Tanner
“Breakfast is served.” I dropped the bags from the bakery onto the counter along with a drink tray full of coffee.
“Thanks, son.” My dad slapped me on the back. “Where’s Easton?”
“She runs in the morning. She should be back any minute,” I said around a mouthful of croissant.
“I really like her, Tanner; she seems to make you happy.” My mom’s smile was infectious. She was always so positive.
“She does. I’m glad I finally convinced her to take a chance.” I laughed, although it was completely true; however, I didn’t need to go into details on just how reluctant Easton had been.
“I like her, too. I’m glad things worked out for you down here. I wish you still lived at home, even though you’re the most annoying brother ever. I miss being able to irritate you.”
“I’m not going to lie; I don’t miss that one bit.”
Teagan punched me in the arm just as Easton walked in the front door. She was dripping sweat in her sports bra and booty shorts. I had to adjust myself so no one would notice my growing hard-on. All I wanted to do was take her to bed, but I knew I’d be shut down.
“Morning,” she said as she came into the kitchen. “I’m going to jump in the shower really quick, and we can get going to the beach whenever you guys are ready.”
“Morning,” they all said in unison.
After Easton closed the door behind her, Teagan sighed. “Man, what I’d do for a body like that.”
“You could have it if you worked out. You have the figure, just not the muscle,” my mom said.
“Yeah, that won’t happen. I’m way too lazy.” Teagan was right. She was not the exercise type. “Do you think we could go out for drinks tonight?”
“Sure, we can all go to the bar where Easton works if you want? They have great food, too.”
“We would be up for dinner but will pass on the drinks. Is it far from here, or could we walk back?” Mom and Dad weren’t much for drinking.
“It’s not too far at all. You could definitely walk back.”
“I checked out the waves this morning, and they’re pretty perfect for a beginner. We should be good to go.”
Easton was such a great teacher. She should be giving lessons for a living, but she loved her jobs, and I doubted she’d ever leave them.
“I’m so excited.” Teagan was bouncing around like a kid high on sugar before bedtime. “I hope I don’t wipe out.”
Easton dropped her board. “Oh, you will most definitely wipe out. We all do. No matter how many times you surf, it’s inevitable.”
They set down the boards, and Easton started giving Teagan the run down.
I set up towels with my parents, and we took a seat. There was a little chill in the air, but the black, long-sleeved tee was quickly causing me to overheat. I pulled it over my head, and my mom gasped.
“What is that?” She grabbed my hand and flipped it over. “You got a tattoo?” She turned it to face my dad. “Do you see this, Jim?”
“It’s just a tattoo, Betsy, nothing to panic over. He’s twenty-four years old.” My dad was always easy going about stuff like that, but my mom was very old-fashioned.
“Mom, it’s fine. I got it on my birthday, and I don’t regret it one bit. It turned out exactly how I wanted it.” I ran my hand over it, admiring the artwork and the ode to Easton. I hoped she didn’t notice that part because I didn’t think she’d be thrilled about it.
We sat there and watched as Easton showed Teagan some moves, and I laughed each time she fell. I couldn’t help it. But honestly, she was much better than I was.
Teagan came in first, and she plopped down on the sand beside us. We all watched Easton as she glided across the waves effortlessly.
“Isn’t she amazing?”
Teagan looked at me. “She really is. I wish I could do that. I can’t believe she doesn’t compete. She would kill it, I bet.”
“Yeah, she doesn’t want to. Her friend Sadie does. She’s amazing as well, but Easton’s better—Sadie’s words, not mine. You’ll meet her tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner and maybe even tonight at the bar.”
“Awesome, I’m excited.”
I watched as Easton walked toward us, her body wet and glistening had my mouth watering. What was wrong with me? “How was it out there? You looked great, baby.”
“Thanks, the water was perfect.” She sat down with us, and we all got to talking about anything and everything.
My mom reached over and picked up my arm again. “Teagan, did you see this?”
