accepted to a few universities nearby. The problem I have is money. I’m getting student loans but I don’t want to get a high amount and put myself in a ton of debt.
As it is, my mum and I are working our butts off to save up for my time in University, not only my living expenses but my class expenses too.
I get an hour’s nap, have a shower and get ready for work. Tonight I’m working at Chicago’s, which is a club in town. Tomorrow I’m at a cafe for the better part of the morning and then I’ll be at the beach with Caleb.
A busy night and a busy day. Brilliant.
******
I’m sitting on the sand enjoying the breeze when I feel him sit beside me. “You came.” Why do I hear relief in his voice and an undertone of shock?
“Of course I did,” I tell him, like any other option would be abhorrent. It would have been. There was no way I was standing him up, even though I know that this can’t go anywhere. I don’t want to miss my chance to get to know him better.
We sit in silence for a moment and watch the waves hit the shore.
His hand slowly closes over mine. “You look lost in thought.”
“I’m just tired.” I prove it by yawning.
“Would you like to go home?”
“No.” Honestly I wouldn’t. I want to stay here forever. I feel comfortable, happy. “What’s your last name?”
“Are you profiling?” He jests and I tap him on the arm playfully. “Oh dear, we have an abuser! Medic! Medic.”
“You’re so weird,” I laugh and climb to my feet. He takes my hand and stands to face me. “So, what are you doing here of all places?” I ask. “I can tell by your accent you’re from out of town. Surely Skegness wasn’t your first choice?”
He shrugs. “My dad’s opening a store nearby. He brought me and my older brother along with him.”
“A store?” I press and notice his cheeks pink slightly. “Are you in university?”
He grins and nods. “Yep. Oxford.”
Impressive. “Well done, you.” We start to walk along the shore. “What are you studying?”
“Law.”
Very impressive. “That’s pretty great.”
“What about you?”
“I want to study culinary art.”
“You can cook?”
I shrug. “I try to. When are you going back?”
“Never.” He grins and takes my hand in his. “I just found the girl of my dreams. Why would I go back?”
I snort and roll my eyes. “Now I know you just want in my pants.”
“Nuh-uh,” he says like a whiny child. “I promise you I won’t even attempt it. Not once. Not until you beg me to.”
Great, I’m giggling again. “Be serious. When are you leaving?”
“I’m offering you my heart and already you’re trying to get rid of me?” He places his hand on his chest and staggers backwards playfully as if I’ve shot him.
“Stop it,” I scold, but my laughter takes away its effectiveness. He swings his arm around my shoulders and pulls me along. I sigh, defeated. “Fine, don’t tell me.”
His face sobers. “I’m serious, Gwenny. I’m never going back with them.”
******
My palms are sweating. I’ve been dreading this moment all day. The sun is finally setting, even though you can’t see it set here like you can over some oceans. The sky just gets darker.
“I’d love to see a real sunset, one that makes the sky look like it’s on fire.”
“One day I’m going to kiss you in front of a real sunset on a beach full of white sand.” He promises.
I throw back my head and laugh, my worries forgotten momentarily. “You haven’t even kissed me yet on this beach under the greying sky and already you’re planning fiery skies and white sands?”
“Well, we’ll have to rectify that.” He beams and walks backwards in front of me. I stare at our footprints as we go, wishing I could make a mould of them to keep forever. Even if this does end as quickly as it started, I’ll cherish the memory for eternity.
“So, what are we doing?” I ask when we stop at the spot where we met and stare out at the sea.
His grin is wicked. “I thought I was kissing you.”
Blush. “Oh. Umm…”
“That’s unless you don’t want to.”
“I do,” I blurt, my face heating further. “It’s just… I haven’t kissed a guy since I was twelve.” I hate myself. Why would I tell him that? I could have just winged it.