Kiss: Sea Crest High Book Two

by Carrie Banks

  “So? The Majesty isn’t our personal charter boat.”

  “I know. But after this weekend, aren’t you a little hurt?”

  “Barron’s been very sweet to me. He told me last night he wants to be exclusive and see where this goes.”

  “Isn’t that a little fast?”

  “Are you serious? Didn’t you just do the same thing with Ryan? At least I’ve seen Barron every day at work for months.”

  “Point taken. Look, I’m happy for you. I just hope Barron knows how lucky he is to have a girl like you.”

  Getting off the counter, I give her a tight hug. “Hurry up and get some clothes on. I’m starving and brunch is ready. At least Barron’ s willing to feed us before he dumps us back on Block.”

  “Shut up!” Gabby smacks my butt with her hairbrush.

  ***

  “Bye, sweetheart,” Ryan kisses the top of my head as he holds me tight. I approach the dock worker and hand her my ticket. I’m so forlorn this weekend is over and that it’s time to board the ferry home. I pause, holding up the line of about a hundred people behind me. Turning to Ryan, I throw myself tighter into his embrace.

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  “It’s okay. Next weekend will be here before you even know it.”

  He moves back and lets me go.

  But I can’t bear this.

  Dammit, Gabby is right. I always fall too fast and this time’s no different. I grab his hand, not caring at the annoyed glances from the group of people behind me.

  All I want is one more kiss.

  I thrust my tongue in and out of his mouth while raking my nails into the hair behind his head. He hoists me off the ground. I wrap my legs around him, digging them into his back. I’ve never been this physically aggressive with a guy before.

  “Get a room,” someone in the crowd hollers. More voices chime in, hooting and whistling.

  “Honey—you’re holding up the line!”

  “Mama?”

  “Shhh, baby, don’t look… see those pretty boats over there?”

  I hear the same woman scream, “Stop traumatizing my five-year-old. Block is still a family place…get some dignity!”

  Still wrapped around Ry, I eye the angry mom over his shoulder. “Sorry ma’am, but he’s just so irresistible.”

  Still glaring at me she responds, “Well, if my husband looked like that, I’d probably be pregnant all the time!”

  The crowded line laughs hysterically; I guess I’m forgiven for making them all wait. A crew member from ferry walks down the line and hisses, “Nice show. Now board.” She inspects my ticket stub, ushering me through.

  I reluctantly put one foot in front of the other while looking over my shoulder. Ry’s standing on the other side of the thick rope which separates us from the rest of the wharf. The collar of his pink golf shirt’s popped and his lips are still wet from my kiss. His hands are fisted in the front pockets of his navy-blue cargo shorts.

  My knees go weak.

  He looks over the swell of people between us, “I’ll see you next weekend!”

  With his dark hair blowing across his forehead and curling at his neck with eyes just as dark—he looks every inch a guy who could keep a girl pregnant all the time…yikes.

  “Come on Tessa,” JD grabs my elbow, pulling me away.

  He doesn’t let go until I’ve walked up the ramp and have both feet on the ferry.

  Gabby doesn’t say a thing.

  I can tell she’s disappointed that Barron didn’t see her off, choosing to stay aboard the Majesty instead. But she’d die before ever admitting it.

  The ferry’s engines start up and she blows her horn. I stand at the aft rail, staring at Block Island until it disappears on the horizon.

  The ferry speeds towards home, taking me further and further away. But this year, I know that I left a bigger piece of my heart behind.

  Maybe the whole damn thing.

  The lighthouse figurine Ryan gave me is tucked inside the front pocket of my hoodie. I reach inside and hold it in my palm.

  “What’s up with you and Ryan?” JD asks. His aviators shield his eyes, but the tone of his voice seems off.

  “He was amazing, incredibly sweet and sensitive. The complete opposite from how he was when we first met.”

  “Are you together?”

  “Uh, I think so. We better be… but we never discussed it.”

