Lying in the Sand (3 page)

“I’m sure it will. The girl was just a bitch.”

He smirked. “A lot of girls are.”

She finished her food then left the plate empty. “How are things with you?”

“Good. I started school again. That’s weird.”

“You’ll get the hang of it.”

He nodded. “I’m sure I will. I got Henry for help.” He stared at her from across the table, not bothering to hide his gaze from her.

Bryce confused her. She felt like they had a natural and unspoken connection. They seemed to click well, something she hadn’t experienced with anyone before. But he never asked her out. He never expressed his interest in her. He stayed away, seeming indifferent toward her. She wasn’t sure why. Maybe because he knew she dated a total loser so he judged her for it. Maybe because he wasn’t serious about her. She wasn’t sure but she would never ask. “Henry is a smart guy. But don’t ask my brother for help. He’s an idiot.”

He chuckled. “I’d give him more credit than that.”

“I wouldn’t. The first time he did his laundry when he was living on his own, he threw the dirty clothes in the dryer and couldn’t figure out why the water wasn’t coming out.”

He laughed. “Wow…that is pretty dumb.”

“And the first time he saw one of my tampons, he thought it was a nose bleed plug.”

He smirked. “I’m starting to judge him.”

“Starting?” she asked incredulously. “You should have started a long time ago.”

He laughed again. “You’re the only person who can make me laugh.”

What? “Me?” she asked.

“Well, in a while, at least.”

She didn’t know what to say to that. She didn’t consider herself to be funny. She sipped her soda then left it on the tray. “I think they’re closing. We should probably go.”

“You’re right.” He grabbed her tray and dumped her garbage for her.

Cheyenne noticed he didn’t do that with the other girls, just her.

They walked out then head to her car.

She turned to him, waiting for him to say something, to ask her out. She kept waiting for it to happen but it never did.

“Have a good night.” He walked her to her car and waited for her to get in.

Disappointed, she sighed then got into the driver’s seat. What was his deal? She decided not to dwell on it. Maybe she was looking too much into it. She turned the key but the engine wouldn’t start. It wouldn’t even turn.

Bryce watched her from the window of his truck. When her car wouldn’t start, he got out and came to her. “Sounds like your battery is dead.” He headed to the hood and popped it open.

She stood beside him and looked inside, not sure what to search for.

He left it open then walked to his truck, pulling out jumper cables. “You must have left your lights on.”

Cheyenne felt stupid. “Derek warned me about that.”

“Now look who’s stupid,” he teased.

She hit his arm playfully.

He hooked up the cables then started his engine. “Now start yours.”

She turned the key but nothing happened.

He came back to her. “You need a new battery.”

She sighed. “Seriously?” She was already broke.

“Yeah. It’ll only be fifty bucks at the most.”

Well, fifty bucks was a lot to her. “Is anything open right now?” She looked at her watch. It was almost eleven.

“I doubt it,” he said. “I’ll give you a ride home then I’ll take you to work.”

“It’s okay. I can ask Derek.”

“I really don’t mind.” He put the cables away then opened his passenger door. “Come on. Hop in.”

She decided not to argue with him because she was tired. She sat in the passenger seat then buckled her safety belt. Then she texted Derek.

Can you give me a ride to work tomorrow?

Unlike you, I have class. Remember?

I forgot.

Why do you need a ride anyway?

My battery died.

Do you need a ride now?

No. Bryce is taking me.

Ask him to give you a ride.

She put her phone away. “If you aren’t doing anything, do you mind giving me a ride to work tomorrow morning?”

“I don’t mind in the least. I’ll take care of your battery too.”

“You don’t have to do that…”

“It’s not a big deal.” He pulled up in front of her apartment then parked the truck.

She would have to get the money from Derek for the new battery. But she wasn’t sure how she would get it from him before tomorrow morning. “I’ll pay you back for the battery.”

“Don’t worry about it. I got it, Cheyenne.”

