A Mermaid's Kiss (Bay State University #1) - Katie Holland Page 0,23
she asked me.
“I was with them at a party earlier, but I got bored and left,” I told her honestly.
“I would think that for someone like you, college would be a non-stop party.”
“What do you mean, someone like me?”
“You know; outgoing, good looking, that kind of thing.”
“You think I’m good looking, huh.”
“Don’t try to be modest now. You know you are, and I think you use it to your advantage when you can.”
“Okay, you got me. But truthfully, I usually only use it to get girls.”
Kayleigh let out a laugh at that statement. “I bet you’re only alone if you want to be, huh.”
“Yes, my face is a curse.”
“Oh please.”
Kayleigh started laughing and I couldn’t help but join her. I liked her laugh, and found it funny when she snorted a little.
“We’re here,” I announced, a few minutes later and got out of the truck.
Kayleigh got out of her side and joined me on the sidewalk. She looked around at where we were, and a smile formed on her lips.
“This is beautiful. I’ve never seen the ocean at night before.”
“That’s what I thought,” I said. “Let’s go for a walk.”
We took off our shoes and started walking toward the water. Kayleigh stopped to roll up her yoga pants so they didn’t get wet, and we let the waves lap over our feet.
“It’s so peaceful out here,” Kayleigh said, a minute or so later.
“Yes, I’ve always loved being at the ocean at night.”
“So, did you grow up close to here?”
“Yes. My parent’s house is less than thirty minutes from here. That’s where I learned to surf.”
“So, you lived right on the beach?”
“Yep.”
“Wow, I can’t even imagine what that would be like. Lucky you.”
“I can’t argue with that. Now, you tell me something about where you’re from.”
“When I was little I lived on a small farm with my parents. My mom taught me to swim in a pond on the property. After that, I lived with my Nana in Tulsa. She made sure I was always able to take swimming lessons. She always called me her little mermaid.”
“What happened to your parents?” I asked, not sure if she was going to answer.
Kayleigh was quiet for a moment before speaking. “They’d gone to the city to celebrate their anniversary. They were killed by a drunk driver on their way home. I was five.”
I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t had to deal with death yet. Everyone I ever knew was still alive. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, it was a long time ago and my Nana has taken really good care of me. I’m lucky to have her.”
“How long have you and Karma been friends?” I asked changing the subject.
“Since first grade. We met on day one, and were instant friends and have been ever since.”
“You two seem really different.”
“We are,” she said smiling. “I think it’s why we’ve been able to stay friends for so long. My turn. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
“Nope, I’m an only child.”
“Wow, finally something we have in common.”
I laughed. It’s true that we were extremely different people.
“Any pets?” she asked.
“We have an aquarium in the house, does that count?”
“No. You can’t cuddle a fish.”
“Okay, then no pets. You?”
“Yes, I had to leave behind my cat. She’s all black and her name is Maisy. I’ve had her since I was in elementary school.”
“I can see you as a cat person.”
“Nana is allergic to dogs or I would have had a dog too. I love animals. Have you ever been horseback riding?”
“Um, no. I’m more of a city boy.”
Kayleigh laughed. “I’d love to see you get on a horse.”
“They kind of scare me. They’re so big.”
She let out a loud belly laugh. “If you can ride a big wave, you can ride a horse. When I find somewhere here that has horseback riding, I’m going to get you on the back of one.”
I gave her a funny look. I wasn’t sure about that.
“Mark my words, Major, I may be shy, but when I get stubborn about something I usually get my way.”
I didn’t doubt that for a second.
The wind picked up and I noticed Kayleigh pull her hoodie around her tighter.
“Are you cold?”
“A little.”
“It can get pretty cold out here at night. Whenever I surf at night, I have to wear a wet suit.”
“You surf at night? But how do you see anything out there?”
“Moonlight. Or, if it’s really dark you just go by the feel of the waves.”
“That sounds like fun. I love everything about the water.