Emjay smiled, and I could tell he was happy for me, but he was definitely curious.

“I’d seen her in school before, but . . . well, you know . . . I’m not exactly a social person. Anyway, she’s great. Just the thought of her makes me smile. I feel like a goober, but I don’t care.”

Emjay’s eyebrows perked up. “Ha ha! Goober! Can I call you that now?”

“Not unless you wanna wake up to a wet bed from having your hand soaked in warm water.”

“Okay. Damn. I was just kidding, ya brat.”

“Anyway, her view of the world is innocent and pure. It’s refreshing. She doesn’t condemn people for the mistakes they’ve made. She has a pure and forgiving heart.”

“Nice! It sounds like you are . . . in love,” he said.

“Yeah, I definitely love her. She makes this whole, sometimes very ugly world, better.”

“Well that’s good. I’m happy for you.”

“We all deserve some happiness,” Aunt Robin said. “Kent and I are going on a trek across Europe this year, and I, for one, can’t wait.”

“That’s great, Aunt Robin.”

“That’s awesome,” Emjay added. “Take lots of pictures to show us when you get back.”

We each ate our breakfast and caught up on each other’s lives. When we were done, Emjay and I headed out back to look at my truck.

“It’s been running hard on and off for a while. I’ve gone over it with a fine-toothed comb, but I’m just not sure what the problem is.”

“Well it could be a bunch of things. I’ll have a look. We can take my car to the auto parts store if there’s anything we need.”

I turned on the radio, and we both dove into auto repair mode.

I was sitting at the park having lunch with Heather when I got a text message from Alec.

A:

Swimming hole at 4pm. I’ll pick you up?

Me:

Sounds great! I’ll be ready. Love you.

A:

Love you always.

I smiled and looked across the picnic table at Heather. “Hey, do you and Peter want to go to the swimming hole with me and Alec? Maybe Marchello and Emily can come, too.”

“Oh, hell yeah! Let me text Peter and Emily. She and Marchello were going to walk the trails at Sweet Water. What time should we meet?”

“Alec said he would pick me up at four.”

“Okay, count us in. I’m pretty sure Emily and Marchello will be there, too”

“All right, I’m going to head to the mall. I want to get a new bathing suit. I’ll see you there.” I stood up and gave her a hug.

“Laters.”

When I got home, Dad was sitting on the porch talking to Mr. McGraw from next door. I walked over and kissed Dad on the forehead and waved to Mr. McGraw before walking inside.

I headed upstairs and took a quick shower.

I washed my hair and shaved my legs while the conditioner worked its magic on my unruly hair. As I rinsed the suds off, I thought of Alec. I hoped he would like my new bathing suit. I had only ever worn a one-piece bathing suit around him, so I was a little nervous.

When I got out of the shower, Mom was walking into my bedroom. I showed her my new bikini.

“It’s adorable, Sam.”

I covered my face with my hands. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Not really. I just haven’t worn a two-piece around Alec before, and I guess I’m kind of nervous.”

“Oh dear . . . well, you’re as cute as a button, and that boy adores you, so I am sure it’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, I know. So you really like it?”

“Yes, the colors are great. Listen, I’m gonna go downstairs and get dinner going. Will you be back in time?”

“No, I don’t think so. Alec isn’t picking me up until four. So we’ll probably just eat out tonight.”

“Okay, have fun and be careful. Love you,” she said as she walked out of my bedroom.

I decided to wear my new bathing suit under my clothes. When I put my shorts and shirt back on again, I stood and stared at myself in the mirror. It really was cute. I just hoped Alec would think so. If I was being honest with myself, I was just as excited for Alec to see me in it, as I was nervous.

Alec’s horn honked, and I smiled. I looked at my watch and saw it was exactly four pm on the dot. Damn, he was good.

I walked downstairs as Dad was letting Alec in the front door. He stood in the foyer wearing board shorts and a white t-shirt. His tanned legs were mouthwatering, and I suddenly felt other things deep within me at the thought of Alec seeing me in my new bikini.

He looked up at me coming down the stairs in my shorts and thin white t-shirt, through which he could see my bathing suit. I noticed his expression change from happy to surprise, as his jaw went slack when he realized my suit was a bikini. His smile gave me the extra confidence I needed.

I felt goose bumps spread across my skin. He looked in my eyes, his brow slightly raised, his stare intent, and I gave him the “not here in my parents’ house” look. Shaking my head, I took his hand as he pulled me down the last step and looked around to make sure we were alone. He pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my forehead.

“You look beautiful,” he said, smiling down at me.

“Thanks. You look kind of great yourself,” I teased.

He cocked an eyebrow at me and smacked me on my ass, steering me toward the kitchen where my parents were talking.

“Mr. and Mrs. Lang, thanks for letting me take Samone out. I promise to have her home at a decent hour. I do have special plans for dinner, she doesn’t know about yet. So it may be later than usual if that’s all right.”

My head had jerked up when he mentioned special dinner plans.

“Yes, that’s fine, Alec,” my dad said.

My mom gave me a wave and put a pan in the oven.

“You kids have fun and be careful,” Dad said as we walked to the foyer.

“Thanks, Dad. We will. Love you guys,”

I followed Alec out as he held the screen door for me.

“Oh, Alec, wait. I need a change of clothes for dinner,” I said as I stopped at the stairs. “What kind of outfit should I have?”

“Anything semi-casual is fine.”

“Umm, okay. I’ll be right back.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I ran upstairs. I quickly grabbed the new dress I bought with Tricia. I threw in my make-up bag and hairbrush for good measure. Running downstairs, I saw him waiting for me. He smiled with that sexy smirk of his.

As we got to his truck, he leaned over and captured my mouth with his. Feeling his hands in my hair as he pulled me closer to him was exhilarating.

“Mmm, kissing me like that in my driveway where my dad can see could get you smack-full of buckshot, mister,” I teased

“Ha! Never. Your parents adore me.”

“Yeah, that’s true, they do.”

“So, to the swimming hole then dinner. Where did you say we were going again?”

“I didn’t say, little miss sneaky. You’ll find out when I’m damn good and ready to tell you.”

“Fine. Don’t tell me.” I stuck out my lower lip in a pout I knew he couldn’t resist.

“Okay, this time I’ll tell you. I swear, Samone, you’re spoiled rotten.” He winked. “We’re going to have dinner at The Sundial Restaurant in Atlanta.”

“Holy crap! Seriously? I’ve always wanted to go there. I can’t wait.”

“Good, I’m happy you’re happy.”

We arrived at the swimming hole a few minutes later. Everyone else was already there. It was good to see our friends. I jumped out of the truck and waved to everyone while I stripped down to my bikini behind the truck door. That’s when Alec walked around and saw me.

He stood there staring at me with his mouth hanging open. It made me feel empowered to insight such a reaction in him.