“Ladies,” he stated as he nodded at both Taylor and me. “Do you mind if I join you?”
I was momentarily awestruck, but made a quick recovery and sat up straighter. Tilting my sunglasses down just enough to scan over his broad chest and tight abs, I spotted the corner of his lip lifting in a smirk. He had definitely caught me ogling him. The guy took care of himself; there was no doubt.
When our gaze once again connected, he arched a brow and smiled.
I was sunk with just that grin alone. My throat felt dry, my chest felt weak and the sunlight no longer was the reason my body felt hot. I then realized I had yet to respond to his question.
“Sure,” I said. My response came out in more of a whisper than a confident reply; it wasn’t what I was shooting for.
Epic fail on my part.
He took the empty chair next to mine and held out his hand. “My name’s Zack.”
“We know your name; I’m pretty sure every girl on this beach knows by now.” I placed my hand in his trying to regain my confidence and he gave it a gentle shake. Releasing took a little longer, as if he was memorizing the contours of my palm then my fingers. Chills ran up my arm, heat rose in my neck, and I fought the shiver that consumed me. It felt like the temperature had just gone up ten degrees.
“Hi,” Taylor said as she leaned in toward him, practically lying across my lap. She gave me a knowing glance and widened her eyes. “I’m Lindsay’s best friend, Taylor.”
Zack’s eyes settled on mine once more and he smiled. “Nice to meet you both.” If I hadn’t already been a mess of goo on the inside from just his presence alone, he had just finished me off. That damn confident grin of his was a weapon, and he knew it. He used it well and I was pretty sure I had just been defeated.
Chapter 2
That day turned out to be one of the best; I had never felt so alive. Zack spent hours wowing both Taylor and me with stories of his life as a SEAL, those many times of conquer and defeat he’d had over the last three years. He told us about BUD/S training and the many tasks he had to complete in order to be where he was now.
I knew messing with an older guy there would be expectations, but I didn’t let it stop me. I wanted everything he was willing to give, even if it was just for one night. I actually found myself hoping for it. I know, needy, right? But I didn’t care, not tonight anyway.
The lies on my part came easy. And with each one, I found myself regretting them the moment they spilled from my lips. But I craved his attention, and I knew without those lies, I may not get this time with him.
It was almost as if lying was an instinct of mine, like I was branded with that ability from birth. Lying was something that had always been a part of my life, a part that sometimes came so easily it was frightening.
“I had fun with you today,” Zack said as he walked by my side. We were just along the water’s edge as the waves washed over our feet. Taking my hand in his he pulled me closer, pinning mine behind my back, our bodies touching, skin to skin. “It’s too bad you have to go back to college in a few days. I’d love to spend more time with you.”
I looked up at him and smiled. “I’d love that too, but classes start bright and early Monday morning.” So it wasn’t a complete lie, but it was close enough. I’d led him to believe I was a twenty-year-old college student.
I knew if I’d said I was just shy of eighteen, this moment, the entire day with him, would come to an abrupt end.
“Who says this has to end here?” he asked. Panic set in for just a moment before he continued. “We can keep in touch right? Phone calls, letters, and see where it all leads.”
Maybe I should have told him right then that I was still in high school. But instead I nodded as he closed the distance between us.
The moment our lips touched, I melted against him. His other hand wrapped around the back of my neck, holding me in place. Zack’s tongue grazed my lips, asking for permission I instantly granted.
I was on the verge of mauling him, he felt so good.
A moan escaped me, which in turn caused him to groan. He bit gently on my lower lip as he tugged with his teeth.
“I think I better walk you home.” His voice had a husky rasp I hadn’t noticed before. The idea of having an effect on him excited me. I was not a virgin, but the ten minutes it took to lose that status was nothing compared to the excitement I felt now.
Zack was not a boy; he was a man.
“I don’t want to go back,” I whispered as I rose up and kissed him once again, taking control without hesitation. I should have felt embarrassed about the way I was rubbing up on him, but I didn’t. Instead I felt exhilarated and desirable.