Page 152 of The Perfect Spiral
“My hero,” I sigh dramatically.
“Always,” he replies with a warm smile. The sound of bustling in the kitchen doesn’t prompt either of us to move. It’s five in the evening and I decide I want to swim. I’m wearing my underwear, which should suffice.
“Want to swim with me? I feel like swimming in the ocean.”
“I don’t have swim trunks?” He questions.
“So? I have my underwear and I’m hoping you do too?” I tease, standing up and walking over to the steps leading to the beach.
“I have my underwear on, baby doll, don’t you worry. But say the word and they can come right off!”
“Come on!” I start to run toward the ocean, hearing him behind me, easily catching up. We reach the water and I strip off my top and shorts, leaving them neatly piled on the sand. I wade into the chilly water, rubbing my arms to generate some warmth. I keep walking further and further in.
I start to shiver slightly, waiting for my body temperature to adjust to the water.
Suddenly, I feel two arms wrap around me from behind, the body pressed against my back providing warmth.
A light peck on my shoulder blade makes me glance over my shoulder at the friendly giant shielding me from the cold. He’sgazing at the setting sun.
There are still people around on the beach, making his move quite bold.
He rests his chin lightly on my head, his hands gently stroking my arms. We both watch people on jet skis out on the water in front of us.
His hands trail down to mine and he takes them in his, resting them against my body. It’s then when it all hits me. Square in the face.
But if he likes me, I’d be his second choice. He likes someone else. Someone who isn’t me. I can’t go back to being someone’s second choice.
Chapter 50
The morning was still fresh at eight o’clock, and I found myself out on the sea with Ben. We had risen early, eager to catch the first waves of the day.
We were now lounging on our boards, letting the rhythm of the ocean lift us gently up and down. The beach was still deserted, our family yet to stir from their slumber.
But they’d be up soon. My mom, in particular, would probably be in a state of mild panic, wondering where I’d disappeared to. She had a tendency to worry, especially when it came to her children.
“I saw you out here last night with Carter,” Ben’s voice broke the silence, his words aimed at the sky. “You two looked pretty cozy.” His head dropped to meet my gaze, his smile fading when he realized I wasn’t returning it.
I was lost in my own thoughts, not entirely present.
“Alex? You alright?” Ben’s concern was palpable as he paddled over to me. He positioned himself directly in front of me, his head tilting slightly as he followed my gaze down to his board.
“Sweet cheeks, what’s wrong?” His hand found the back of my head, pulling me towards him. His lips brushed my forehead in a comforting kiss, his voice a soft whisper against my skin. “You can talk to me about anything, Alex.”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired today. I’m in my own little world,” I managed to force a smile, though I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. I avoided his gaze, those captivating blue-green eyes that reminded me of the ocean.
“Don’t shut me out, Alex. I know when you’re lying to me,” he murmured, his lips still against my skin. He had a knack for comforting me. I finally met his gaze, offering him a genuine smile.
“I feel like you’re my soulmate, Ben,” I confessed, a chuckle escaping my lips.
I did feel that way, not in a romantic sense, but in the way we just clicked. It had been a bit scary at first, but I found myself drawn to him. We had an instant connection, and we hadn’t looked back since.
“I’m one of your two soulmates, sweet cheeks, and you’re one of mine,” he grinned down at me.
“But you have another one,” I retorted, rolling my eyes. In response, he pushed me off my board, and I was suddenly submerged in the cool ocean. I resurfaced, splashing him in retaliation.
“What was that for?” I squealed, laughter bubbling up from within me. I brushed my hair out of my face, the wet strands sticking to my skin. I probably looked like a sea monster emerging from the depths.
“You went all sappy on me, Thompson,” he smirked, echoing my words from our previous night out. I clambered back onto his board, my own board floating nearby, and scooted back towards him.