Teagan’s eyes bugged out. “You got a tat? Wow! I’m stunned.” She picked up my arm to inspect it. She looked up, met my eyes, and then looked at Easton before back at me. “Easton, eh?”
My mom grabbed my arm again and pulled it close to her face as her mouth dropped open. “I didn’t even see that without my glasses. Is that why you got this? You know this is permanent, right?”
“I told him the same thing. I tried to convince him not to get it.”
“Please don’t take offense, Easton, but Tanner, this is very permanent for a new relationship.”
I chuckled because I was well aware. “I know, Mom. I’m very aware of the fact that a tattoo is permanent, and although nothing is guaranteed in life and love, I know that Easton has made a huge impact on me. No matter what happens, she will always mean something to me.” I shrugged and took a sip of my water. Everyone was staring at me like I was a lunatic. “It’s fine, okay? Can we talk about something else?”
My mom sighed and relented. “Yes, of course, sweetie. It’s almost lunch, and I was really eyeing that hot dog vendor. Would anyone mind if we had some for lunch?”
“Works for me, Mom. They are amazing.”
I hoped that nothing else was going to come up during their trip. It seemed to be quite a bit, and I didn’t want Easton to feel awkward about any of it.
We ate dinner at Barangas, and thankfully, there were no more awkward conversations. When my parents left to head back to the apartment, we pulled over another table. Teagan had asked us to invite others so she wouldn’t be a third wheel. I didn’t think that we were that couple, but maybe she just wanted more people to talk to.
When they all walked in, I noticed Teagan eyeing Carson. Although I liked Carson, I wasn’t liking the look she was giving him. And when I noticed him staring back, I wanted to say something, but I kept my mouth shut. She was twenty-four, and I needed to let her live her life.
“Sadie couldn’t make it. She wasn’t feeling well,” Carson said as he sat down beside Teagan, resting his arm on the back of her seat.
“Oh, is that your girlfriend?” Teagan asked him.
He chuckled. “Nah, she’s more like a sister to me.” He eyed Spencer as he said sister, clearly he still hadn’t gotten used to the two of them hooking up.
“Yeah, well, this is my sister, Carson—my twin sister, actually.”
He clearly wasn’t picking up what I was putting down based on the way he was looking at her. “Wow, cool, that’s awesome.” He reached his hand out. “So, you must be Teagan? Your brother has talked about you a bit.”
She reached out and shook his hand a little longer than I liked.
Easton rested her hand on my thigh and rubbed it up and down, trying to calm me. All it did was turn me on. I didn’t think we’d gone more than a day without sex, and although we’d had great sex yesterday, I needed her badly. I reached over and stroked up her inner thigh. I loved how she dressed, but man, this was one time I wished she wore dresses. Her shorts were short enough, though, that I could get high enough to tease her. She squeezed her thighs together, and I chuckled as I kissed her cheek.
We all ordered drinks and got a little tipsy. Carson and Teagan were getting really flirty, but the beers I’d had helped me to let it go.
We’d been drinking for a good three hours now, and I was really starting to feel it.
Easton leaned over and whispered in my ear, “I’m a little tired. Do you m
ind if we head home?”
“Sure.” I looked at Teagan. “You ready to go?”
She narrowed her brows. “It’s not even ten.”
“Yeah, it’s early. Why are you guys pussying out already?” Carson asked.
“I’m tired, you fuck. We were in the sun all day, and I didn’t sleep well last night.” Easton flipped him off.
Teagan looked at Carson. “Are you guys staying?”
“Yeah, we’ll be here for a while.”
“Mind if I hang with you?”
Carson looked at me. “That cool with you?”
Oh, now he cared what I thought. I sighed, although I wanted to tell her no, she was grown, and she was on vacation. “Whatever, just don’t be too late, and please make sure she gets back to our place safely.” I pointed at Teagan. “Don’t drink too much.”
“I won’t, I promise.” She smiled sweetly, although I knew she was far from innocent.
We got up, and I kissed the top of her head. “Be good.”