  “How convenient.”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “Nothing. It’s just—Barron and I had a few talks up on the bridge while navigating the Majesty. He seemed to think Ryan isn’t that serious about being in a relationship right now. He mentioned something about Ryan being up for something big in the fall besides HSB. And that he’s been pretty focused on that.”

  “So? I’m hardly in the way of his goals when we live two hours apart.”

  “Exactly. Remember what Kyle did? Ryan could have a girl when he gets to college and you in Sea Crest. I just don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

  “I don’t think he would do that to me. We connected this weekend. He opened up about some very private things. He was so sweet and playful, but in bed he was—”

  Ripping off his sunglasses, his eyes glare at me incredulously, “What? You slept with him? Please tell me you didn’t give him…You idiot! Guess who he fucked after you walked out on him at S&P that night? He called up Emily, yep, banged her all night in the same cabin where he just had you.

  The next night when you and Gabby went over to the Hill’s Head and Carter posted that pic of you online, it was payback for Ryan ditching her to hang out with you. Barron spent the night consoling her—naked in the hot tub. He told me all about it. Gabby was just the next one he had there.”

  Holy shit! What the heck?

  Hot tears run down my face. My throat’s closing. I try to calm down, but it’s too late. I gasp, gulping big breaths, but not getting any air.

  Panicked and scared at the thought I’m being played again, I rush to the stern of the top deck, dry heaving over the side.

  “Tessa? Are you okay? Do you have your pills?”

  Gabby rushes up to me and holds the hair back from my face as it rips in the wind. I’m not able to answer. I’m focusing on just breathing in and out.

  After five minutes, I’m trembling but I’m able to rasp, “It’s just—JD said some things. I got upset.”

  Turning back from the rail, I’m stunned when Gabby marches over to him getting right in his face, “What the fuck, JD? Can’t you just leave her alone? She hasn’t had a panic attack since prom. What the hell did you say?”

  “The hard truth.”

  “And what’s that JD? I’m sorry your weekend fling was a dud, but back the hell off of her!”

  “That’s the whole point Gabby. The two of you were just another weekend fling. Don’t kid yourselves. Do you know how many girls Barron and Ryan have been seen with at the yacht club? I’ve heard them myself chatting away about their own magical weekends on the Majesty.

  “Look at the two of you, so easily charmed by the same bullshit Barron and Ryan always pull. I thought you both were better than that.”

  He storms inside the cabin of the ferry, slamming the door.

  “Fuck,” I mutter, when I’m finally able to speak.

  Looking down, I notice a speck of blood on my sandal. Confused for a second, I don’t understand what happened, until I feel stickiness inside my hand.

  Opening my palm, the lighthouse figurine lays broken.

  A small jagged cut bleeds where the pointed tip of the lighthouse dug in. Just when I thought I had gotten off the roller coaster ride with Ryan—I realize he had me on it the whole time.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  RYAN

  I watch from the pier until the ferry is a speck on the horizon. That girl stole my heart and I don’t even want it back. This weekend was incredible. The gift she gave me I’ll treasure. I’ll kill any other guy who tries to take her from m
e. There’s no way I can leave for the UK now. I’m sticking with Harvard where she’ll only be a two-hour drive away instead of a plane ride.

  I whistle as I leisurely walk back to the Zodiac.

  My cell buzzes with a text. I smile hoping it’s Tess.

  But it isn’t.

  It’s him—my fucking father.

  Call home. It’s about Cody. If we don’t hear from you… we’ll decide what’s best for the pony.

  Just like that—my perfect weekend is over. Why does he ruin everything good in my life? I loathe him. I’ll never forgive my father for the rest of his life.

  Taking a deep breathe I hit call and raise the phone to my ear.

  “Son.”

  “Don’t call me that,” I spit out.

  He inhales sharply but knows better than to bait me.

