Page 121 of Sweetheart

Smiling, I opened my mouth about to say, "What could possibly happen to them?" But right then, what looked like a large black dog burst out of nowhere, scooped my pile of clothes intoits mouth, and made a mad dash down the beach. I squeaked as Aurora gasped.

"Don't worry," she yelled. "I've got it."

As she ran away, all I could do was stare in disbelief.

The dog was faster than my cousin. But even from here, I could hear Aurora calling out for him to, "Stop! Give those back! It's not nice tosteal people's clothes!"

Unfortunately, the surprises didn't end there.

Two figures were walking along the beach. From thedeep sound of their voices, I thought they might bemale. I tried toturn invisible, but when one of them reached down and held up something that looked suspiciously like my underwear, I whimpered. The sound must've drew their attention—or maybe I wasn't as inconspicuous as I thought—because both figures turned their heads.

"Kent?"

Oh God, this could not be happening.

"What are you doing out there?" Sam asked.

"Just having a swim," I forced out.

"At night. In the ocean. On a beach hours away from home."

"Yeah. So?"

"Thought you were supposed to be doing something wild tonight."

Making sure I was still covered by the waves, I said, "I thought you were going to a party."

Sam nodded. "Iam. It'sat a friend's house a little ways up the beach. You can hear the music from here."

So much for research.

Appparently, people did come hereat this time of year. They even threw parties.

His friend held up my underwear and asked, "Are these yours?"

I could've died right there.

Just let the ocean pull me under.

But I decided to brazen it out.

"Yes, actually they are," I said. "Can you put them back where you found them please?Thanks in advance"

Sam's face suddenly brightened, and I wanted to die all over again.

"Is this #12 on the list?" he asked.

I didn't need to answer. He was smiling already.

"It is, isn't it? Man, Kent, I thought you woulddo that somewhere more private."

"The beach was supposed to be empty," I gritted out.

Sam shrugged. "Well, it's not."

"Obviously."

He frowned at his friend, snatched my panties from his hand, glanced at the ground thenfaced me again. "Where are the rest of your clothes?"

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