Page 51 of Love You Like This

“Maybe.” I glance nervously at the waves. “Will you be disappointed in me if I chicken out?”

He straightens with a frown and closes the distance between us. “Why would you even ask that?” His calloused hands cup both sides of my face.

For a second I think he’s going to kiss me again, finally. After our kiss on the beach in Mexico, he hasn’t tried it again even though I desperately want him to. We’ve been home for a few days but haven’t had much time alone. Mom’s been dragging me all over the city to finish college shopping since she won’t be back until the day before I move into the dorms.

When we are at home, she won’t leave my side. I don’t think it’s because they suspect anything happened between us or anything. More than likely she’s just trying to soak up as much time with me as she can. I get it, even if it is slightly annoying. It’s been her and me for most of my life. Men have come and gone, but she and I are the foundation.

But as of this morning, it’s just Xander and I for about ten days. Mom took a red eye to New York to take a class on new special effects makeup application, and then she’ll be in Europe for several projects. Stephen is in New York working on a new film.

The feeling of his thumb as it sweeps over my lip draws my attention back to him. “I don’t know why I said that.”

“You could tell me you never wanted to get on a surfboard again, and I’d be fine with it.” He drops his hand and steps back. “As long as you promise to sit on the beach and watch me while I surf.”

My lips twitch into a smile. “Glady. But I’ll give it a go today. I trust you to know what I can handle.”

His answering grin makes my stomach flip. That damn dimple will be the end of me. Every time he smiles at me, I want nothing more than for him to press me against the wall and kiss me until I’m breathless.

I think I’m about to be granted my wish as he steps toward me again. Then someone calls his name, and his head snaps to the side. A group of three guys with surf boards approach us, and he gives them the smile everyone else gets, no dimple in sight.

“Hey.” He bumps fists with them as they join us. “Guess we all had the same idea.”

One of the guys looks at me, his bright blue eyes leering down. “Is this why we haven’t seen you around lately? Get a girl and fall off the side of the earth?”

“Nah.” Xander gives a forced laugh. “This is my stepmother’s daughter, Jade.”

“Nice.” The tallest one holds his hand out to me. “I’m Zach.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say giving his hand a shake.

“Jose.” The one with warm brown eyes says with a little wave.

“I’m Chase.” The one with creepy blue eyes crowds me but looks over at Xander. “I see why you’ve been hiding your stepsister.”

Xander’s eyes pinch at the corner. “Not hiding anyone, just teaching her how to surf on beginner waves.”

“Boring,” Chase says, standing over me. “The best way to learn is to jump in the deep end.”

I sidestep him to get closer to Xander. Everything about this guy screams danger and not in the good way. Just two minutes in his presence and the red flags are flying.

“I’m good with baby steps, actually. Common sense and all that.”

“We’ll meet you guys down there,” Xander says, effectively dismissing them.

Zach and Chase take off without another word, but Jose hesitates. A look passes between him and Xander, some sort of conversation I’m not privy to. Then with the slightest nod, Jose follows the other two.

“If we’re out on the water and I catch a wave, stick close to Jose. And stay away from Chase.” Xander says as he pulls our boards out.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” I repress a shiver. “He gives horrible vibes.”

“I’m glad you caught that. Zach’s a spineless pushover. Stay away from him, too.”

“Okay.”

“If you don’t feel comfortable, I’m fine with leaving at any point. We can go right now, if you want.”

“No. I’ll be fine.” I know he’s excited to be out here. The last thing I want to do is be a big baby and make him go home because some asshole on the beach gives me the ick.

“Okay,” he reaches over and gives my hand a brief squeeze.