  “Your mother and I think it’s best if we sell Cody. The pony is a reminder—”

  “Good!” I roar. “You need to be reminded of what you’ve done…that she’s gone!” My booming voice causes people to turn and stare. The tip of my sandal kicks a pebble; my eyes watch it sail into the harbor with a thunk.

  “Listen Ryan, your mother and I think it’s best. I don’t even know why she wanted me to call you anyway.”

  “Because she trusts me. Not you. I know best would Abbs would want. Don’t you dare touch that pony!”

  “The barn bill is due by the end of the month. Are you good for it or should I send it to your new family…the Fosters?”

  “Fuck you!” I snarl. He knows damn well I’m not living off one cent of his money. I just signed a student loan for HSB. I’ve already asked so much of Charles and Barron. I can’t ask them to take on my dead sister’s beloved pony.

  “I’ll tell your mother to be expecting your call.” He disconnects and I’m furious that he did so first.

  I jump into the Zodiac and rev the engine, leaving a trail of wake behind me as I throttle it down to full power and zoom over the harbor to the yacht.

  My face is a thunder cloud as I throw Barron the line and he ties it off.

  “What happened? Tessa dump you already?”

  “My father.”

  “Shit. No more explanations needed. Is he here on Block?”

  “No. He wants to sell Abby’s horse.”

  “I’m sorry. But could he be right?”

  I breathe out hard. “She loved Cody. How can I…? It’s the last piece of her left, Barron. And they just want to get rid of it. They are surviving by pretending she never existed. It’s fucked up.”

  “I know. I didn’t want to mention this…but they sold the house. Your mother called Charles in case you ever decided to surprise them and go home.”

  “There’s no going back is there?”

  “No. There isn’t. I’m sorry. Ry. We’ll figure something out.”

  “He gave me three weeks.”

  “Well shit, there’s a stable at Hills Head. It hasn’t been used since we’ve owned the place, but I’m sure we could get it ready.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure Charles will love that. First, I move in and then a pony?”

  “A pony is kind of like a dog, right?”

  “I guess. They shit a lot more though.”

  He shakes his head and I follow him up the stairs all the way to the bridge.

  “I’m serious,” he says, pulling up anchor and calling out to his deckhand on the radio to secure it. When it’s up, he blows the horn and throttles down. We’re off and soon everything here will be just a memory.

  We don’t speak much, both of us lost in thought as we cruise down the Atlantic towards The Hamptons.

  Jen brings us dinner and we chew for a bit in silence but then I need to ask. “What was up today? You could’ve seen the girls off.”

  “I was busy. I needed to double check the weather and offshore activity.”

  “Bull.”

  His face turns red. “I needed some space to breathe.”

  “I get it. That’s how I felt when I was with B. She was a total stage five clinger by the end. But you and Gabby are still new. What’s up?”

  “She’s not a clinger. She’s just…I mean… she’s just a lot to handle.”

  “So? You seemed to be doing just fine.”

  “And that’s the problem,” he mutters under his breath.

  “Bro? What’s going on? You can talk to me. Hell, you’ve helped me get my shit together this year. If I ever need to return the favor—”

  “I’m fine.” He drops his fork and checks the digital screens.

  “Okay.”

  “But you’re serious about Cody, right?”

  “I already texted the house manager. She’s going to get the stable ready. But shit, what the hell are we going to do with a pony?”

  “Give pony rides?”

  “Can you picture my next party? We’ll get a gold harness and have someone braid it’s mane and tail. Cody will be the new king.”

  “You ready to give up that title?”

  “Never,” he grins. “I’m just glad you never wanted it.”

  “Social bullshit was never my scene.”

  “I can’t escape it. People will see what they want and judge accordingly. I guess it just comes with having the Foster name in Sea Crest.”

  “Just ignore all that bullshit man. I always just assumed you liked the attention.”

  “Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t.”

  “We’ll be out of there in the fall anyway.”

  “You’ve decided not to ditch me?”

  “Are you really going to live in the dorms?”

