Page 113 of Call Me Sir

Sounds messy. And hot.

Turning on the radio, he bobs along to whatevers playing.

Driving past rows of perfectly placed palm trees, I park in an open spot along the sidewalk. The sun is still hovering above the horizon.

“You’re still dressed,” I say to Cole as we get out of the car.

Never would I have imagined him dressed as nice as he is and on the beach.

“For now,” he grumbles.

We remove our dress shoes and socks and stick them in the car and end with rolling up our pants.

Hovering over to me, he grabs my hand and we walk hand in hand to the water.

Thoughts pester me, like are people watching? Do we look like an interesting pair?

As if reading my mind, as we dodge sand castles, Cole asks, “Does Oliver remind you of anyone?”

Ugh.

“Not really.”

The suggestive snicker he gives me makes me narrow my eyes at him.

Wait.

“I mean, I wouldn’t say you’re twins…”

That’s it because he’s laughing harder now.

“You and Ace look nothing alike, though.”

My arms prickle with goosebumps. It’s not from the ocean breeze. I wish my stomach didn’t lurch the way it did.

Children run past us and several people walking by smile at us. Their opinions don’t matter, but I can’t help but wonder.

“That’s a good thing right?”

“Of course.”

To the right of us is the pier and a bunch of shops. I pretend to scan them when I’m really trying to check Cole out and see that little smile.

“So, dinner was amazing.”

He beams at my compliment.

“Though I think you could do it better.”

I love the way he bites his bottom lip. If there weren’t so many damn families here as well as the fact that we’re not dressed for the beach, I’d tackle him in the sand right now.

Pin his arms above his head.

“Tell me what you’re thinking.” Glancing at him, there’s trouble brewing in those eyes. “Be explicit.”

Sucking in a breath, I search to see who’s around us. We’re in the clear. The tide slapping the shore helps.

We’re leaving the bustle of the main beach area and approaching the homes that line the northern part of the bay.

---