He was being so sweet to her for no reason. “I insist.”

“No.” He got out and shut the door.

She sighed then followed him to her door.

He stood with his hands in his pockets, staring at her. “What time do you work tomorrow?”

“Eight.”

“I’ll be here at seven thirty.”

“Okay.” He waited for her to walk inside.

“Do you want to come inside for a drink?” She wasn’t sure why she asked that. It just came out.

He didn’t react for a moment. His eyes were guarded and his face was unreadable.

She assumed the answer was no.

“Sure.”

She tried to hide her surprise. She turned around and unlocked the door.

When they walked inside, Bryce examined the place before he moved to the couch.

She pulled out a beer from the refrigerator then handed it to him.

He stared at it then reached out his hand. Then he stilled and pulled his hand back. “No, thank you.” He wouldn’t look her in the eye when he said it.

Okay… She put it back in the refrigerator. “Water?”

“Yes, please.”

She handed it to him then sat beside him on the couch. She kicked off her heels then rubbed one foot.

He eyed them. “Those look brutal.”

“You have no idea.”

“It’s times like these when I’m happy to be a man.”

“So, there are other times when you wish you were a girl?” she teased.

He smirked. “Not really.”

She grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. “Thanks for taking me home.”

“No problem.”

She stared at the screen, trying to think of something to say. Bryce stayed on his side, his foot crossed at his knee.

“You look really pretty.” He didn’t look at her when he said it. It was almost like he hadn’t said it at all.

Her cheeks blushed. “Thank you.”

“Do you like having a job to dress up for?”

“Not really. I prefer flip-flops and shorts any day.”

He smirked. “That makes two of us.”

“You’re wearing jeans and Vans.”

He shrugged. “It’s still better than wearing a suit every day.”

“It must be nice being a lifeguard. Sitting in the sand and enjoying the sun every day must be fun.”

“It has its perks. But saving someone from a shark attack isn’t exactly fun.”

“You save people from shark attacks?” she asked incredulously.

“If someone is drowning, I have to go.”

She stared at him incredulously. “So, if someone is bit by a shark and can’t swim you go in the water?” She couldn’t process this.

“Most of the time, sharks will take a bite then swim away, circling their prey before they strike again. It gives me time to pull them out.”

Her mouth was gaping open. “But it could bite you.”

“I know.” He drank his water and acted like it wasn’t a big deal.

“Has that happened before…?”

“Twice. The first time, I dragged him out of the water and onto the sand. He lost his leg and a lot of blood but he survived. The second time it was a woman. Her arm was severed and she didn’t make it.” He sounded somber, sad.

“Wow. I have new respect for lifeguards.”

He shook his head. “Most lifeguards won’t do it. If there’s a shark in the water, we aren’t required to get in. But I choose to.”

“You’re fucking crazy,” she blurted.

He smirked. “I get that a lot.”

“I mean, it’s really admirable and I think you’re amazing. But…I also think you’re fucking crazy.”

“Wouldn’t you feel better enjoying the day at the beach with your family if someone was watching over you?”

“Well…yeah. But I wouldn’t expect someone to risk their life for me.”

“I would.” He said it plainly and without emotion.

There was more to Bryce than she initially thought. “Do you make decent money doing this? I mean, you’re doing stuff Navy Seals do.”

He smirked. “The pay is good. I make a hundred thousand a year.”

Her eyes were about to fall out of her head. “I don’t think I heard you right.”

He laughed. “The salary is ridiculous, I know. But popular beaches pay lifeguards incredible salaries. You won’t find that at every beach.”

‘Then why are you going back to school?” she blurted.

“Well, I’m not sure if I want to lifeguard when I’m fifty.” He tore the label off his water bottle and played with it in his hands.

“That’s amazing…I had no idea.”

He studied her face. “You’re thinking about being a lifeguard now?”

“No! I don’t want to save people from sharks.”

