Wrecked (Clayton Falls #3)(11)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“Oh, okay.”

“So I know I told you to pick me up, but if you like seafood we can actually walk to the place I was thinking of.”

“That sounds nice.” It was a gorgeous day, and I didn’t mind walking. Maybe the fresh air would calm my nerves.

“Great.” He locked the door. “It’s right off the beach.”

I followed him down his driveway and walked alongside him when we reached the street. “I’m really glad you came. I know it’s a little bit of a drive.”

“It wasn’t too bad. I don’t mind driving.” I regretted the words. He was probably still extremely upset about losing his license. “Sorry.”

“That’s okay. It’s my fault I can’t.” He looked away.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how long did you lose your license for?”

“One year.”

“Wow, that’s awhile.”

“It could have been worse. I can get a limited license for work.”

“Oh, that’s something.” There were so many things I wanted to ask him, like why he’d done something so stupid and risky, but I kept the questions to myself.

He pulled me out of my thoughts. “I know I probably seem like a total loser, getting wasted and driving…”

I shook my head. “If I thought that, I wouldn’t be here. Don’t get me wrong, it was a really stupid thing to do, but I don’t believe in judging someone based on one action.”

He looked at me intently. “That’s a cool attitude.”

“There’s good in everyone…well almost everyone.”

“Well, thanks for giving me a chance. I think I took it for granted. I guess pain meds can do that to you.”

I laughed. “I can’t believe it myself. This is my first date in a while.”

“Yeah? That’s surprising.”

“Why?” I picked at my nail nervously. It was a bad habit, but I couldn’t help it.

“Are you kidding? You’re beautiful and smart. I bet you have guys breaking down your door.”

“You’d be surprised.”

He studied me. “How long’s it been?”

“Since I’ve been on an actual date?”

“Yeah.”

“About a year.” That was being conservative, and counting a coffee I had with a coworker.

“Wow. I did get lucky.”

I smiled. “What can I say? I’m a push over for guys in hospital gowns.”

“Uh oh. I better tie you down quickly before you run off with one of the old men.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” I looked away.

He took my hand. “You’re really beautiful.”

“Thanks.”

“No. I really mean it. I’ve never seen a girl as beautiful as you. When I woke up and saw you sitting there, I thought I was dreaming.”

I made myself meet his gaze even though his compliment made me want to look away. “I’m guessing it was a letdown to discover you were awake and in a hospital.”

“Well, the last part sure, but I was glad you were real.”

“You really know how to lay it on thick.” I thought about yanking my hand away, but it felt good where it was.

He squeezed my hand just a little. “It’s just honesty.”

“Wow, gorgeous.” We were almost to the beach, and the water looked majestic in the early afternoon sun. Jake was lucky that he could walk to the beach. There were much worse places to be stuck without a car.

“Are you a beach girl?”

“No. I’m from the mountains, remember?”

“Yeah, but do you like the beach?”

“Yes. It’s one of the reasons I stayed in Wilmington.” I looked out at the water.

“Stayed? Did you think of leaving?”

Why did I have to say that? I evaded the question. “Are you a beach guy?”

“I surf.” He ran his free hand through his shaggy, brown hair.

“Cool. I’ve always wanted to learn.”

“Yeah? I can teach you sometime.” He grinned. “I don’t need a license for that.”

“I might just take you up on that.” I was positive I wouldn’t, but he put me in a flirty mood, and I liked the thought of him in just swim trucks.

“Good. I’ll hold you to it.” He tugged on my hand slightly to get me to turn and walk up a set of stairs. I read the sign. ‘Surf Song.’

“Jake! How are you?” A woman ran over and hugged him right as we reached the hostess station. She looked like she was in her late sixties.

“Hi, Angie. I’m doing a lot better. Thanks for asking.”

“I bet you are.” She glanced over at me with a smile. “And who’s this?”

“This is Emily.”

“He’s a keeper.” She patted Jake on the back before walking away.

“That’s Angie. She’s owned this place for as long as I can remember.”

“Oh, okay.” A hostess showed us to our table on the outdoor patio that overlooked the water.

“Wow, now that’s a view.”

“Yes, it is.” He wasn’t looking at the water.

I’m sure I blushed. “So what do you do when you’re not hitting on nurses?”

“Are you making sure I have a job?”

I laughed nervously. “I’m just curious.”

“I work in the family business. It’s marina rentals and sales.”

“Boats? That’s really cool.” I guess I wasn’t too far off with the fishing thing.

He shrugged. “I guess.”

“I take it it’s not your passion?”

“Not exactly, but there’s nothing else I’d want to do. Working for my dad has its perks.”

“Does your brother work there too?” I asked, half to keep the conversation going and half because I was dying to know more about the relationship between the brothers.

“Yes. He’s definitely more interested in it than I am.”

“Well, that’s good. That way if you ever want to do something else, you won’t be leaving your dad without help.” I pushed the lemon wedge from the rim of my glass into my water.

“I never thought of it that way. You’re such an optimist.”

“Not really.” What I meant was that I was an optimist about everyone’s life but my own.

“If you say so.” He shrugged again. “I’m going to be working a second job soon too. It’s technically community service, but it’s still work.”