Page 127 of Contempt

“Hey,” he says when I open the door.

“Hey,” I say back, pushing my hair back over my shoulder and sliding into the seat.

“How was your meeting?”

“Great. The book drive did okay even though we threw it together last minute, so we packed up the books and went over everything pertaining to that. Anae took black and white pictures to post online as if we’re doing God’s work,” I say with a roll of my eyes. “It’s kind of an uninspired group this year; they don’t plan to really start on any side projects until the next meeting, but we are helping organize Fright Fest next month, so we’ll start working on that. I don’t know, the load feels light to me. I may dig around and come up with something else to put on the docket.”

Landon smirks. “You always have to be doing something extra, don’t you?”

I shrug. “I like to keep busy.” Glancing over at him, I ask, “What about you?”

He cocks a dark eyebrow. “Whataboutme?”

“You don’t play football anymore. Swim team is in the off season. Ever think about joining any clubs?”

“Nah, I’m not much of a joiner.”

I nod. “I get that. But colleges like to see extracurriculars on your application. Plus, clubs can help you find things you’re genuinely interested in and passionate about.”

“And you’re passionate about helping people.”

I shrug. “Yeah. What are you passionate about?”

“Not helping people,” he says dryly.

I shoot him a look. “Hilarious. Maybe you should join comedy club.”

“Oh yeah, I’m a riot.”

“I’m serious,” I say, lightly shoving his arm.

He shakes his head. “So am I. I’m not into clubs. It’s bad enough I have to do 18 hours of community service this year like I’m some kind of criminal.”

“Youarekind of a criminal,” I remind him. “I’m starting on my community service hours next week. I’m volunteering at a pet shelter. You should come with me.”

“I suppose animalsarebetter than people.”

I nod my agreement. “Immensely better. And the company wouldn’t be too bad, either.”

He cracks a smile, glancing my way. “I might be okay with the company.”

That shouldn’t make my tummy flutter, but it does. Unable to hold his gaze, I shift mine to look out at the road as he drives. “Where are we going, anyway?”

“You’ll see.”

And soon, I do.

I didn’t expect him to bring me to the beach.

It doesn’t appear to be an impulsive decision, though, as he grabs an oversized beach towel and a little blue cooler out of the trunk. A gentle breeze blows my hair and I turn toward the ocean, breathing in so I can catch the salty scent.

I love the ocean.

I wasn’t sure he would given his history, plus the fact that we live in a mansion that boasts beautiful ocean views and he chose a room without one.

We walk down closer to the shoreline and Landon puts down the beach towel. He drops down and gets comfortable, then he looks up at me and pats the empty spot beside him.

Cracking a smile, I tuck my hair behind my ear, then settle in on the beach towel.

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