Page 19 of Beach Bum Billion-Heiress
10
Sage
I sat on my patio, eyes glazed over, watching the waves roll in. It was mesmerizing and soothing, the perfect balm for the conflicted thoughts jumbled in my brain. I had a decision to make.
Oh, who was I kidding? I'd already made my decision out there on the water when it was just me, the ocean, and the sunshine. I'd come up with a harebrained idea, not certain of the details, but it had felt so right. It was ballsy and had a high potential for screwing me out of my trust fund. So I needed to go over every last detail and make sure I had my plan solid before I made my move.
I broke out that leather portfolio that was originally just for show and whipped it open to the first page. My hands shook uncapping the pen, but my handwriting was firm.
Rule #1: I wouldn't hurt Jax.
Rule #2: I'd preserve the best of HB.
Rule #3: I'd show my father I could be a success.
I booted up my laptop and did some research. Then I picked up my cell phone and called Esa, the only phone number I had for any of the girls in the Beach Squad. She was their ringleader anyway, so I figured she'd be the one to contact.
"Hey, Sage! What's up, girlie?"
"I got a plan. Want to help me?" I didn't have time for pleasantries and I hoped she'd roll with me.
There was a quick pause, followed by a whoop. "Hell yes, I wanna help! Tell me when and where and I'll round up the girls."
I told her what I needed, glossing over some of the details that didn't concern the Beach Squad. She didn't ask any questions, just wrote down the details and gave a few helpful suggestions. When we hung up, I sat down and took a few deep breaths. My eyes were tearing up and I couldn't keep writing out my plan when everything was blurry. A warm glow was spreading through my body, like I was wrapped in the world's biggest bear hug.
I'd just met Esa a few days ago and she was willing to help me without questions and without any benefit to her. That was exactly the type of friendship I'd been trying to make my whole life. The type of relationship that I’d always wanted from my parents.
And I'd found that already, here, in HB, with a pack of crazy girls.
This plan was coming together perfectly, I could just feel it.
* * *
I slammed my laptop shut and sat back in my chair, surprised to find that the sun had set and I'd missed it, even though I was sitting in front of the sliding glass door to my patio with a clear view of the ocean. My stomach let out a fierce growl and I realized I'd missed dinner too. At least my stomach was finally settling, knowing I had a solid plan in place.
Denying my father's orders wasn't for the faint of heart, I was learning. Leaping without a net was scary as shit but I was finally passionate enough about something to give it my all. It was like that moment out on a surfboard right before the huge wave hit you and you weren't sure if you'd survive it. You had a half second to doubt your decision and then it was a sink-or-swim, life-or-death situation. And then. Well, then it was pure bliss and exhilaration. I was betting my entire future on this plan turning into the same exhilaration.
Checking the time, I threw my hair back into a high, messy bun. Feet slipped into flip-flops and I was out the door with my car keys and wallet. I had just enough time to stop by a Chinese takeout place I'd seen just a couple blocks south of Jax' place before it was too late to be out and about in a new town. I'd grab some dinner for two, head over to Jax' place and let him know I was executing a new plan. My heart felt compelled to put him out of his misery. To let him know that I wouldn't be pressing him to tear down a landmark of his hometown. I wanted him to hear the whole plan from me, before the Beach Squad girls spread the news.
Being born and raised an East Coast girl, I grew up knowing the night didn't even get started until after nine. I was still getting used to Huntington Beach being a sleepy beach town during the week. I was hoping it wasn't too late to make a casual stop at Jax' place, but truth be told, I was too excited to see him again to worry about etiquette.
My cheeks heated, thinking about how I’d mooned him on a public beach, feeling him watch my every move as I stepped out of that water. I'd been giddy, feeling high off living free. And it had felt too damn good to stop. Besides, it was just a butt. We all had one. What was the big deal?
Walking around to the back of The Surf Shack, I climbed the wooden stairs up to the apartment on the second floor. The security light flooded the darkness when I reached the top, nearly making me drop the bag of food. No stealthy approach for me, I guess.
My knuckles tapped on the door, listening for movement.
"Crap," I muttered. I should have called first to see if he was even home. Or he could be home, but have a girl with him, which would be beyond embarrassing. I didn’t actually know him, know him.
The silence stretched out and I silently turned around to retreat back to the safety of my car. I'd made it to the first step when I heard a door swing open.
"Sage?" His voice called out, scratchy and lower pitched than normal.
Turning carefully, I came back up the step and looked up at him, the sight washing away any words from forming. He stood in the doorway, low slung flannel pants hiding his legs but showcasing a set of abs that belonged on a billboard in a mall somewhere, enticing teenage girls to buy some overpriced jeans. His arms were overhead, grabbing the top of the doorframe, leaving his muscled torso naked to my eyes. My hands itched to get in on the action and I almost dropped the bag to proceed with the fondling before my brain reengaged and told me to get my crap together.
I swallowed hard and approached slowly, the bag of food outstretched between us as a distraction.
"I, um, I brought food." I cleared my throat, unable to get anything else out of my parched mouth.
