Page 68 of Dreaming at Seaside
Chapter Seventeen
ONE DAY YOU’LL do just that. BTW, Evan said it’s cool. Meet us here around ten? Xox.
Bella read Caden’s text message for the tenth time in as many minutes. He was hoping for a future as much as she was. She sent him a text saying ten was fine. Then she showered and packed her beach tote, excited to spend the day with them.
An hour later, Evan answered the door wearing a blue bathing suit that hung to his knees. “Hey. Come on in.” Evan smiled as he stepped aside.
“Hi.”
“Dad’ll be out in a second. He’s on the phone.” He waved to the couch. “You can sit down if you want.”
“I’m okay, thanks. Are you sure you don’t mind if I come along?”
He flashed the same easy smile as Caden’s. “Nah. It’ll be fun. I’m gonna grab a shirt.” He disappeared down the hall.
“Great.” Caden’s voice came down the hallway. He stepped into the living room clutching his cell phone.
“Hi.” Bella crossed the living room, and the irritation in Caden’s eyes stopped her cold. “What’s wrong?”
Evan appeared behind him, arms over his head as he slithered into his T-shirt.
“Ready, Dad?”
Caden looked from Bella to Evan. “One of the guys called out sick today. I’ve got to cover his shift.”
“Man, that sucks,” Evan said. “I was looking forward to going.”
“I can still take Evan. I mean, if you want to go while your dad’s at work.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Caden’s tone softened.
“Do you mind, Dad?” Evan asked, surprising them both.
“Do I…? No. I think it’s great if you both want to go. I’m just pissed that I won’t be there.” He reached for Bella’s hand. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“A day at the beach with Evan is hardly a hardship.” She glanced over his shoulder at Evan. “Evan? You sure?”
“Yeah, I’m in.” He grabbed a beach towel from the kitchen table and slung it over his shoulder. “Do you have our boogie boards?”
“I’ve got them in the truck. Why don’t you go grab them and we’ll be right out.” He tossed the keys to Evan.
Caden placed his hands on her hips and drew her close. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. Duty calls. I’m glad he wants to go. It’ll be fun, but I’m sorry you have to work.”
“Low man on the totem pole for a while.” He kissed her forehead.
“Like everything in this world, you’ve got to pay your dues before you can rise to the top. Luckily, there are no dues to be paid in boyfriend world. You’re already on top.”
He pressed his cheek to hers. “Speaking of on top…” He nuzzled against her neck and sent a thrill through her body.
“Careful making promises you can’t keep.”
“Oh, I intend to keep it.” He covered her mouth with his, and his kiss filled her with all sorts of delicious promises.
The door swung open, and they both took a startled step back.
Evan crossed his arms and shook his head. “It’s not like I don’t know you two kiss.”
