such a whiner? Thinking back, I can come up with plenty of scenarios where his reaction was much the same, but why am I just now noticing? Is it because we haven’t seen each other in a long time? I moved away for college four years ago and haven’t been back to Pennsylvania for any extended period of time. I’d almost forgotten how he’d behaved when something didn’t work in his favor, or wasn’t all about him. We’ve always been different people, but time and distance have amplified it. I’m seeing him with fresh eyes and a new perspective, and I don’t like what I see.
Stalking to the kitchen, I turn on the coffee maker and grab a mug from the closet. By the time Jase joins me, I’m sitting at the table and have drank half my coffee.
“Where’s Kerry?”
“Who?”
“Kerry. The girl you fucked in my bed.”
Jase grins. “Oh her. She left a few minutes ago. She’s a live one.”
“I don’t care what kind of a lay she is. What are you doing here, Jase?”
“Can’t I visit my big brother?”
I hold up a hand. “Don’t even start with your poor innocent me act. I haven’t heard from you in weeks and you suddenly show up when I’m not around.”
“I didn’t know you wouldn’t be here.” He shrugs. “This was a spur of the moment trip.”
“How long are you staying for?”
“I’m not sure. I think at least through midweek, but it depends.”
“On what? What are you here for, really?”
“There’s this girl…”
“Of course there is. When isn’t it about a girl for you?”
“This one is special.”
“Kerry?”
“No, not her. She’s just someone I met at the bar last night.”
“Jase, you’re too old to think with only your dick. When are you going to start being responsible?”
“I’m responsible. I’ve never knocked anyone up. I wear condoms.” He smirks.
“That’s a relief, but not what I meant and you know it.”
“I know, dude. I’m not as bad as you think I am. I’ve matured.”
“This I’d like to see.”
“You will, brother. You will.”
Gulping down the remainder of my coffee, I push the wooden chair back on the hardwood floor with a shriek of protest and rise. “I’m going to the gym. Strip my bed and wash my sheets. Bleach those fuckers.”
“Wait. I want to come with you.”
“Nope. You’re going to do what I told you and I’m going to work out so I don’t kick your ass.”
I spend extra time at the gym and work off some of the frustration that having to deal with Jase causes me. Running a few errands before I head home, I arrive to find Jase sprawled out on the couch. Watching T.V., he doesn’t seem to have a care in the world.
“Hey, what did you do while I was gone?”
He remains focused on the television. “I threw your sheets in the wash, but I forgot to dry them. Sorry, man.” It’s not worth pointing out that he could do it now. I’m sure whatever show he’s watching is very important.
“I’m gonna shower. Want to grab a bite to eat? We can have a few beers and catch up.”
Jase rolls his head on the back of the couch glancing my way. “I’ve got plans.” He grins like a shark.
“Of course you do.” I shake my head and walk toward the bathroom. At least I’ll have a relaxing night.
“Jase, I have a practice and I won’t be home until around eight. If you want to grab dinner then we can.”
“I think I’ll go to practice with you, if you don’t mind?”
“Why would I mind?” I don’t feel as though I can refuse if I want to spend any time with him. Jase spent the night out and didn’t come home until late this morning. He promptly plopped down on my couch and fell asleep.
We jump in my truck and minutes later are pulling into the mostly empty stadium parking lot. I back into the space assigned for me.
Jase’s eyes go wide. “Dude, how cool. You have reserved parking.”
“One of the perks of this job.” I suppose some would get a kick out of seeing their name on a steel sign, but I’m not one of them.
“That’s awesome. It means you’ve got some juice here. Are you a big man on campus?”
“Who says that?”
“Me. I just did. You must be pretty important with this new job.”
“It’s a part-time gig. My real job is still as a financial planner.”
“Yeah, I know. Making the big bucks too, right? You always seem to land on your feet, bro.” Is that resentment I hear in his tone? Fuck him. I’ve busted my ass for everything I have.
“You’ve always been good at seeing things how you want to.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I’m saved from answering when Kerry catches sight of Jase.
“Hey, how’s it going?” She smiles at him and I smirk as I continue walking. He can deal with the fallout of the mess he created.
Walking straight to my office, I sit behind my desk and log into my email, checking for anything I might’ve missed while I was in the Hamptons. There are no new messages to read. Figures. When I don’t check I miss vital things and when I do there’s no point. Grabb
ing a bottle of water from the small fridge in the corner, I head back down the long hallway and into the next one where I pass by the girls’ locker room. At any given time the chatter rumbling from there can be deafeningly loud, but now it’s unusually quiet. Glancing at my watch, I notice it’s almost the start of practice. I hope it wasn’t a mistake bringing Jase with me. I didn’t want to say no, especially since we haven’t had a chance to really spend any time together. After practice I’m going to drag his ass out for a few drinks and a burger whether he wants to or not.
Pushing my way outside, the bright sun beams have my eyes squinting and I slip my shades down. I don’t pay attention to anything in particular as I walk along the grassy edge of the field, making my way over to Mark and Alex who are mid discussion.
A flash of pink in my periphery catches my eye. Swinging my head in that direction, I find Jase hugging Amelia. My feet come to an abrupt halt as I observe the two of them. They look comfortable with each other until Amelia steps back and I notice her wiping tears from her cheeks. Is he fucking with her?
Before I can charge over, Mark calls my name. Walking in his direction I try to lessen the deep scowl pressing into the skin between my brows, but I’m worried about Amelia. I sweep a quick glance in their direction and find them engaged in a conversation. What do they have to talk about?
“Hey, what’s going on?” I smile grimly.
“How was your weekend?” Mark questions.
“It was great, thanks. How about you?”
“The wife and I took our girls to see my parents on the cape.”
“Do they live there year round, or are they summer residents?” I’m not sure how I’m able to keep the small talk flowing when all I can think about is what my brother could be saying to Amelia.
“For this practice I’d like to get everyone's muscles warmed up well since they’ve been off for a few days. Let’s focus on stamina building and running drills. We’ll go back to full pads on Tuesday night.”
“Gotcha. Sounds good.”
Once Mark’s out of earshot, I blow my whistle and the girls all round up in front of me. My gaze strays to Amelia and I witness Jase pull her into his arms once more. What the fuck is the deal with that?
