How to Unbreakup

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  Right. So that was totally mean.

  “Actually, I thought Grace could be up front with me, since I’m driving.” Logan shut the hatch on the back of the SUV. “You can sit up here with us.” He turned to his sister.

  Sage glanced between the brother and sister. “Why don’t all the guys sit up front and the girls can sit in the back? We’re taller than you girls and need more leg room.”

  “Sure, that’s the reason why,” Allie whispered in my ear. “More like he doesn’t want you next to Logan.”

  My brow raised at her. “I don’t think that’s what’s happening here.”

  So we climbed into the vehicle. Boys up front, girls in the back. Luckily, Allie got sandwiched in between me and Lila. Everyone put on their seatbelts and Logan turned on the radio as he pulled out onto the highway.

  I watched the trees as we sped by. Tall evergreens piercing the sky like lances. Forest surrounded everything up here. You could go miles without seeing a house, building, or even another car. My fingers traced the edge of my shorts, and I studied the scar on my knee that I got during basketball season back in March.

  From next to Allie, I saw Lila reach forward to stroke Sage’s hair. Her red fingernails combed through his dark mop. He turned slightly in his seat; he glanced first at me, then at Lila. A blush spread up his ears to his face as he scooted closer to the door.

  My eyes narrowed. My hands fisted in my lap. God, did she have to touch him? I had half a mind to go all Chico on her and bite her damn arm off.

  Benji met my gaze in the mirror. “Dang, you look like you want kill someone.”

  Crap. With a quick smile, I laughed. “No, I’m just scowling because the sun’s in my eyes.”

  “Here, you can use my sunglasses.” Logan slid his aviators off and handed them back to me.

  “Um, thanks. But are you sure you don’t need them? You’re the one driving.”

  “I’ve got an extra pair.” He reached above his head and pulled out another set hanging from the visor.

  Allie nudged me with her knee, a wide grin on her face and mouthed the word “jealous.”

  “Hey, can you turn this song up?” I said, needing a distraction.

  “Sure.” Logan messed with the volume dial until music filled the vehicle.

  Allie and I sang along. But I found it hard to ignore the fact that Lila didn’t know how to keep her hands to herself.

  “This song is so romantic.” Lila sighed, tracing her fingers down Sage’s neck.

  “Unless my sister is singing it to you,” Benji teased.

  “I don’t know about that. I like hearing her voice. Like the other night at the bonfire.” Logan caught my eye in the rearview mirror.

  I blushed. “Thanks.”

  “So what’s your favorite movie?” Sage blurted out.

  “Star Wars,” Me, Benji, and Allie called out in unison.

  “I’ve never seen Star Wars,” Lila said.

  “Strike one,” Allie whispered.

  “Then you’re one deprived girl.” Benji turned around in his seat. “It’s got epic fight scenes and one of the best storylines ever.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not really into sci-fi and fantasy stuff.”

  “Strike two,” Allie mouthed.

  “Yeah, my sister has led a very sheltered life.” Logan chuckled. “If it isn’t a romance movie, she doesn’t really like it.”

  “What about video games?” I asked.

  “Hate them,” she answered. “I don’t know why anyone would want to spend hours in front of a TV pretending they’re some lame character.”

  Holy shit. This girl was nuts. Where did Sage even find her? “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  “Wait, you play video games?” She stared at me like I’d grown a third boob or something.

  “Yes. They’re awesome stress relievers and it’s easy to get lost in their worlds.”

  “Hmmm, never took you for a gamer geek.”

  “Didn’t realize there was anything wrong with being a girl-gamer,” I said. Allie rested her hand on my arm as if to hold me back from drop-kicking her out of the vehicle. Lila reminded me a lot of Rori and Michelle. Nice to look at but total snobs. There was no way Sage could really be interested in her, right? The problem was, regardless of whether I liked her or not, she was beautiful and touchy-feely. The type of woman guys dreamt about. And no matter how good Sage was, he was still a red-blooded American male.

