I debated on leaving, but instead, turned away and continued dancing with my new friends. I’d made my decision and moved here. There wasn’t much I could do about it now. Just because she didn’t want to see me didn’t mean I couldn’t have a good life in California.
It took everything in me to keep my head down and not look in her direction. Maybe she just needed some time, or perhaps I was just an idiot.
When we were all hot and sweaty, we made our way over to the bar to grab some more drinks. I opted for water since my buzz had died the second I’d laid eyes on Easton.
I leaned over the bar, waiting patiently to order, but my patience was wearing thin. A tap on my shoulder furthered my irritation. I whirled around. “Wait your tu—” I stopped mid-tirade when I found Easton standing in front of me.
She almost looked shy, which was a look I’d never seen on her before.
I swallowed hard around the lump in my throat. “Hey,” I shouted, hoping she could hear me over the music. I wasn’t sure what to say.
She seemed to hesitate before reaching out and hugging me. I froze. I hadn’t expected her to say hi, never mind want any contact. She started to pull back when I hadn’t reciprocated, but I snapped out of it quickly enough to wrap my arms around her. It felt good to have her in my arms, but I wasn’t going to jump to conclusions. When I finally pulled back, I didn’t let go, resting my hands low on her hips.
“It’s good to see you, Tanner.” She smiled and kissed my cheek.
“It’s good to see you, too.”
“Who’s your friend here?” My co-worker, Cody, interrupted.
I wanted to tell him to fuck off, but I forced a smile and introduced them. I didn’t let go of Easton when she turned to shake his hand; I left my hand on the small of her back.
Cody’s eyes trailed down Easton’s body, and the urge to throat punch him got stronger and stronger.
“How do you know Tanner?” Easton asked with a smile.
“We all work with him. How do you know each other?” Cody looked at me. “I thought you didn’t know anyone in California?”
Easton looked up at me in surprise and answered for me. “We’ve known each other for a couple of years, actually. We met while Tanner was on vacation down here and had a great time.” She winked, and that small gesture made me think it would all be okay.
“Why don’t you join us?” We’ve got a small section over in the corner.” Cody asked Easton, and I held my breath, waiting for her response.
She turned around and signaled her friends before turning back to me. “Do you have room for five?”
Five? I looked behind her and saw Rhian and Sadie walking toward us with two tall surfer-looking guys. Please don’t let her have a boyfriend. I don’t think I could handle that blow right now.
“Of course.” I didn’t want those guys anywhere near her, but the closer they got, the more familiar they looked, and I realized they were Spencer and Carson, her friends who I’d met briefly before. I let out a huge sigh of relief.
Looking back at the bartender, who still hadn’t come our way, I gave up. “I’d offer to order you a drink, but it looks like I may be waiting here all night.”
Easton smirked and moved past me to lean over the bar. Within ten seconds, the big burly guy behind the bar came over and kissed Easton’s cheek. She turned back to take our order, and he smiled before taking off.
“They’ll be at the table in a few.” She bounced on her feet excitedly as I stood there a little offended that she was able to get the bartender's attention so quickly. “What? I know him.” She shrugged.
Although the music was near deafening, we did our best at introductions. Although I’d met them before, I was happy when Easton introduced Spencer and Carson as friends, and the looks they gave her weren’t anything but friendly. If anything, I’d say that the brothers were totally into Sadie and Rhian, but I could’ve been wrong.
We tried to keep up a conversation, but it was nearly impossible, so after finishing our drinks, we went back out on to the dance floor.
All I wanted to do was grab Easton and stake my claim, but I decided against it and kept my distance. I knew she was still in shock that I was here, and she needed time to process it. I’d give her that.
The music pumped through the speakers as we all moved to the beat. I wasn’t the greatest dancer, but I wasn’t as bad as some of the other guys I’d witnessed since we’d walked through the door. Easton was doing her own thing. She could dance; every movement she made was calculated and beautiful. I tried my best not to stare, but it was like I was in a trance. Our eyes met and we both smiled, but my smile fell the moment I saw the look on Cody’s face. He was slowly making his way toward Easton, trying not to be too obvious. Instead of pounding the shit out of him like I wanted to, I gritted my teeth and took a deep breath before looking away. She wasn’t mine.
Jane tried to come dance around me, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Easton, watching her body move had me hypnotized.
Something flashed in Easton’s eyes as she glared at Jane, anger possibly; I wasn’t quite sure. I tried to stop the smirk from creeping out by biting my lip. Deciding to test this out, I turned slightly in Jane’s direction, enough for Easton to notice but not enough for Jane to think I was interested.
Easton’s nostrils flared, but she quickly composed herself before starting to dance her way toward me. Her face said sweet and innocent, but her body was pure sin. Her hips swayed seductively, and when she finally stopped before me, I noticed that I’d stopped dancing and I was staring slack-jawed at her.
“Close your mouth, Tanner. You’re drooling a little,” she teased.
Since I wasn’t sure if she was telling the truth, I tried to wipe my sleeve across my lips casually. I failed at the nonchalance based on her giggle.
“I think it’s time for another drink. What do you think?” She didn’t wait for my response; instead, she took my hand and pulled me behind her toward the bar.
