Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 65683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
I didn’t want to give in.
I refused.
However, something about him was so magnetic, so powerful, so consuming that I almost couldn’t help but be curious, and I knew what curiosity did. I kept my cards close to my chest because of my past, and I didn’t want to unfold all of that for some preppy Hamptons rich kid just because he seemed smart and was gorgeous.
“Hey.” Van sat down next to me in the sand.
“What do you want?”
“Are you always this moody, or do I just bring out the best in you?”
“Are you always a smart-ass, or do I bring out the worst in you?”
“Who says it’s the worst?”
“I believe I just did.”
“You know, I really enjoy our witty banter.”
“Interesting, considering I hate it.”
“Liar.”
“Excuse me?”
“Did I stutter?”
“On that note.” I went to stand, but he grabbed my arm.
“Let’s go somewhere quiet and talk.”
“Not a chance in hell.”
“Please.”
My eyes widened. “Did you really just beg me?”
“I wouldn’t consider that begging, but if you want me on my knees, all you have to do is ask.”
“Ugh! Is sex all you think about?”
He shot me a grin. “You’re the one who thinks I was implying sex.”
“Aren’t you?”
He grinned in that delicious way. I’d be lying if I said I was shocked that he proceeded to actually get on his knees in front of me.
Grabbing my hand, he declared, “Make me the luckiest man alive, and please grant me the privilege of spending some alone time with you.”
I rolled my eyes, fighting back a smile.
“You know you want to. I can see it in your eyes. Just say yes. I promise you won’t regret it.”
I sighed deeply. “Fine. Don’t make me regret it.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Do you trust me?”
“Well, my name is Tru, short for trust, right?”
“The sun will be setting, and you don’t want to be alone with me in the dark.”
I jerked back. “What? Why?”
“Because.” He shrugged. “I’m trying to be honest, and you’re really sexy, and darkness brings about sin…”
“Sin?”
“All the sinning.”
Minutes later, he led me toward a private part of the beach where we would be alone. We sat on the rocks, watching the sunset over the horizon for I don’t know how long. The silence was nice, comfortable even.
The sky always made a scenic panoramic view over the water. All the beautiful colors blended, preparing to shift into the night. It was Mother Nature’s private work of art. We sat there and listened to the soft lull of the waves dragging us into its calming rhythm, bringing me a sense of peace.
The ocean had always been my happy place.
Despite living in home after home, the water was one of the things I could count on. Now, I was living within walking distance of one, and the irony was not lost on me.
The familiarity of it all.
The comfort.
Most of all, it was the only time I didn’t feel alone.
In the blink of an eye, nightfall was upon us. The stars shone bright above, illuminating the darkness of the sky, with the moon smiling high like a Cheshire cat. The ocean breeze brought a slight chill to the air.
I hugged my knees to my body in a reassuring gesture, shielding myself to create some warmth around me. A wave of emotions took over, mimicking the ominous waves in front of me, one right after the other. Neither one of us said a word, and I couldn’t help but feel a certain sincerity from him.
For the first time since in what felt like forever, I didn’t feel so alone anymore. It shocked me that it came from the guy I had convinced myself I needed to stay away from.
Again, the irony was not lost on me.
Something about the way he sat on the sand, looking out at the water with his perfect blond hair blowing in the light breeze, that literally took my breath away. This had never happened to me before, especially with a guy I had just met.
I’d only had one conversation with him, yet I was mesmerized by the vision beside me. He was like this mythical creature luring me toward my destruction. How can you both love and hate someone for being their truth? Irony, considering my name.
At that moment, in that second, I found myself gravitating toward him. Before I even registered what was happening, a sense of curiosity piqued my interest, but it wasn’t only that. An unfamiliar emotion of wanting to know everything about him overtook me. I blamed him at that moment for being so magnetic and, at the same time, blamed myself for being so curious.
Without looking at my face, he questioned, “What are you thinking?”
“None of your business, Vaughan. I saw you come out on the beach earlier with one of your chicks. You should probably head back to seal the deal. I’d hate to be the reason your dick doesn’t get wet tonight.”