by Amber Nicole
I really want to hit him.
Cara giggles and leans back, pulling my lips from hers. I lick my mine still tasting her, then give in.
“I have had a crush on you for a really long time. Probably since you helped me sweep up the glass in Mr. Baker’s room after I dropped the beaker.”
She blinks a few times then laughs. “That was over three years ago. Why did you never talk to me?”
“Just shy,” I lie. Truth is she never seemed to notice guys existed when Memphis was in the picture. Even being a few years older, he would hang around, helping the football team and coaching during the summers. He’s a great guy, but I always wished he would leave, so I might have a shot with Carson, and now that he’s going to be her stepbrother I finally have a chance.
“Well for what it’s worth, I’m glad we’re talking now,” she says quietly. I give her a huge smile, “Me too.”
e
We talk until the clock hits four and everyone starts to complain they’re hungry.
“Wow. I can’t believe it’s already so late,” she whispers just for me, and I give her a knowing smile. I feel the same way. Talking with her was everything I was expecting and more. She’s smart, witty, beautiful, and has a huge heart.
“Would you like to get some ice cream with me tomorrow?” I ask her, and she gives me a beaming smile. I lean closer, tucking some fallen blonde hair behind her ear and she gasps. Her pouty pink lips opened just a smidge. Calling for me to kiss her again.
“I would like that, Connor.” We gaze at each other until Jay snaps me out of it. “Okay let’s make this quick.” He pulls up to a seaside restaurant and parks.
“We have about six hours until we reach the beach house, so let’s try not to make this a long stop,” he says, rubbing his eyes. He looks exhausted. I know he worked till eleven last night so he could sneak away this weekend. He’s hoping to start something with Lee. Boy is almost as bad as I am when it comes to a crush.
“Jay, man. Let me drive the rest of the way. We can swap. You and Lee can hang back here,” I tell him, and he gives me a nod of relief.
“Thanks Con, that would be great.” I open the door, hop out, then turn and offer Cara my hand. She places her soft palm in mine and I clasp it, giving her a small tug, pulling her from the vehicle. “Thanks,” she says, leaning up and kissing my cheek again. I really like these kisses as well. Hopefully, after this weekend I can make her mine, and have a lifetime more.
Five
Carson
I’ve always thought Memphis would be the one, but spending the day with Connor has made me realize that I’ve been putting my life on hold for a possibility that was unlikely from the start. He has made me laugh and smile more in the past few hours than I have in months.
I close my menu with a sigh, and Sam nudges me with her elbow. “So you and Mr. Quarterback seem to be hitting it off,” she says with an eyebrow wiggle. I hush her and give her a smile. She’s right. Connor is really great, and his bright white smile and blue eyes hooked me. He also makes me feel like he’s paying attention to everything I say. Which is rare these days. It’s too bad we wasted so much time since I’m headed off to Texas. This couldn't be a full time thing, but I can at least have an amazing weekend. I know I’m not ready to lose my innocence—even though his kisses set me on fire—but, who knows, maybe I can get some basic fooling around practice in. I wouldn't mind more kisses. I really like the way he kisses me, it’s almost as if I’m the only one he’s ever wanted to kiss, and the way he can’t keep his eyes off me makes me feel hot and happy at the same time. That’s crazy right? God I hope I’m not going boy crazy. I’ve managed to skip this part of adolescence. With the exception of Memphis, but that was just fantasy.
“Do you know what you want?” the waitress snaps at me. Oh I didn’t notice everyone had ordered and were waiting on me. “Yes, sorry about that.” I give her a smile, and she scowls back. Wow I wonder what her problem is? “I’ll have the clam chowder please and a lobster roll.”
She writes down my order then stomps off.
“Well that was awkward,” Xavier says with a laugh. Connor follows the waitress with his eyes, a small frown on his lips.
“I haven’t seen her since sophomore year. At summer camp. I hope this doesn’t start up her obsession again,” he says distractedly. Oh he knows her.
