Page 27 of Secret

“Nothing much, just nothing,” I mumble, and I can feel my cheeks going red. I can’t look at Blake right now.

“What are you up to today, Izzy?” Sebastian asks as he knows it's my day off. I only have school Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Lucky for me, today is, thankfully, Wednesday.

“I have plans with Allie and Tristan,” I reply, which is true. Harley looks at me with more suspicion, probably thinking I’m still mad at him. Allie invited me along to go to the beach with them, as it’s a nice day. I haven't seen the sea since I was ten, and I can't wait. We are lucky there is a heat wave going on at the moment, and Allie says she knows a private beach we can go to that isn’t too rocky.

“Watch yourself around that Tristan, sis, and where are you going?” Sebastian says,getting up to get my toast out for me.

“Wow, it's like an interrogation in here; and just to the beach as it's a nice day.” I roll my eyes at them all as they stare me down.

“Cool, well, I have no plans, so I'm coming. Blake, want to come to the beach?” Sebastian asks, looking at Blake, who nods.

“Luke?” he asks, and Luke shakes his head, not taking his eyes off his phone.

“I know you won’t come, as Allie is there,” Sebastian states to Elliot, who just glares at him, not replying.

“Hold on, what's up with Allie?” I ask, but no one even glances my way as Sebastian pushes my plate of, now buttered, toast in front of me. “Oh and, no, you’re not coming,” I say loudly, eating the toast. Harley walks past me and pats me on the shoulder in what I’m guessing is sympathy.

They ignore me completely and start talking about taking Harley's SUV. They agree to pick Blake up in half an hour so he can get changed before heading to Allie’s. Blake winks at me before leaving.

Sebastian just ruffles my hair saying,“It’s the first time at the beach with my sister, you better tell your friends.” Not waiting for my pissed off reply, Sebastian runs up the stairs.

“Well, sis, I have some stuff to be doing with Elliot at the gym, so we will see you later. Have fun!” Luke says happily before they both walk off with a wave from Elliot.

I feel like banging my head against the counter in annoyance at my interfering brothers, but I have a feeling that would hurt so I text Allie instead.

Me: Sorry in advance, but Seb and Blake are coming with us to the beach. Hope you still love me. X

Allie texts back right away.

Allie: No problem, hot guys, beach and lack of clothing. I'm good ;) see you in a bit x

I laugh and agree; Blake in just swim shorts, yum.I know there’s no way Sebastian would let him go if he knew of my plans to watch Blake the entire time, hiding my drool of course.

A lot of arguments later, we get to the beach. I take a deep breath, smelling the fresh, open air while enjoying the breath-taking view. We all set up our towels quickly. I'm wearing a white bikini that's very sexy. I can't help but giggle as I remember Blake’s shocked face as he saw me wearing it, or Sebastian’s when he hit Blake on the head and told him to stop looking at me. Tristan smartly just glanced and looked away, but I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t swoon a little when Blake took off his shirt. Tris was just as stunning when he took his off, too, but I didn’t stare too long at him. He has nothing on Blake anyway, not in my eyes.

I lean over to see Blake lying next to me and Allie on the other side, Sebastian and Tris are swimming. The water is way too cold for me, but the weather is great for lying in the sun, playing with the warm sand in my hands.

“So, Blake, how did you meet my brothers?” I ask and lean back on my arms.

“Our mums were friends before their mother left, and then we grew up together. We have known each other since we were babies, but mainly, we knew each other from school. They kind of adopted me.” He winks.

“Cool, do you live with your mum and dad now?” I ask, as I don't really know much about him, and I want to know—I need to know—everything.

“My dad passed away when I was three, a car accident. So it's just me and my mum.”

He lowers his voice, so only I can hear, and whispers,“Come to my house this weekend. You can meet her.”

“I'm sorry about your dad,” I say, nodding to him as an answer to his question. "Does she work?” I ask, wondering if she looks like Blake or did he get his good looks from his dad.

"She’s a nurse, and my mum loves her job. She works a lot of hours, has since my dad passed. I think she needs to keep busy with work for a distraction, but she says looking after me is her full-time job," he says with a grin.

"Yeah, I bet that’s hard work, looking after you. I’m sure going to work is her break," I joke, and he laughs with me.

“Maybe it is. I'm going for a swim, you coming?” He stands up and stretches. I can’t help but admire how his body is, the tight muscles on his back and his striking tattoos. He has a cross on the middle of his left leg and has the words ‘life forevermore’ written down it. I want to ask about that, but it’s not the right time. My eyes drift to the dip above his shorts, where a little hair shows, and then up to his flat stomach. Blake looks back at me and smirks as he knows what I'm thinking about, but when his eyes darken, I’m sure he is thinking of somewhere we could sneak off to.

I clear my throat and squeak out, “Erm, no.” I’m sure my face is all sorts of red now. Hell, I’d be surprised if my entire body isn’t blushing.

He laughs and runs off toward the sea, with my eyes following him.

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