Page 41 of Fraud
I shook my head. “But what if it all goes to hell? What if you don’t find a job? Or a place to live? What if you run out of money?” I turned to him, seeing his lazy grin.
“Then, at least, I’ll have the memory of you and me on this beach.”
His words sent goose bumps down my spine.
“You make it sound so simple,” I said.
“It is,” he replied. “We’re young, Kate. This is the time for seeking out adventure and making mistakes.”
“I thought that was the speech you recited in high school when you were caught doing something bad.”
He chuckled. “It still applies. You act as though your life is already settled. Come on, tell me something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the courage.”
I bit my lip, contemplating my answer.
There were so many things.
Go on a vacation—a real one. Get married. Quit my job, and do nothing but write all day.
“Go skinny-dipping,” I said bravely.
His eyebrows rose in pure delight. “Well, hell, I can take care of that one right now.”
“What?” I said, feeling a sharp jolt of excitement pump through my veins.
“Come on. What are you waiting for? The ocean is right there.”
“But it’s so cold!”
“I know. If it weren’t, everyone would be skinny-dipping. That’s what makes it fun.”
I stared at the crashing waves, contemplating my decision. “Okay, I’ll do it. But you have to go in with me.”
A wolfish smile spread across his face. “Done.”
Now came the uncomfortable part.
“So, do I just strip?” I asked, suddenly wondering what I’d gotten myself into.
I could still feel the heat of him as our bodies touched under the moonlight. His arm slightly tightened around me.
“Yep.”
“Okay, but you have to turn around,” I insisted.
His eyes roamed down my body. “Are you embarrassed by what I might think? Because, believe me, you have nothing to worry about.”
I gulped. “I’m a classy kind of girl. No getting naked in front of each other on the second date.”
“Okay.” He nodded. “I’ll cross my fingers for the third then.”
My eyes widened as he stood, walking a few steps away.
I tried to keep my cool.
Dear God.
Crap.