“What kind of camp?” I ask, bringing the conversation back to an obviously happier topic. Why does he look so sad? He turns back to me and runs his hand over his shaggy, light brown hair. I’ve noticed that seems to be a nervous tick of his. “Football camp. I go every summer. Except this year. I have to start training with the team.” Ah that makes sense. The girl comes back and slams my soup in front of me, sloshing it out the sides, before turning and heading back to the kitchen. I jump from the startle, and laugh. “She must have been in a hurry.” I choose to ignore her attempt to start drama and ask, “May I have a napkin please?” Connor hands me his and I clean up the mess acting like nothing happened. Everyone looks my way, but must catch on that I’m not upset. Chatter starts back up between my friends and the guys, and we start to get into a heated discussion about what we’re going to do tomorrow. The guys want to go surfing, which sounds amazing, I’ve always wanted to learn. The girls want to go shopping and tanning, which also sounds good, so I’m torn. “Well whatever we do, tomorrow Cara and I have plans to get some ice cream. Alone,” he says pointedly, looking at everyone. I turn and give him a smile and he smiles back, leaning closer to give me one of those delicious kisses. A glass of water is thrown on my lap and I yelp, jumping from my seat. Oh my god that’s cold. “What the crap?!” I yell at our waitress. She acts like nothing happened, making a production of ignoring me and handing out drinks to everyone else. Cassie jumps out of her seat looking like she’s about to throw down.
“Minnie, that’s enough. Why are you being so rude to Carson?” Connor snaps, pausing Cassie and making everyone at the table freeze and watch. He stands to help me and she places a hand on his arm, preventing him.
“Hi, Connor, it's great to see you. Sorry for intruding on what looks like a fantastic triple date,” she says sarcastically.
“Am I missing something here?” I ask hesitantly, really pissed off at the fact I’m dripping with water, and the AC blowing is making me so cold. She turns to me with a fake smile on her face.
“Oh no, sweets. Just you being the other woman,” she snaps before looking me over. “I think you’re needing some padding there.” She points to my chest.
“I’m sorry what?” I squeak, immediately covering my chest since the cold is making my nipples noticeable. Connor jumps up from his seat finally shoving her aside.
“What are you talking about? I haven’t seen you in two years. In fact I had to block you on social media, because you wouldn’t stop harassing me. I haven’t spoken to you in about the same amount of time,” he shouts, causing more eyes to glance our way. She scoffs and rolls her eyes, flipping her hair. “Plus Cara isn’t my girlfriend. Well at least not yet,” he says, shooting me a shy smile. Aww is he about to blush? This is not the time, but I find myself smiling back. He’s seriously adorable. Strong enough to make me feel safe, but compassionate enough to make me feel wanted, and oh my god he listens. Memphis was always a good listener up until a point. Crap, I really need to stop comparing him to Memphis. Wait, Cara, pay attention.
“We never broke up!” she exclaims. Wow psycho alert.
“I think you may need to talk somewhere private,” I suggest. Everyone is staring at me.
“You always were one for drama, Minnie,” he snarls, startling me, before pulling her away to the hall with the bathrooms. He looks at Xavier over his shoulder and he nods.
“Right, well, lovely seeing you again, Minnie. It’s always a pleasure babe,” Xavier calls before standing and coming to my side. “Come on Cara, let’s go eat outside. I have a towel in my bag.”
I take his hand and allow him to guide me to a picnic table
by the ocean. The sun is starting to set and the view is incredible, but the warmth instantly helps, and I can feel my body start to thaw a bit.
“Sorry about her. She loves to stir shit up. Connor was telling the truth though. He hasn’t seen her in a long time,” he says after running to the car, and bringing me back a towel. I thank him and wrap it around my shoulders, giving him a shrug. “It’s okay. It’s not like we’re together. I was just caught off guard is all. I mean getting doused in ice water will do that to a girl ya know?” I say, trying to lighten the mood a bit. “Would it be rude of me to request a new order of food? I don’t want her doing anything to mine.”