  Before World War III could be waged, we pulled into the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. After we found a parking spot, we walked past the gift shop and restaurant, and down a path, which led to the falls. There were small stands set up along the way; one had a display about wolves and some of the other animals you could find around the area. A giant moose head was on display as well. It was hooked to a wooden box-type thing that could be wheeled around.

  “Here, take our picture.” Allie handed Benji her phone and we both posed on either side of the moose like we were giving it a kiss.

  “Wait, hold it, I want one too,” Logan said, holding up his phone. He snapped a picture, then asked my brother to take one of him and me together.

  We then headed down the trail; trees, brush, and bushes on either side of us. Tons of people made their way toward the falls, cameras dangling from their necks. Older people wore fanny packs and visors, which made me super glad that my dad hadn’t come in all his fanny-pack glory.

  “Ugh, my feet are killing me,” Lila said behind us. She stopped to sit on one of the benches.

  “Maybe if she would’ve dressed for walking instead of a fashion shoot she wouldn’t have that problem,” Allie mumbled under her breath.

  My lips twitched and I tried not to laugh.

  “Hey, I’m going to go ahead of you guys for a second. I’m gonna see if I can arrange a row boat to take us out to Die Island, right between a couple of the waterfalls.” Logan glanced at his sister. “Lila, just take your damn shoes off. I’m sure these guys would like to see the falls today.”

  In that moment, Logan moved up on my list of favorite people. He said everything I couldn’t.

  Allie, Benji, and I continued down the path until we came to an observation point for the Tahquamenon Falls. Water roared down the river, foaming and splashing as it went over the precipice. Beams of sunlight created tiny rainbows over the water where mist sprayed up.

  It was beautiful. I turned my head to see Sage and Lila still making their way toward us. She had her sandals in one hand, and Sage’s hand in the other.

  Was there no end to my torture? My insides knotted up worse than a ball of twine. I hated seeing them together. Hated that Sage was finally moving on. I’d been right the night we’d gone to the movies, I didn’t stand a chance.

  Benji leaned against the wooden rail next to me. “So, what’s wrong? You’ve been acting strange all day.”

  “Nothing.” I shoved loose strands of hair out of my face.

  He followed my gaze to Sage and Lila. Then he had this dawning moment. “Holy shit. I get it now. You still like Sage.”

  “Shh … ” I glowered. “Let it go.”

  He held up his hands. “Hey, I’m just calling it like I see it.”

  Allie grabbed Benji’s arm and tugged him closer to her. “Grace is trying to win him back.”

  “Then why is she up here with us instead of with him?”

  “Because we can’t seem to get Lila to leave his side for more than two seconds.” Allie shoved her phone in her shorts pocket. “It’s like she’s duct taped to his ass or something.”

  I snorted. “Um, you guys know I’m right here, right?”

  “Yeah.” Allie giggled.

  Benji propped his leg up on a downed log. “Maybe I could use the Force on Sage—say something like ‘This is not the girl you’re looking for.’”

  We busted up laughing. Sometimes I kind of liked my little brother, who was actually a head taller than me.

  “If only it was that easy,”
I said.

  “Or, I could shove her in the water,” Benji offered.

  Logan sauntered back up the path toward us. “I’ve managed to rent us a boat to take us over to the island.”

  “Sweet,” I said.

  Sage and Lila finally came up next to us and stared at the waterfall below. They whispered about swimming, but I couldn’t hear much else.

  “Ready?” Logan held his hand out to me. This time, I took it.

  My fingers fit perfectly in his. His green eyes sparkled as he stared down at me. He was gorgeous. Nice. Athletic. Why couldn’t I fall for him instead? His thumb made tiny circles on the outside of my hand. My heart skittered and I moved closer to him so that our arms touched.

  When we got to the docks, I saw some rowboats tied off. And in the middle of the river, I saw the small island. There were rocky ledges and formations, along with wooden walkways. Even from here, I saw people splashing around in some of the tiny waterfalls, or sitting in the water.

