Page 16 of Summer Waves

“Whatever you plan on doing… don’t.”

“You wanted to play in the water, beautiful.” Without warning, he wrapped his arms around my waist. My back now pressed against his hard chest. His cologne wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I closed my eyes briefly and inhaled sharply.

“You smell so good,” I whispered.

“So do you,” Giovanni kissed the back of my head. “You ready?”

Giovanni’s words caught me off guard. I opened my eyes and looked up and over my shoulder at him. He smirked.

“Giovanni!” I shrieked as he tossed me into the air. When the water grew closer, I took a deep breath.

My body submerged into the water, but not before I heard Giovanni roar with laughter. The cold water felt like a jolt of electricity or at least what I thought it would feel like. Giovanni was going to pay.

I held my breath and fought the waves to stay submerged. It wouldn’t be long until Giovanni would try to pull me out of the water. Or at least I hoped.

When strong hands grabbed my waist and pulled me up, I knew Giovanni had taken the bait. I wrapped my arms around his waist then with all my might, I pulled him towards me. My movement caught him off guard. He lost balance and fell into the water.

His grip on my waist, loosened and I took the chance to stand up. I ran out of the water and towards Giovanni’s truck, which was parked a few hundred feet away.

“Bethany!” he laughed. I glanced over my shoulder to see Giovanni chasing after me. A wicked grin was plastered across his face.

“I was just teasing!” I roared in laughter.

“Caught cha’!” His arms wrapped around my waist. He lifted me over his shoulder and carried me back into the water. I playfully wacked at his back the entire time while laughing hysterically.

“I’m sorry!”

“Uh-huh,” he chuckled and lowered me onto my feet. My chest pressed against his. My heart raced as. I slowly brought my gaze up to his. “Hi, beautiful.”

“Hi,” I said mousy-like. Giovanni smiled brightly.

“I’m really glad you allowed me to take you out today,” he said, catching me off guard.

“You are?” I whispered. He nodded his head and then pressed his lips against my forehead.

“It’s been a really nice day. I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard,” he chuckled.

He wasn’t the only one. When was the last time I had let my hair down and enjoyed myself? Other than the few laughs shared with my family, Tabitha, and Ricardo, my fun was limited because I kept my circle small and my time-limited

“I’ve really enjoyed our date,” I blushed.

“What was your favorite part?” he asked shyly.

“Hmm… I’ve liked it all honestly,” I admitted. “The food was delicious at the restaurant. The walk down the boardwalk was nice. Watching you lose to me at the arcade games was even better.” Giovani tipped his head back and laughed.

“I still say you cheated.” He looked down at me and smiled. “I’m really glad you said yes to a date with me, Bethany.”

The look in Giovanni’s eyes made me melt. My knees weakened and my heart pounded. How come my body responded to him like this? Never had another man had such a powerful effect on me and with such few words.

“I am too,” I whispered. My words weren’t meant to sound so soft, but it’s how they came out. Quiet and full of shyness.

“By any chance…” Giovanni’s words faded off. He took a deep breath. “Any chance I can get a second date?”

“A second date?” I repeated. He nodded and smiled.

“Yes. A second date,” he chuckled. “You can sayno. I promise to not cry too much.” He grinned.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

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