“Rils! Caleb’s here,” Mom called from downstairs.
“Coming!” I glanced around to make sure I packed everything. Beach towel, sunscreen, clothes in case we go somewhere… everything else was in Mom’s car.
When I came downstairs, Caleb was leaning against the kitchen island talking to Mom. It was one of the few chances I had to stare and not worry about being caught. Mom wouldn’t rat me out. His red trunks hung low, and the white tank he was wearing showcased the muscles he works so hard for. He had a baseball cap on and had propped a pair of sunglasses on top of it. Leather sandals adorned his feet.
“There she is.” Mom smiled as Caleb slowly turned and looked over his shoulder.
“Sorry. Wanted to make sure I had everything I needed.” I grinned. Caleb smiled back. His blue eyes twinkled and he looked as if he was ready to burst with excitement.
“It’s ok. I don’t mind waiting.” He pushed himself to a standing position. “Ready now?”
“Yep.” I followed him to the door. I was almost out without Dad stopping me. “I won’t be out late, Mom.” I waved as we stepped outside. “There’s a beach umbrella in Mom’s car and a radio.” I pointed to where she had parked yesterday. Caleb opened my door, and then went to collect the items. Just as he was putting them in the back of the truck, Dad pulled into the driveway.
Caleb waved, and Dad waved back. Once he parked, he climbed out, heading straight for us. “Where are you two heading on this beautiful day?”
“The beach, sir.” Caleb closed the tailgate, and came around to shut my door.
“Have fun.” He waved and turned toward the home gym.
Caleb closed my door, and then climbed in. “Your dad seemed to be in a good mood.”
“Yeah. He and Mom are home alone. I’m sure he has all kinds of plans, and I don’t want to know what they are. Ugh.” I made a gagging motion.
“Your dad is still crazy about your mom after all these years. Why is that a bad thing?” His forehead crinkled. “I hope when I get married, I feel that way about my wife after eighteen years of marriage.”
Just hearing him talk like that made me swoon. “I hope so too, it’s just not cool to think about when it’s your parents. I mean, do you think that way about Aunt Ally and Uncle Joey?”
“Well, now that you put it that way…” His face twisted in disgust.
“See? I’m not wrong.” I laughed. “Let’s go.”
ooooooooo
The beach wasn’t as crowded as I’d thought it would be today. Caleb and I set up not far from where I’d hung out with Claire a few weeks before. There were some kids playing in the sand, and a small group of guys farther down the beach tossing a football. I didn’t see Dean, or his friends, so I tried to relax. “Your friend coming today?” Caleb opened the cooler he’d packed and pulled out a soda.
“She said she was, but I thought she’d be here by now.” I glanced around again. Claire was rarely late. It wasn’t like her.
“Wanna go cool off while we wait?” He grinned at me and started to stand as if I’d already said yes.
“I’m not really that hot yet.” I shrugged.
Caleb stuck out his lip. “Please. We don’t have to go in deep.” He held his hand out and took a few steps toward the water.
“Fine.” I sighed as I stood. I kicked off my flip flops, and started walking toward the water. I didn’t really care for the ocean. I didn’t like the fact that you couldn’t see your feet once you got in deep. I’m more of a pool person.
“Come on.” Caleb grabbed my wrist, and started running toward the water.
“Slow down!” I begged as the shallow waves lapped at our feet.
“What are you so worried about? Your hair?” Caleb turned and released his grip.
“I don’t like it when I can’t see my feet. I don’t know what’s down there.” I pointed at the sand.
“I’ll protect you.” He wagged his brow and he slowly crept closer to me. “Relax.” He leaned in and started to kiss me, but the kiss was cut short when he lifted me into his arms. “Hold on, Princess.” He laughed as he waded deeper into the water. The higher the water climbed, the harder I gripped his neck. “You really are scared, aren’t you?” He paused when the waves started crashing at his hips.
“I told you…” I squeezed harder.
“But we used to come here all the time when we were kids. I remember you swimming with me.” He looked confused.
“Do you also remember when I stepped on a jellyfish?” I gave him a ‘duh’ look.
“No.” He sighed. “I just thought you’d feel better if you cooled off. I won’t set you down.” He started to move again toward the deeper water.
“I’ll kick your ass if you do,” I warned.
“I believe it.” He chuckled as the water climbed higher. Soon I could feel my back and legs getting wet. He was right. It did feel nice. I would never admit that I was hot.
When he finally stopped, he shifted and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He dipped us in the cool water, and made sure I felt safe. “Guess it’s a good thing you’ve been hitting the weights lately, huh?”
“You’re not heavy, Riley. You’re perfect.” He kissed my forehead.
“You’re lying, but thanks.” I rolled my eyes and then glanced back to where our stuff was to see if I could see Claire.
“How are things going? I mean, since your last trip here.
