Page 92 of Confessions of a Smutty Romance Author

He chuckled, pulling back, then looked at the grocery bag in the center console. “What’s this?”

“Supper,” I said, backing out of the parking lot. “I’m not as great of a cook as you, but I’m an excellent shopper.”

He laughed. “Anything involving meat and cheese, and I’m in.”

I drove away from ESR Accounting, my annoyance quickly melting away. Jonas was fun to spend time with. And I could ignore one flaw, right? Especially knowing I had plenty of my own.

“How was your day today?” Jonas asked.

“You mean before or after a bunch of frat boys made fun of the girls and me for being ‘beached whales’?”

He seemed horrified. “They didwhat?”

I rolled my eyes. “It happens sometimes. Apparently ‘how not to be an asshole’ isn’t included in a high school or college curriculum.”

He let out a quick laugh, but his eyes were still concerned. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I frowned. “I think Hen took it pretty hard. They were talking about how no one would want to date us. Birdie’s married, and I’m with you, but Hen’s never really dated anyone.”

“Never?” he asked, stunned. “She’s beautiful though.”

“I know. But her confidence... I just wish she could see how worthy she is. Unfortunately, that’s not the kind of thing you can teach someone.”

He reached across the console and grazed his fingers over my thigh. “Have I mentioned you’re incredible?”

I smiled. “Doesn’t hurt to hear it twice.”

We drew closer to the beach near Brentwood, and I pulled to a stop in the nearly empty parking lot. They didn't allow bonfires here, so it wasn’t as highly trafficked at night like the beach by Seaton Pier. In fact, it almost looked like we’d be the only ones here.

We got out of the pickup, and I reached into the toolbox in the back, pulling out instead of tools, a thick blanket, a throw blanket and a couple of pillows.

“You came prepared,” Jonas commented, the grocery bags looped over his fingers.

“Sure did,” I replied.

We walked through the thick sand until we got closer to the waves. It was so dark out here, the only source of light the moon reflecting off the water and a few deck lights from the houses behind us.

When I got to a spot that I was sure wouldn't get hit by the tide, I rolled the blanket out and dropped the pillows on top of it, then I sat down, spreading the other blanket over my lap. Nothing cut through you as much as a salty sea breeze.

Jonas sat beside me opening the box of cheese crackers and meat and began making a sandwich for himself. We began eating while listening to the calming sound of the waves. I took in a deep breath, loving the smell of the beach. I really did love it here. Maybe someday I would be able to afford one of the houses behind us, overlooking the water.

But for now, I was in the present, sitting next to a man who’d been so solidly there for me, the last few days especially. I wanted to connect with him, and not just sexually. “So, tell me about work,” I said. “What did you do today? Taxes?”

He continued chewing, giving me an annoyed smile.

“I know it sounds bad, but I still don't really understand what accountants do all day,” I admitted. “I just give mine my bank statements and let him run with it.”

Jonas laughed this time. “You and ninety-nine percent of the population. That's why we get to charge so much.”

“So that's the secret,” I said.

He nodded. “Work was okay. A little annoyed with my boss, but it’s not a big deal.”

A guilty feeling spread in my stomach. “Was he mad at you for leaving early?”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. Which definitely meant yes, his boss was mad. “Are you having a good time?”

I nodded. Despite the guilty feeling, I was loving being out here with him. “It's different for me. Dating someone who I can actually see a future with.”

---