He laughed. “That would steer anyone away.”

She drank her water, still processing what he said. “Just be careful.”

He gave her a serious look. “I’m always careful, Cheyenne.”

They fell back into silence while they sat on the couch.

“I should probably hit the road.” He stood up then tossed the bottle in the recycling can.

She was disappointed even though she wasn’t sure why. “Okay.” She walked him to the door then opened it.

“I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yeah…”

He stepped out then looked at her, the seriousness in his eyes.

Did he not feel something for her? Was he not attracted to her? Why hadn’t he asked her out? Maybe she misinterpreted everything he said and did. Maybe she was wrong.

“Good night, Cheyenne.”

“Good night.”

He walked back to his truck then disappeared.

Cheyenne sighed when she collapsed on the couch. She could keep waiting for Bryce to ask her out but she knew he never would.

Chapter Three

“Coen, there’s a barracuda!” Sydney pointed into the water from the boat. “He’s cute!”

Coen stood beside her and leaned over. “Cute? Those things have some serious teeth.”

“I want to get closer.”

“Sydney—”

She was already in the water.

Coen sighed then jumped in the water after her.

Sydney swam down to the bottom of the reef, which was only ten feet deep. The barracuda swam around slowly, its eyes on either side of its head.

Coen came beside her, a knife in his pocket. Sydney would be pissed if he hurt an animal but he wouldn’t hesitate if anything came after either one of them.

Tropical fish swam through the reef, and the sunlight flooded the floor. Visibility was good, and they could see several feet around them. The corals shined with different colors. Red, pink, and white decorated the living rock. A stingray swam by, moving slowly. Coen looked at Sydney, seeing the wonder on her face.

Sydney could hold her breath for three minutes, an incredible skill. Coen could only hold his breath for two. When he couldn’t stay under a minute longer, he tapped her shoulder and nodded to the surface.

They both swam to the top and caught their breath.

“Did you see it?” Sydney was like a child that visited the zoo for the first time. “How beautiful was it?”

“He was pretty magnificent.” Coen stared at her fondly, glad she was having a good time.

“Oh my god! And the stingray, I’ve never seen one that big before.”

“It almost blocked out the sun.”

“This is the best honeymoon ever.”

Coen smirked. They weren’t doing much honeymooning but he was glad she was happy.

Sydney pointed to a shadow in the water. “Look, a tiger shark! Awesome!”

Coen’s eyes widened and he panicked. “Out of the water, Sydney.”

“No, I want to touch him.” She moved to dive in the water but he grabbed her.

“I don’t think so.” He dragged her back to the boat.

“He’s not going to bite me.” She tried to fight back.

Coen overpowered her and shoved her against the ladder. “Climb.”

She growled then moved up the ladder.

Coen glanced nervously into the water, hoping he wouldn’t be a meal soon. Once she was back in the boat, he climbed up and breathed a sigh of relief.

Sydney looked over the side of the boat, a sad expression on her face. “I could be swimming with him right now.”

Coen noticed the shark came close to the boat—exactly where they were a moment before. “Sydney, I respect animals as much as you do, but I’m not stupid. That guy was going to eat us.”

“He was not,” she argued. “He was just curious.”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re so smart, but damn, you’re dumb.”

“I am not!” She hit his arm.

“I never want you to go into the ocean without me ever again.” He gave her a firm look. “I mean it. You’ll get yourself killed.”

“I’m a fast swimmer.”

“Faster than a shark?” he snapped.

She sighed. “You’re ruining our honeymoon.”

“By keeping us alive?” he argued.

She shook her head and walked away. “Whatever, Coen.”

He didn’t care if she was annoyed. She could deal with it.

She took off her snorkeling gear then took out her camera. She leaned over the boat and tried to get some good pictures.

Coen ripped his gear off then stayed near the ladder, looking into the water. The captain of the ship was in his quarters, giving them privacy.