She quickly summoned the bartender, leaning over the bar a little more than necessary. It took all my strength not to press my cock against her ass and remind her of what she’d been missing, but I refrained.
A moment later, she was spinning around with what looked to be two Sex on the Beach drinks in hand. I shook my head.
“Cheers.” She clinked her glass to mine and took a sip. “So, how’s California treating you?”
I wanted to tell her that it was crap without her in my life, but I decided against it. Although I still went for the pity party. “It’s all right. I miss having friends. I don’t have anyone to call to hang out with.” I shrugged, trying to play it off like it was no big deal.
“What about these guys?” She thumbed behind her. “That one girl looks like she wants to ride your pole.”
My eyes bugged out of my head, and I nearly choked on my drink. “Jane? No, sorry, she’s not my type. And the rest of them are okay, but it’s just not the same.”
“Not your type, huh?” She reached out her hand and ran it down my cheek but quickly pulled it back. “Well, you can hang out with us if you want.” She shrugged her indifference, and I smiled internally.
It was a small win, but I’d take it. “Thanks, Easton, I appreciate that. I’ll definitely hit you up.”
She smiled shyly up at me. “It really is great to see you, Tanner. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that the other day. I was just in shock.”
“It’s cool.” I shrugged and smiled, trying to convey the truth in my words. Her reaction hurt me, but I should’ve known better than to blindside her. “I get it. I shouldn’t have stopped in like that.”
She stared into my eyes, most likely trying to read my sincerity, but she’d find nothing but. If I had thought at all, I would’ve done things differently.
She glanced over my shoulder and nodded. “We’re going to head out. Text me, and we’ll hang out all right?”
“Yeah, for sure.” I wanted nothing more than to hold her close and nev
er let her go, but I would bide my time. “Have a good night, Easton.” I leaned down and kissed her cheek.
She hesitated for a moment but then smiled before turning toward her friends. I watched her as she walked away. The moment the door closed behind her, my stomach sank.
Fifteen
Beach Waves
Easton
“Why hasn’t he called, though?” I was pacing the floor of Boathouse as Sadie and Rhian looked on amusingly.
“He will, jeez. I’m sure he is trying to give you time to get used to him being here. After how you reacted when he showed up, I wouldn’t be surprised if he waited longer than a week.” Rhian snickered; she was far from amusing.
“I wasn’t that bad. I was in shock. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. How would you have reacted?”
Sadie piped in, “Knowing the connection you had, I probably would’ve picked up my jaw off the floor and ran into his arms.”
“This isn’t a fucking romance novel, Sade.” I rolled my eyes; Sadie was a hopeless romantic and thought every love story was like freaking Cinderella.
“No, it’s not, but she’s right. Girl, you were far gone for him. After he left, I wasn’t sure you’d ever be the same again.” Rhian’s face was a little sad.
Thinking back to the months following Tanner's departure always made me feel crazy. I’d never felt so dejected in my life, and seeing as it was about a guy I’d barely known a week, I felt like a complete loser. I was usually such an easy-going person, and for a few months there, I was a raging bitch. Even I didn’t want to be around myself. “Shut the fuck up, Rhian. We don’t need to dredge up the past.”
They both laughed at my expense but stopped abruptly at the sound of the bell on the door. The look on their faces told me it could only be one person. I slowly turned to find a sheepish-looking Tanner standing there with his hands up in surrender.
“I know I shouldn’t have stopped by unannounced, but I’ve texted and called and hadn’t heard anything, so I wanted to come by and check on you. Did you get a new number?”
Fuck. I twirled around. “Do you mind giving us a minute?”
They scurried off without a word, just waving at Tanner on their way out.
“So…” I didn’t know how to say this without sounding like a complete bitch.
“So…” He mimicked, rocking back and forth on his feet.
“Well, I guess I should just say it. I blocked you.”
His face went from surprised to hurt in about two point five seconds.
“It’s not what you think.”
“Really? Could you explain how blocking someone could be taken the wrong way? Because the only reason I would block someone is that I didn’t want to hear from them. Please enlighten me, Easton.” I didn’t think I’d ever seen him even the slightest bit upset, but he was mad right now.
“Let me explain.” I took a deep breath; talking about feelings wasn’t my forte. “After you left, I had a…let’s just say I didn’t take it well. I missed you like crazy the instant you walked away, and I needed a clean break for my own sanity. I made the decision at the airport to let you go before I even walked out of there.” Fuck I felt like a dick.
“It’s fine; I get it.” He was looking down at his feet, still rocking back and forth.
“I’m sorry, Tanner. I know it was selfish of me. I just needed to get my life back, and I didn’t know how else to do it.”
“I guess I know why you never responded to me back then.” He chuckled, but it sounded forced.
I pulled out my phone and unblocked him before sending him a text.
Me: I really am sorry, Canadia.
He stepped forward to pull me in for a tight hug. It felt good to be in his arms, but it scared me all over again, more than the first time because this was more real. He was here, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
I chanced a look up at him and sure enough, “That look again,” I breathed out.
