When You Least Expect It

I'm awakened by my alarm way too soon, I feel as if I just fell asleep but sure as shit, it's seven o'clock. I stretch my out limbs and roll out of bed with a groan. I move to the bathroom to take a piss then take a quick shower. The shower helps in waking me up, like it always does. I dry off and wrap the towel around my waist before moving back into my bedroom. I begin packing a bag before dressing in swim trunks and a tee.

Jade is already in the kitchen leaning against the island seeming to be talking to Marlin who's atop the counter. She sees me and straightens up, "I told him he wasn't allowed on the counter but look at that face." I do look at his furry face, he's adorable in a mean cat kind of way. I move over and pick him up, he protests with a deep meow then place him on the floor. He skitters off and jumps on the couch.

"Here, I put coffee in a travel mug for you." Jade turns and hands me the tall cup.

"Thank you." I grab the mug from her hands and take a sip, humming when the hot bitter taste of coffee hits my tongue. "So good." I whisper. I glance around the room, "Noticing a few bags by the door."

"You realize we're only going for a day right?"

"Yes but we're going to the beach, then the car show. I've never been to a car show, I don't know what to wear so I brought a few outfits and some shoes to go with said outfits." she rambles and it makes me chuckle. "Alright, okay. Let's get going. I'll put your stuff in the car."

"I packed some drinks and sandwiches for the beach, so it's not all clothes."

"That was thoughtful."

She shrugs, "The less money I spend, the better."

"You wouldn't be spending anything, I would." I inform her.

"No way. I couldn't let you do that."

"I want to."

"You've already done so much for me—"

"And so have you, in so many ways, so let me." Jade seems to melt at my words, her eyes softening, and she nods her head. A silent agreement. "Perfect, let's get going before Vance starts bothering me."

I grab all the bags and we head out the door.

As soon as we pull up to Vance and Chase's place, V comes bounding out of the garage. She hugs me before moving to embrace Jade. V seems to have already adopted her, I love the thought of that. My brother and Chase come out of the house just as Vaughn's Volkswagen pulls into the driveway, followed by Vin's white beamer.

"Perfect timing." Vance claps his hands together. "Let's get a move on!"

An hour and twenty minutes later we arrive at the shore, since we're not staying at the hotel we're not allowed to park on the property but thankfully there's an all day parking lot right around the corner. I pay an astronomical price and they hand me a ticket to place in the window. It's also too early for them to check into their rooms so we just grab the cooler of drinks and sandwiches, leaving the rest in the trunk for later. We meet up with the gang at the corner of the hotel and continue walking down to the boardwalk.

The combination of the sun, salt, and sound of crashing waves brings an instant peace. I can't remember the last time I've been to the shore.

There's a decent amount of people already here but V manages to find a large spot where we can all spread out our things. There's a rental booth nearby with chairs and umbrellas. "I'll be right back." I tell Jade and jog over to the booth. I rent a few chairs and umbrellas so we have some kind of shade to sit under. The teen boys get to work carrying over the things and asking the girls where they want everything.

I rejoin the group and just in time as Jade removes her shorts and tank leaving her in a red bikini. My new favorite color. Holy fuck. I knew Jade was smokin' hot but seeing her almost naked is making me lose my mind. I can't help but not look at her, all her tattoos on display and there's a lot more than I had realized. I'm suddenly smacked in the side of my head with a towel, ripping my eyes away from Jade.

"Whatcha starin' at bro?" Vance teases me.

I clear my throat, "Nothing." I toss the towel back at him.

He laughs loudly, having caught me. I feel like I'm a teen being reprimanded. Damn. I need to cool off in the water.

"Race you to the water!" I shout at Vance while ripping off my shirt and throwing it on the chair. I take off knowing Vance is following because he can't turn down a challenge. I hit the water and then I'm pushed aside by my brother, losing my balance between the momentum of his push and the waves. I'm engulfed in cool sea water and it feels refreshing. I surface and my brother is nearby laughing. He turns and dives in the incoming wave, I quickly duck under to prevent from getting rolled. I swim out where the waves aren't as brutal and Vance pops up nearby.

"For the record, she's a stunner."

"I know."

"It's clear you're both into each other."

"I know." At least I know on my end.

"Then what the fuck are you waiting for?"

I ponder his question. So many things. Fear being the biggest reason.

My goodness. There is SO much to come. I've definitely made some good strides here but not nearly enough.

Thank you so much for the love, support, and comments. Ya'll make me feel so guilty for leaving you hanging but I am so damn grateful for you. SO GRATEFUL! I'll be working away for the remainder of the night! I hope to pump out chapters...send me all the good vibes!

xoxo