Sydney kept looking into the water, searching for another interesting animal. “A sunfish!” She pointed into the water. “I didn’t think they even migrated through here.”

“Maybe global warming had something to do with that,” Coen said bitterly.

“I’m going back in. I want to touch it.” She pulled her mask back on.

He put his hand on her. “I don’t think so.”

She hit his arm. “Why are you being annoying?”

“That shark is still there.”

“Because it’s the
ocean
,” she snapped. “They live
here
.”

“Just wait a few minutes for it to leave.”

“Sharks like to hunt in deep water. They stay far below the surface then attack from underneath. The water is shallow here. They obviously don’t come here to hunt.”

“That doesn’t mean he won’t take a bite out of you.” He glared at her.

“You’re so annoying.” Before he could grab her again she jumped off the deck and right into the water.

“God fucking damn it!” He pulled on his gear then jumped into the water after her.

Sydney was already near the sunfish, holding her camera and taking pictures.

Coen swam to her then looked around for the shark. Fortunately, he didn’t see it anywhere.

Sydney placed her hand against the scales of the fish and felt it, a mesmerized look on her face. Coen stared at her, knowing this was a moment she’d never forget. She’d been in close contact with humpback whales and dolphins. They’d seen seahorses together. But he knew she never got tired of discovering new creatures. Sydney’s respect for the ocean and everything in it drew Coen closer to her. He felt the same adoration. He was smarter about it, but he felt it.

The sunfish passed, moving slowly. Sydney stared at it, watching it continue its journey.

Like a shadow, the tiger shark came near.

Coen panicked.

The shark swam close to them, close enough for Sydney to touch. And as Coen predicted, Sydney reached out and touched its thick skin. Coen pulled the knife out of his pocket, ready to defend himself if he had to. But the shark passed them and kept going, like he didn’t even noticed them.

Coen’s heart slowed down in relief.

Sydney watched it swim away, still mesmerized.

Unable to hold his breath a moment longer, he broke the surface.

Sydney followed him a second later. “I touched a shark! I did it! My greatest dream finally came true.”

Coen was not thrilled. “That thing was fourteen feet long.”

“I know! So awesome!”

Coen sighed, wanting to strangle his wife. “He could have killed you.”

“I told you he wouldn’t.”

“You don’t know what he’s thinking!”

“Can you just stop throwing a hissy fit and just enjoy what happened.”

“Enjoy what happened?” he snapped. “Sydney, you’re my wife. You think I can just stand by and let you risk your life. I don’t give a damn if a shark eats me. But I can’t let that happen to you.”

She rolled her eyes. “God, you’re such a drama queen. What happened to the bad boy who did whatever the hell he wanted?”

“He got married and took responsibility for another human being. Maybe you should try it sometime.”

“Whatever.” She dove back underwater and returned to exploring.

Coen rolled his eyes then followed her.

When the sun started to set, it was time to get out of the water. Coen practically had to drag her out.

“There’s still some daylight left.”

“That’s enough for the day, Sydney.” He pushed her to the stairs and waited for her to climb out. Then he followed her.

“Why can’t this be the north pole where it stays sunny for an entire day?”

“That would be pointless. It’s too cold to swim.”

She sighed. “How cool would it be to see a narwhal in real life?”

“Pretty cool.”

“Did you know the horn on their head is not a horn? It’s actually a tooth.”

“Really?” he asked.

“Yeah, it’s their left canine. Cool, huh?”

“Wow. That is pretty cool.” It amazed him how much Sydney knew. She put most of their professors to shame.

She tore off her mask and flippers then let her hair down. She was wearing a yellow bikini, and her curves didn’t escape Coen’s notice. He was just glad the captain stayed in his quarters and didn’t gawk at his wife.

Sydney’s nipples started to show through her top.

Coen grabbed a towel then draped it around her shoulders. “I’m still pissed at you.”

“What did I do?”