  All six of us climbed into the boat. Logan sat in the middle where the oars were, facing me. He stripped off his T-shirt and I swallowed hard. Hello, Sun God. He was ripped. Tan. And definitely getting my attention.

  “Now those are some abs,” Allie whispered.

  “You ain’t lying.”

  Logan rowed us across the river and all I could do was stare at him. Over his shoulder, I noticed Sage glaring. What had gotten into him?

  When we got to the island, Logan rowed us up onto a platform and Sage hopped out to help drag the boat the rest of the way up.

  “We might as well leave our stuff in here so we don’t get it wet,” Logan said, shoving his phone beneath his wadded up t-shirt. He stood there in his red and white Hawaiian flowered board shorts definitely catching the attention of every female within a fifty-foot radius. Me included.

  Logan reached up and helped me from the boat and I quickly stripped down to my bikini. The scent of sunscreen clung to my skin. Already, I felt the heat from the sun on my head. Logan caught my hand once more and we walked along a path until we came out from under the tree-lined path to a few tiny waterfalls that cascaded down rocky ledges.

  Allie dipped her toes in the water. “Geesh, it’s kind of chilly.”

  “Maybe you need to get used to it.” Benji leaned down and splashed her.

  She squealed and they chased one another around.

  Logan led me toward one of the smaller falls. “Here, come with me.”

  With a quick glance behind me, I watched Lila dragging Sage toward the river. Her arms were around his waist and her boobs about ready to fall out of her top. She so needed to cover those bad boys up.

  “So how do you feel about getting wet?” Logan asked bringing my attention back to him.

  I laughed. “Well, I’m not worried about my hair if that’s what you want to know.”

  “Good.” He tugged me beneath the showering water.

  I screeched. “This is cold.”

  “Well come here so I can warm you up.” He chuckled, pulling me against his chest. His arms snaked around me in a hug.

  I’d never been so close to a guy before in so little clothing. My face burned, but I had to admit, it felt kind of good having him hold me. Water sprayed down on our heads as he backed us further beneath it.

  “Maybe I should toss you in?” He nodded at the river.

  “No,” I squealed and leapt away from him, making my way across the slippery rocks. When I peeked at him over my shoulder, I noticed he was closing in on me. And when I turned back, I ran smack dab into Sage.

  I stumbled and he caught me before I fell. His eyes held mine and I couldn’t look away. My breathing came faster and not just because I’d been running. His hand rested on my back. Like a brand, it seemed to burn my skin. So much warmth. If I took another step, I knew I’d be pressed right up against him.

  Lila splashed her brother. “You jerk, you almost made Grace fall.”

  Sage’s glance trailed from my face down to my feet then back up again. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was checking me out.

  Trying to stay calm, I said, “Don’t make me use the Force on you, Sage Castle.”

  He smirked, picked me up, and then carried me into the river. “It’s working real well for you, isn’t it? You better hold your breath, Jedi.”

  Sage dunked me under and I held tight to him. The river rushed over us. After a moment, we popped up together, my arms still around his neck. We both laughed, sputtering water.

  “You’re so going to get it,” I said.

  “Get what?” Sage smiled, his gaze intent on my face.

  It was then I realized how close we were pressed together. My bared tummy slid against him. Our chests were pressed together. So much of our skin was touching. Heat coursed through me as his hands slid to my hips. He leaned down and I tightened my grip on him. His breath fanned across my neck, sending chills dancing through my body. Not the cold kind of chills either. More than anything, I wanted him to kiss me. For his lips to follow the trail his breath had along my neck.

  “Sage,” I whispered. Did he feel it to? The connection? The shift in everything?

  “Grace.” His palm pressed deeper into my hip, holding me against him.

  Lila chose that second to dive toward us. “Don’t worry, Grace, I’ll save you. We girls have to stick together.”

  She knocked Sage out of the way. The two of them fell into the water together. Before I could move though, Logan caught hold of my waist and dragged me under with him. For a second, I was pissed that Lila had interrupted us. Then I realized, maybe it was for the best. It would’ve looked pretty bad if we’d kissed when we were here with Logan and Lila.