A chuckle bursts out from his lips, and I give him a small smile. He shakes his head, still laughing, running his hand through his smooth black hair, then nods. “I think that would be a smart idea.”
e
We arrive at the beach house a few hours later, and the silence is deafening. I’m not sure what happened after Xavier and I left, but it didn’t sound good. I never asked Connor, and he never mentioned it.
The girls and I take over the left side of the hall and the guys take the right. How many bedrooms does this place have? I drop my bag on the small couch by the window and open the french doors. The aroma of salt and seaweed is like a welcome punch to the face. My shoulders relax, and I can’t wait for the morning sunrise with a view like this. Someone knocks on the door, but doesn’t wait for my permission to enter. A warm body presses against my back and toned arms wrap around my stomach. Connor lays his head on my shoulder and watches the night sky reflecting over the dark waves with me. A deep sigh escapes his lips, “I’m sorry about earlier. I know we don’t know each other well, but I can promise you one thing here and now. I will not and have not ever cheated.”
I grip his wrist and hold him tighter to me, relaxing into his body. “You have nothing to explain to me, Connor, but for the record, I never thought you were that type of person,” I say quietly. We stand there a few minutes more, then he turns me around to face him. Slowly placing his hand on my cheek, he gazes into my eyes, before leaning down to press a soft kiss to the corner of my lips. “Goodnight Cara.” He turns and leaves my room. I leave the doors open and sit on the bed, gently pressing the spot where his lips just touched with my fingertips. I know I have a huge smile on my face. That boy better be careful, or I may fall for him.
The bright sun, and squeals of children playing wake me. I roll over and watch the ocean gently lap against the beach. This place is paradise. Someday I want to have a summer house like this.
“Girl get your ass up. Let’s hit the beach, then do some shopping,” Lee yells from the hallway. I groan and run my hands through my messy blonde hair. “I have to shower first,” I shout, and she moans, muttering under her breath, “Thirty minutes later.”
I laugh and hop off the cloud I was sleeping on, and walk over to the bathroom.
I think I take the fastest shower I’ve ever had, and throw on my black and gold bikini, with my pink and gold sundress. I shove my hair into a messy bun, and grab the sunglasses Memphis sent me for christmas. They’re designer, and I love them. I open my door to Connor holding his arm up, almost hitting me in the face. “Oh shit. I’m sorry. I was about to knock,” he says with a nervous laugh. I step to the side just in time and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “No worries, but we better leave before the drama squad drags us outside,” I say with a big smile. I don’t know if it’s the summer air, or the cute guy in front of me that makes my heart race, but I feel twenty pounds lighter, and free. I really needed this vacation.
e
The rest of the trip is mild compared to that night at the restaurant. The girls get a little wild, but nothing crazy. Thank god. I’ve never been one for drama, and I hate confrontation. I do have a great time though. Connor and I get to know each other better, and I think we’ll stay friends. We have a great time playing in the ocean and walking on the beach at sunset. I also enjoy kissing him. My lips still feel puffy and bruised. I thought he would have pushed for more, but he’s been a perfect gentleman. Another surprise from this weekend is I think Xavier and I may be friends now as well. We spend some time hanging out playing video games and bullshitting, like Memphis and I used to. It’s nice. It’s so odd only having one guy friend for years and now I have three. I also have a killer tan and learn how to surf, which I have always wanted to do. Takes me a few tries to actually stay on the board, but once I do, the wind in my hair and the gentle rock of the waves is so calming. I almost don’t want to leave.
All in all it’s a great trip. I guess my friends were right. I need to step out of my comfort zone a little bit and experience life more. After my mama died, I became extremely focused on helping my dad with all the jobs my mama would do, and working hard in school so I could get a scholarship to her alma mater. It didn’t leave much time to just mess around and be a kid.