The smile that graced his face could brighten the night's sky. “That look is just for you.” He leaned down, but we were saved by the bell.
A group of kids walked in, and I stepped back from Tanner. “I’ll be right with you,” I told them around Tanner.
“I should let you get back to work; at least now I can text you.” His shoulders bounced with laughter.
“You up for a beach day? We’re all going Sunday if you want to meet us there around eleven?”
“Sounds good, I’ll be there.” He kissed my cheek, causing shivers to run through my entire body. How did he do that to me?
I watched as he left the store. My best friends looked to be interrogating him outside. They walked in shortly after. I rushed over to the customers to avoid their questions.
The little shits didn’t want any help, so, unfortunately, I didn’t have much choice but to face the firing squad.
Sadie had her arms crossed and was tapping her foot repeatedly. Her face had a half scowl on it, and as soon as I was within earshot, she gave it to me. “You blocked him? You fucking blocked him?” She huffed out a breath and adjusted her stance. “What the hell, East? Why would you do that?”
“Ugh, I already feel bad enough. I don’t need your shit, all right? I had my reasons, and it worked to get me through that time. I didn’t know what else to do.” I sighed and went behind the counter to try to distract myself and avoid their death glares.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell us, though. Like seriously, Easton, what the fuck?” Rhian probably would’ve done the same thing in my situation. She didn’t care that I had blocked him, more that I’d left her out of the loop.
“Sorry, I wasn’t proud of myself. It wasn’t one of my sparkling moments.” They knew the word sorry coming out of my mouth was big for me, so they dropped it.
“You invited him to the beach, though? How do you feel about that?” Sadie leaned on the counter.
I shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. “It’s whatever. Just a bunch of friends hanging out, no different than Spence and Carson.”
The looked at each other. “You keep telling yourself that.” Rhian slapped me on the shoulder. “We’re going to head out and leave you to your lies.” She emphasized the word lies like she’d never told a little white lie.
“See you when I get home.” I wasn’t going to take the bait.
“Love you.” They said as they walked out the door.
We’d arrived at the beach a little early, which gave me some time to try to calm my nerves. I kept telling myself this wasn’t a big deal. I mean, it wasn’t. We were only hanging out at the beach with some friends. This was something I did multiple times a week. It’s not like anything was going to happen, especially with a group of people here.
All I needed was to get out on the waves and clear my head.
I’d been out there for almost an hour by the time I decided to come in for a breather. As I was paddling in, I noticed Tanner sitting in the sand talking to Rhian. Everyone else was still in the water, so I walked over to take a short rest.
“Hey, you were looking good out there,” Rhian said as I came to kneel in front of them.
“Thanks, the sets are perfect today.” I nodded at Tanner. “Are you coming out?”
He raised a brow. “Not sure that’s such a good idea. You know surfing and I don’t quite mesh. I might be safer on land.”
“I’ll keep him company,” Rhian said as she bumped shoulders with him. She didn’t mean anything by it. She would never do that to me, but the churning in my gut at the thought of them together had me feeling sick.
“Thanks.” He bumped her back.
I pushed down the urge to roll my eyes at them. “Suit yourself. Might be a bit boring sitting here watching, not sure why you’d bother coming.” I regretted the words the moment they left my mouth but didn’t take them back. Instead, I stood up quickly, grabbed my board, and headed back to the water. “Have fun,” I shouted over my shoulder as I waded into the water.
I tried my best to
avoid watching them in the lulls between waves, but I couldn’t help it. It was like a magnetic force kept drawing me to them, well him. He caught me nearly every time since he was watching me, too. Although he was talking to Rhian, he wasn’t looking in her direction. He seemed to focus on me.
After my last set, I paddled toward the shore and noticed that they weren’t sitting in the same spot. I set my board in the sand and towel-dried my hair as I casually looked around. I caught a glimpse of them at the skate park that was up the beach a bit. It looked as though Rhian was showing him some moves. He seemed to be doing better at skateboarding than he did at surfing.
I couldn’t believe the jealousy I felt over Tanner—who wasn’t mine in the first place—hanging out with one of my best friends.
Carson’s deep timbre startled me. “You’re staring.”
I looked up to find him chuckling. “Shut the fuck up.”
“What’s the deal with you two anyway?” He sat down beside me like he thought we were actually going to have a conversation.
“Nothing. We’re just friends.” I didn’t make eye contact, just kept looking in their direction.
“I’ve known you forever, East. No way you’re just friends. Not tryin’ to pry or nothin’, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look at any guy that way before. I’m not givin’ you shit; I just think it’s cool. You deserve someone, and Tanner seems like a cool guy.”
I shrugged. “Yeah, he’s all right.”
He chucked again. “I didn’t think I’d get much out of ya, but thought I’d at least give you my two cents.” He didn’t say anything else, just kissed my head and laid down on a towel beside me.
The silence was welcome. I wasn’t ignoring Carson’s words; I needed to process all my thoughts and feelings. He was probably right, though. Tanner was definitely different. I knew that from the first day I had met him and seeing him after all this time just threw everything back in my face.
When I’d had way too much time alone with my thoughts, I turned on my side to face Carson. “So, what’s the move after this?”
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