  “Fuck no. I just signed a lease in Cambridge. It’s completely re-done. Brick with ivy scaling the outside walls.”

  “Only the best for you, Barrie…” His face turns red. “I can’t believe you let her call you that.”

  “She’s fiery. I just do whatever she tells me.”

  “Even in the bedroom?”

  He turns redder.

  “Go call you girl and leave me alone.”

  “I miss her already.”

  “You’ve got it bad.”

  “I do.”

  He shakes his head as I use the ship’s satellite phone to dial her number.

  It goes straight to voicemail. Maybe she’s still on the ferry. I’ll wait a bit and try her again.

  I get my laptop and set up inside the main salon. I work on analyzing my next deal then Google how to care for ponies. Damn, they are a lot of work. But I know Abby would want me to take good care of Cody. I’ll never stop looking out for my baby sister.

  Ever.

  Instead of calling, I send my mom an email letting her know I will be taking Cody and sending a trailer to get him in a few weeks.

  Barron blows the ship’s horn, announcing our arrival into East Hampton. I log off and stretch. My cell has signal and I try my girl.

  It rings twice then switches to voicemail. So, I send her a quick text and wait a few minutes.

  Nothing.

  I open Instagram, I never use it but have an account. I check Tessa’s page. Earlier, she had posted a pic of us with the fireworks behind us while we kiss.

  It’s gone.

  Deleted.

  “What the fuck?”

  I race up the steps to the bridge. “Barron! Have you talked to Gabby?”

  “No. I’ll call her tomorrow. What’s up?”

  “I’m not sure but I don’t think it’s good. Something’s wrong.”

  “Like I said before…nothing lasts forever.”

  “Forever? How about twenty-four hours?”

  He shrugs, “High school girls equal drama. You know that.”

  “Not this one.”

  Barron rolls his eyes.

  “I need to get off the boat. I’m going for a walk as soon as we dock.”

  “Suit yourself. I’m going out. Don’t wait up.”

  “Don’t. For fuck’s sake don’t cheat on her.”

  He shrugs, “Relax. I’m just going to be seen
and meet up with a few people.”

  I pinch the bridge of my nose feeling a headache coming on. Dealing with my parents and being reminded about Cody is ripping a wound wide open. I feel like I’m bleeding out and I need Tess. I need her to be my anchor in this shitstorm. But I can’t reach her and it’s killing me.

  I put my aviators on to hide my wild eyes and walk down the docks to the road. The party never stops, not even for a Sunday night. The Hamptons is always packed. Every restaurant is full and every bar—overflowing.

  I text Tess again:

  Baby? Where are you?

  No response.

  Tess? I’m going out of my mind worrying. What’s going on?

  I text Barron next:

  Bro. I need Gabby and JD’s number stat.

  He shares both contacts with me and I fire off a text to Gabby first.

  Gabby. It’s Ryan. What the fuck is going on? Where is Tess?

  She ignores me too. So, I text JD.

  Dude. Is everything okay?

  He writes back…

  No. Stay away from Tess you douchebag. She doesn’t need you.

  Well fuck, what if I need her?

  What in the hell happened? Everything was fine when she left Block.

  He writes…

  She knows the truth. About Emily and what happened after your “date.” She knows what a dirtbag you are. She’s done.

  The hell she is. I type back, angrily shoving my phone in the pocket of my board shorts.

  There’s no way I’m letting Tessa slip through my fingers. I can’t stop thinking about the girl. She’s special and I need something special in my life after the hell I’ve been through.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  TESSA

  “Earth to Tessa…are you going to answer that?”

  I stare blankly at Anna.

  She rolls her eyes at me, reaching across to pick up the reservations line.

  I’m a complete mess.

  The rest of the ferry ride back last yesterday was a complete blur. I mumbled hello to my parents, then shut myself in my room for the remainder of the night.

  Ryan called and texted, but my pain and humiliation is too raw. I don’t even want to talk to him. I probably wouldn’t get through it without crying anyway.