“It’s ok. I haven’t seen him since then. I’ve actually been busy. In between hanging out with you, I’ve been finishing up all the stuff I need to do for college.”
“That’s good.” He started moving back toward the beach.
“Yeah. I have to send in another copy of my immunizations, and then I’m all set. Apparently, they lost the last copy I mailed in,” I grumbled.
“That’s an easy fix though.” Caleb laughed.
“I guess it could be worse.” I giggled.
ooooooooo
Once we reached the ankle-deep water, Caleb set me down. We walked hand in hand back to our beach chairs, and that’s when Claire finally showed up.
“Hey.” She waved as she came jogging down from the parking lot. “I’m sorry I’m late. I had to help my mom.”
“It’s ok. We were just swimming.” I began to rummage in the snack bag.
“You went swimming?” Claire knew my fear of the water.
“Sort of.” I shrugged.
“Wow.” She turned to Caleb. “I like you more every time we meet. I’ve never been able to get her in the water.”
“I’m pretty good at convincing people to do things.” Caleb grinned.
“Can you convince jerks to shut the hell up?” Claire’s eyes narrowed as I turned in the direction from which she’d come. There, in the distance, were Dean and his posse coming over the dunes.
“Ignore him,” Caleb grumbled.
“That’s the last thing I thought you’d say.” I shook my head in confusion.
“He wants to get under your skin. Normally, I’m all for kicking someone’s ass for being a tool, but it’s what he wants. Ignoring him is the best way to beat him.” Caleb offered Claire a soda.
I watched as Dean walked straight toward us. When he got closer, I saw Britany was with him. He wasn’t touching her though. They didn’t look like a couple. I know I shouldn’t care, but I did. I couldn’t help it. I hoped they had a miserable life together.
“Hey, Dean!” Claire called. I turned to glare at her. I didn’t want his attention. “Have you met Riley’s new college boyfriend? He’s ten times the guy you ever were.” Claire sat back and crossed her arms over her chest as Dean passed us. He stared at me, but it almost looked like he was surprised I was with someone. I don’t know why; I was constantly turning down dates when we were together. “That’s right. Keep walking,” she taunted as he passed us and kept heading for the water. “What a douche,” she muttered under her breath.
“To douches.” Caleb held his soda can up to clink cans with us. “Without them I wouldn’t have this smart, sweet, hot girlfriend that I do.” My heart melted a little with his words, and seeing Dean didn’t sting so much.
“So, what are we doing after this?” Claire turned excitedly toward Caleb. “I have the whole day open.”
Caleb and I looked at each other. We really hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. I knew my mom wouldn’t care if I stayed out past dark, but I hadn’t planned to.
“A buddy of mine is having a bonfire tonight. We can crash that if you want.” Caleb shrugged.
“Crash?” My eyes widened.
“He wouldn’t care if I brought you guys. I mean, if you want to go. It’s not far from here. Probably most of the same people from the party that night.”
“I’m ok with that.” I sipped my drink.
“It’s a plan then.” Claire started digging in her beach bag. Within a few moments she produced a phone and started tapping away on it.
“What are you doing?” I nudged her leg.
“Getting a date. I love you guys, but I’m not playing third wheel tonight at a bonfire on the beach. I don’t think you want me to either.” She smirked before glancing at Caleb. “Am I right?”
Caleb nodded as he grinned, licking his lip. “You’re not wrong.” He snickered before leaning over and kissing my cheek. “Right, Princess?” he whispered in my ear.
Chills ran through my body. “Right.” I nodded vigorously.
“I’ll be right back.” Caleb got up and started walking toward the water.
Claire giggled. “I really like him.”
“I do, too.” I sighed. “More than I think I should.”
“What’s that mean?” Claire continued to stare at me as I watched Caleb.
“I don’t know. I just feel like I’m going to get my heart shattered. I keep waiting for him to start hating me again,” I whispered.
“Stop waiting for the bad, and enjoy the good.” She pushed against my shoulder, causing me to rock to the side. “He’s one of the good ones.”
“I know, and I’m trying.” I watched as Caleb dove under a wave. He surfaced on the other side, and shook his head, causing water to fly everywhere. I could watch him all day. The way the droplets trailed down his cut body. It was enough to drive anyone crazy, and I still had a hard time with the fact that he was mine.
Chapter 12Caleb
When Brandon mentioned the bonfire to me the other day, I didn’t plan on coming. I didn’t think Riley would want to hang out with a bunch of people she
