Page 2 of Becoming Us
“I promise not to crash,” I joked, adding a chuckle for effect.
Silence.
Shit, this was awkward.
“How long are you staying?”
“Just the weekend. I have to be back on Monday for the club.”
My head tilted. “The club?”
“It’s a summer job.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I did it last year as a lifeguard. Got certified. They called to see if I wanted to come back for the summer.”
My jaw dropped. “I beg your pardon.” I attempted to keep my tone level. “You’re working as alifeguardthis summer?”
Atty really had no idea what he looked like. Of course they called him back. I needed to get a membership to that beach club. Immediately.
“It’s a decent job.” He eyed me warily. “A little annoying at times, but the pay is good.”
A laugh escaped me. “I’m sure it is. I’m not criticizing at all.” I leaned forward slightly. “Can I come watch you?”
His brows pulled together, golden-retriever confusion written all over his face. “Why would you want to watch me work?”
“Atty, come on.”
We stared at each other. He was so fucking clueless.
“What’s your uniform like?”
“Swim shorts. Muscle T.”
I nodded, my smile slipping through despite my best effort to rein it in, waiting for him to get it.
The moment it clicked, a slow flush crept up his neck, bringing color to his cheeks in the most flattering way possible. God, he was beautiful.
“Oh.”
“You are, by far, the most attractive man I’ve ever seen in my life. And it’s not just because I love you. Other people notice it, too, you know?” I leaned in a little. “I’d be crazy to miss a chance to watch you reenact a Baywatch fantasy.”
He didn’t respond. Just looked away. His hand rested near his fork, fingers still. My gaze drifted to it. I really wanted to touch him.
Don’t do it. Keep your distance. Don’t fuck this up.
“It’s not really anything special.”
“I beg to differ.” I softened my tone, pairing it with a careful smile.
Atty pressed his lips together and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his dirty-blond hair.
Fuck, I really wanted to touch him.
The need sat low in my gut. Heavy. Insatiable. If I climbed into his lap right now and kissed him until he forgot about everything else, would he let me?
I clenched my jaw and forced myself to breathe.