  The rest of the day we spent swimming and hiking. Stopping long enough to eat our lunch. By the time we were heading home, I was exhausted and squished between Logan and Sage.

  Lila wasn’t happy about the arrangement, but Logan told her since he was driving it was his rules. My leg pressed against Sage’s. I was all too aware of him. Of the dark spattering of hair on his legs, and the scent of cologne that clung to his T-shirt.

  He shifted in the seat next to me, his hand brushing my thigh. My breath hitched and I cast him a sideways glance. He peered down at me. “Sorry.”

  “It’s fine.” My voice cracked.

  He had no idea how fine it was. Every time we went over a bump some part of him brushed against some part of me. My pulse raced like stallions through an open field. My palms grew slick with sweat and I wiped them on my shorts. This was crazy.

  Sage turned in his seat when Lila leaned forward to talk to him. She was already trying to plan their next date. If she kept it up, I’d never have a chance to spend any time with him.

  Logan turned on the radio, then wrapped one arm around my shoulder while he drove. His fingers gave me a light squeeze. I smiled at him.

  Maybe I was wasting my time on the wrong guy. Sage was obviously wrapped up in Lila. With a sigh, I stared out the window, wondering what the hell I was gonna do.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Step #4: Do something nice for him

  The sun blazed down on us from above, while sweat trickled down my chest. I swear, my boobs felt like they were melting off like two ice cream cones left out in the heat. With one of my brother’s plastic buckets, I dumped another load of sand onto the “Sage Castle” I was making.

  Allie wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “This sand castle is huge.”

  “Yeah, I hope Sage likes it.” Because right now there was probably more sand in my crack than on the beach.

  “You hope I like what?” A shadow blocked out the sun.

  I glanced up to see Sage towering over me in a pair of swim trunks. My gaze flickered to the tiny trail of dark hair that led beneath his waistband. I swallowed hard.

  “Behold, we are making a Sage Castle.” I held my arms up like a game show host.

  He chuckled. “You mean a sand castle?”

  “It’s a castle f
or you,” I said.

  “I think my Sage Castle needs a moat and a drawbridge.” He dropped to his knees beside me. He scooped up piles of wet sand, and then grabbed some sticks. He dug out an area for a moat, then went and got a bucket of water to put in it. Which basically evaporated back out.

  I watched him from the corner of my eye. How the sand clung to his glistening skin and arm hair. His strong hands, shoveled deep into the dirt. His arms flexing. He was so nice. Cute. Perfect. What other guy would sit out here making a sand castle on vacation?

  He turned toward me. “What?”

  I smiled. “Nothing—just happy you’re hanging out with me this summer. I’m having a lot of fun.”

  “Me too. Hey remember that time when our dads let us bury them in the sand? Then it started to storm and we were all trying to unbury them so they wouldn’t get struck by lightning.”

  “Oh. My. God. I totally forgot about that.”

  We laughed.

  A moment later, Mom and Mrs. Castle came onto the deck. “Sage, I need you to run into town. We need some things from the grocery store for dinner tonight.”

  He sighed. “There are times that I regret I ever got my driver’s license.”

  I giggled. “Don’t worry, I won’t finish the castle until you get back.”

  “Actually, Grace, you need to go with him. I think we’re out of tampons.”

  My face felt as if someone had lit a thousand forest fires on it. “Mom!”

  “What? It’s not like Sage doesn’t know what tampons are, he does have sisters you know,” Mom said.

  He glanced down at me and grinned. “I wonder if she wants the ones with wings?”

  “Tampons don’t have wings, smart ass.”

  “Oh right.” He held up his hands as if to fend me off.

  We hurried inside and got dressed. When we came back downstairs, my mom handed Sage the list and the keys to our truck. He instantly handed the grocery list to me.

  We went out the front door and climbed into the vehicle. “So, did they actually write tampons on the list?” he teased.

  “Very funny.” I rolled my eyes.