She rolled her eyes.
We walked out of the bar, and I took Easton’s hand.
She squeezed my hand. “You’re freaking out about Carson and your sister, huh?”
“Just a little.”
“You shouldn’t, Carson’s a good guy. Even if he were feeling her, he’s not really the hookup kind. I don’t think he’s ever had a fling, and I’ve known him for a long time.”
“Honestly, Teagan would be lucky to have a guy like Carson, but she’s leaving.” I shrugged. “I don’t really want her to think it’s okay to hook up with someone, and maybe Carson might make an exception since she won’t be around.”
She pulled me into her side. “Sounds like two people I know.”
“Oh God, now all the thoughts of what we did while I was on vacation just ran through my head. We need to go back.”
“No way. She’s an adult, let her be.”
“You’re right. I won’t sleep until she’s home, though.”
“Maybe if your parents are asleep, I’ll help get your mind off of things.”
I started to walk faster and pulled her behind me. “Keep up, shorty. I know my parents are for sure asleep. They rarely stay up past eight.”
She had to almost run to keep up with my long strides, but she giggled at my enthusiasm.
I woke up to see Easton was folding laundry quietly, trying not to disturb me as I slept.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” She smiled. “I don’t remember the last time you slept this late. It’s nearly ten.”
“What?” I sat up and grabbed my phone. Sure enough, it was nine fifty-five. “Wow!” I flopped back onto my pillow. “It’s probably because my girl took care of me real good last night.”
She smiled. “That I did. Now, get in the shower. Your parents are probably wondering what you’re doing. I have some laundry to put away. Then I’ll go out there, and we can figure out lunch. I told Sadie and Rhian we’d be at the beach house around four for the big feast so I could help, not that I’ll be much help at all with my cooking skills.”
“Sounds good to me. I wish you could join me in the shower.” I was pouting, but I couldn’t care less.
Fresh from the shower, I walked into the living room, and Easton was in the kitchen.
“Morning, sunshine. You slept awfully late.” Teagan seemed awfully chipper.
“I did, and it felt great. What time did you get in?” I knew she got in around one but wanted to see if she was going to lie to me.
I heard a smash in the kitchen. “Dammit.”
I walked into the kitchen to find Easton on the ground, picking up pieces of glass. I knelt down to help her.
“I’ve got it,” she snapped.
“Hey, it’s just a glass.”
She didn’t look at me, so I went to lift her chin, but she shook me off.
“Are you okay?” I hadn’t really seen Easton pissed off before, and for her to be worked up over something so trivial was way out of character.
She huffed and looked up at me. Her eyes were colder than normal. “Yes, go spend time with your family. I’ll start lunch in a minute.
I leaned in to kiss her, and she pecked me quickly and pulled away. I watched her for a moment, but she didn’t look back up. I decided to give her some space and went to sit with my family.
Easton didn’t come out again until she brought the food for everyone. She put on a fake smile, but anyone who knew her would notice that she wasn’t her usual self. I wasn’t sure what had happened between the time I got into the shower and now, but I hoped to get a moment to talk to her.
When we were all done eating, we decided to take a walk along the pier before heading over to the beach house for dinner. Easton held my hand as we walked, although she was really quiet. I could feel her pulling away, but I wouldn’t push the issue while we had company.
Her mood brightened a little after we were with her friends, but she stayed distant from me. Even Teagan noticed as she asked me if there was trouble in paradise. I chalked it up to PMS, but I knew that Easton didn’t have mood swings. She just wasn’t that type of person.
Dinner went really well, and Easton kept herself busy as I watched her like a hawk. I kissed her sweetly whenever the opportunity allowed just to tell her I was there. She smiled when appropriate and held my hand when I initiated it, but she never initiated any contact.
Twenty-Nine
Why Did I Have To See That?
Easton
As much as I really enjoyed Tanner’s family visiting, I was relieved to wave goodbye.
I was so tired, but I needed to work today. And although I didn’t have to be there for two hours, I need time alone. “Can you drop me off at work on the way home, please?”