The car comes to a stop and I run my fingers through Connor’s hair. He had fallen asleep using my lap as a pillow. He groans, and I can’t help but giggle. “Hey sleepyhead, it’s time to wake up,” I whisper, running my nails over his scalp and neck. He moans and nestles closer to my stomach. “Can we just turn around and go back to the beach? I'm not ready to let you go,” he mumbles. Ahhh he’s so adorable.
“As much as I would love that, I can't. I made a promise a long time ago that I have to see through, but we can talk anytime. You have my number.” I pause a moment before confessing, “I’m glad we hung out, Connor.” And I truly mean it. Even if all we end up being is friends, he’s a truly great guy.
“Okay, Romeo. Time to let Cara go,” Xavier says from the front. Connor sighs but sits up, giving me a sheepish smile. “I’ll text you later?” he asks.
“You better,” I reply quickly, hopping out and grabbing my bag from Jay. “Thanks,” I tell him, and he tips his hat at me. I look back at my friends and give them a wave before heading down the stone pathway to my house. It’s just about dinner time, and a soft melody is playing on the radio in the kitchen.
“I’m home.” I shout, setting my bag by the bottom of the stairs. My dad comes rushing into the room, pulling me into a huge bear hug that lifts my feet off the ground.
“I missed you, baby girl,” he says into my hair.
“Um, I was only gone a few days, how are you going to handle months apart?”
He growls and sets me back on my feet. “Don’t remind me,” he grumbles with a frown.
“Cara, look at you honey. You’re glowing. Did you have fun at the beach?” Frankie asks, coming into the room, wiping her hands on a dish towel.
“I did. It was nice to get away. One last hurrah before we all go our separate ways. I know we’ll see each other on holidays and summers, but it won’t be the same,” I tell her with a smile.
“Have you eaten? We were just about to sit down to some chicken salad. Can I fix you a plate?” My stomach agrees for me and they laugh. “I’ll take that as a yes then.”
I give her a grateful smile and follow them to the kitchen table. A bottle of wine is open on the counter, and I feel a bit awkward. Soft music, candles, wine. Crap, I think I interrupted something here. Frankie goes over to the cupboard and makes me a plate. I take it and fake yawn.
“I think I’ll eat in my room, then take a shower and get some rest. Did you want to maybe do that girls’ day tomorrow?” I ask her, and she gives me a beaming grin.
“Yes, that sounds perfect.”
I kiss my dad on the cheek goodnight, then head up to my room to do just that. I still have some sand in a peculiar location thanks to being tackled on the beach. Can’t say I minded it too much though after Connor made it up to me. I can still feel his hands on my body and the taste of his lips.
I enter my room with a smile. Dad fixed my door and even placed a bright red sticky bow to the front. I laugh and carefully remove it, before walking inside.
Setting my plate down on my desk, I place the bow in my treasure box that's on top of
my bookshelf, and walk over to my bathroom to start the shower. I turn the water on then slap my forehead with a groan. All of my clothes are downstairs thanks to my crazy friends. I really don’t want to go back down there right now, so I grab my robe from the back of the door and set it on my vanity, before jumping into the shower. I quickly wash and rinse, then dry off. My phone is ringing in the next room, from the ringtone I know exactly who it is, and I’m going to have to call him back tomorrow. Memphis has been super chatty since Sam posted pics of us all on her instagram. He is taking the older brother thing way too literal. I know this is all new to both of us, but I was perfectly safe. Plus you would think from the time they spent together during football, he’d know Connor is a good guy.
Memphis
I scan through Cara’s Instagram again and groan. First off, why does she have to be half naked and second, why the hell is she surrounded by guys? That is not my best friend. Is this what I have to look forward to as her future stepbrother? Longing from afar and watching guys take what should be mine? I pull up her number and give her a call. She should be back by now. It goes to voicemail and I hang up before the beep. Her Insta pops back up and I start to pace.
I remember when we would go to the beach together. Spend all day in the water and nights on the sand writing song lyrics. What I wouldn’t give to go back to that. Writing for fun and not being obligated. I really need to hear her voice. She always helps calm the storm inside of me. I call her again and nothing.