He dried her off then kept the towel around her. “You almost got yourself killed.”

“Are we still talking about that shark?”

“And your recklessness. Just because you have a peaceful intent toward animals doesn’t mean that feeling is mutual.”

“Coen, I’m not going to live my life in fear. I refuse to do it. If it’s time for me to go, there’s no other way I’d rather die.”

That just pissed him off even more. “Well, as your husband, I’d appreciate it if you tried a little harder to take care of yourself. Because I give you that respect.”

She sighed. “We came here to snorkel. What was I supposed to do?”

“Don’t jump in the water when there’s a damn tiger shark!”

“Fine.” She sighed. “I won’t.”

“Thank you.” He walked away then dried himself off. His arms and chest were darker from being in the sun all day. The Australian weather was perfect. It was warm and a few cloud sprinkled across the sky. He put a shirt on then told the captain they were ready to head back to shore.

Sydney was sitting near the edge, still looking into the water.

Coen sat beside her and felt the boat move.

They said nothing on the way back, just looking into the water and the waves. The water here was warm, just as warm as it was in Hawaii. Coen wasn’t sure if they would survive living in a colder environment like California or Oregon. They were spoiled with humidity and warmth.

When they returned to shore, they grabbed their things and left the boat. On the drive back to the hotel neither one of them said anything. Coen was still slightly annoyed with Sydney for being such a daredevil but he kept his silence.

Once they were in the room, Sydney headed into the shower. Coen joined her, eager to wash the salt water out of his hair. Sydney leaned her head back under the water and closed her eyes.

Coen looked down, noticing her voluptuous breasts and hourglass waist. His cock was hard instantly.

Sydney washed her hair and massaged her scalp. Then she turned around, showing him her ass.

Coen squirted shampoo into his hand then rubbed it into her skin, lathering her flesh. He massaged his fingers into her muscle, relaxing her. He towered over her, his chin touching the top of her head. “You owe me good sex.”

She flinched. “I owe you good sex?”

“I took you on this amazing honeymoon and you’ve been pissing me off for most of it. Yes, you owe me.”

She turned around and glared at him. “I don’t owe you anything.”

“Either give me what I want or I’ll take it.” The threat burned in his eyes.

She turned off the water then stepped out. “Forget it.” She walked out and shut the door.

Coen smirked then dried himself off. Then he walked into the bedroom, completely naked.

Sydney had the towel wrapped around her torso and she was running her fingers through her hair, trying to dry it. She sat on the bed, her feet on the floor.

Coen stood in front of her, staring her down.

“I think I want to get another tattoo,” she said.

“Of what?” he asked, intrigued.

“A sunfish. Maybe on my ribs.”

Coen kneeled down in front of her and lifted up her towel. “How about here?” He kissed the hip opposite of the one with the seahorse on it. His tongue touched her gently before he pulled away.

The desire moved into her eyes but then vanished just as quickly. “Not enough room.”

He moved between her legs, still on his knees. Then he pulled her towel down then kissed the valley between her breasts, breathing deeply. “Here?”

“It wouldn’t fit.” Her voice was a little quieter. The anger seemed to be gone.

He gently pushed her back onto the bed then moved his mouth to the area between her legs. He gave her a few gentle kisses then sucked. “How about here?”

Sydney moaned incoherently.

Coen moved her further up the bed then lay on his back. “You owe me.”

She glared at him. “You think you can just turn me on and get your way?”

He propped himself on the pillows then put his hands behind his head. “Yep.”

She sighed then glanced down to his cock, which was lying against his stomach.

It twitched slightly, inviting her to him.

She straddled his hips then gripped his shoulders.

He smirked, knowing he was victorious. “I deserve something good after the hell you put me through this week.”

“Hell? Our honeymoon has been hell?”

“No, just you.” He pulled her waist closer to him, his cock touching her folds.

“You really shouldn’t talk like that if you want to get laid.”