Tanner’s brows furrowed. “I thought you didn’t go in until noon?”
“Yeah, Joe asked me to come in early because we had a shipment arrive before it was supposed to. Since it’s so close to Christmas, we are low on stock. I told him I’d help out.
“Okay, I was just really hoping we could talk before work, but I guess we can talk when you get home.”
I was glad I had dodged that bullet because I wasn’t looking forward to talking to Tanner. I hated talking about my feelings, and honestly, I hadn’t sorted them out. I needed to do that before Tanner and I “talked.” My girls were coming to meet me with coffee, and I was going to spill. Maybe if I got it out in the open, then I could figure out how to process it.
“Sorry.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
He reached out and took my hand. “It’s okay.”
The butterflies took flight in my stomach; I needed to figure out my shit. I kissed his cheek as he pulled up to the curb.
He gripped my wrist, and I turned back to look at him. “Are we all right?” His eyes begged for an answer.
I wasn’t sure how to respond because we were, but I wasn’t. “Yeah.” I kissed his cheek again and hopped out of the car before he could say anything else.
Tanner didn’t pull away for a solid minute, but I didn’t turn back. I rounded the corner, and Sadie and Rhian were already waiting on the bench with coffee in hand. I scooped it up and thanked them for being my saviors.
I locked the door after we went inside. They sat on the counter in the back, and I paced for a minute before finally stopping and blurting it out.
“I found a ring.” I nearly shouted the words at them.
They didn’t respond; they just sat there.
“What is wrong with you, bitches? Did you not just hear me?”
Sadie got up and stood in front of me. “Okay, so you found a ring. Is this a bad thing or a good thing?”
I took a deep breath and tried to put my thoughts into words. “First, it looks identical to my mother’s old ring, which really freaked me the fuck out. Seeing it brought back so many memories of my mom and dad and everything that followed after his death.” I sighed and looked down at my coffee. “I know I didn’t talk about it much, but they were really
happy, you know? And when my dad died, my mom just—” I took a sip of my coffee to get ahold of my emotions. “She turned into a completely different person. At first, she was depressed and couldn’t go on. At ten years old, I was taking care of her and trying to grieve myself.”
Fuck, this was harder to talk about than I thought it would be. These were my best friends, whom I should be able to say anything to. But my words were getting caught in my throat. I closed my eyes, breathing in a deep breath.
“Take a sec, girl. We’ve got all the time in the world.” Sadie could be so sweet sometimes.
“After she came out of the depression, she masked her feelings with man after man. I don’t know what she was searching for, love, companionship, sex, but whatever it was, she never found it because her bedroom door was revolving.”
I looked up at them as a tear slipped down my cheek. “I don’t want to ever experience that, guys. Whether it be by death or just a breakup. Tanner means the world to me, and I can’t imagine my life without him. We haven’t been together that long, and I already know it would kill me to lose him. What if I end up like my mom when we break up?” The thought of not being with Tanner made the tears fall even harder now.
“Aw, East.” Sadie was the first to get up and hug me, but Rhian quickly joined in to make it a threesome.
“What makes you think things won’t work out between you two? Is something wrong?”
I laughed through my tears. “Other than the fact that the fucker has a ring in his drawer?”
Sadie pulled back and gripped my face. “Honey, that’s not something wrong. That means he’s in love and wants to spend the rest of his life with you. That’s not a problem.”
“Sadie, you’re wrong. It could be a problem if she doesn’t feel the same way.”
“Rhian!” Sadie scolded, but then she realized I was silent. “How do you feel, East?”
I pulled away from them and started my pacing again. “I don’t fucking know!”
“Shit girl, you better figure that out. I know Sadie’s planning your wedding in her head right now. You need to dig deep and figure out how you truly feel.” Rhian stood in front of me, halting my strides. “You’re not your mom, and as much as I don’t believe in this fairy tale shit, you and Tanner have something exceptional.”
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