“Are you scared of me?”
“Truthfully? A little. I’m not scared of you, just of what I feel and do when I’m around you.”
“I can work with that,” he teased as we stood up and grabbed our towels.
“I’m sure you can.”
We walked back to my car with several feet between us. I knew I was being silly, but I didn’t want to take a chance with him. The things he made me feel weren’t normal, and I didn’t want to embarrass myself—again.
When I dropped Jesse off by his car, a pretty brunette was standing next to it. I knew instantly that this must be Ally, Andy’s twin. Obviously, they couldn’t be identical twins, but the resemblance between the two of them was uncanny. She had a slim figure, more soft than toned, unlike mine, but it made her look feminine. Something told me that growing up with Jesse and Andy had made her anything but.
She eyed me suspiciously as I stepped out of the car and followed Jesse to his car. She had nothing to be suspicious of. I just wanted to meet his friend and say hello. I had a feeling that if things kept going in the direction they were with Jesse, then Ally and I would be spending a lot of time together.
“Hey, Ally. What’s up?” Jesse asked.
“Your mom sent me to look for you. She said you two got in a fight, and then you wouldn’t answer your phone. She was worried.”
“I left my phone in the car when we went to the beach. She doesn’t need to worry about me. I’m fine.”
“You shouldn’t make her worry. She was having a full-blown spaz attack.”
“I just needed some time to cool off. I’m headed back home now.”
“You needed time to cool off, so you called her? Did you forget that? Andy and I are within walking distance?” Ally sneered as she glanced at me.
It was obvious that she didn’t like me already, but I wasn’t sure why. I hadn’t even said a word to her yet.
“Let it go, Ally,” Jesse warned.
“Whatever.”
I held out a hand. I was determined not to be bothered by her attitude. “I’m Emma.”
“I know who you are. I just don’t care.” “Ally, just leave. Now,” Jesse growled.
His face had a pink hue to it, and I could tell that he was at his limit. I’d never seen him snap, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to.
“What exactly did I do to make you hate me so much?” I asked.
I’d never met the girl in my life, but she obviously couldn’t stand me.
“You haven’t done a thing to me yet, rich girl. But let me give you a little warning—you hurt Jesse, and you’d better hope Mommy and Daddy have enough money for a plastic surgeon. You’re going to need one after I’m done with you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Is that why you don’t like me? Because you think I’m going to hurt him? I wouldn’t do that to him, so you have nothing to worry about.”
“Your kind is all the same. You’re selfish and spoiled. You don’t give a damn about anyone else, and I thought Jesse knew that but apparently not.”
This girl was really starting to piss me off. I never judged anyone based on whether or not they had money or their living situation.
I stepped forward until I was standing inches away from her. “You know what? Screw you. I don’t give a damn about what you think. Jesse knows what kind of person I am, and that’s all that matters. So, you can take your opinions and shove them up your ass.”
Ally looked like she was going to claw my eyes out, but Jesse pushed in between us, so she couldn’t reach me. I wasn’t sure whether I should appreciate the fact that he was trying to protect me or be offended that he thought I needed the protection.
“Okay, why don’t we all call it a night before someone loses a limb?” he asked as he looked between the two of us. “Go home, Ally.”
“Are you really going to let her talk to me like that?” Ally yelled.
“Go. Home.”
She shot me one last glare before turning and getting into her car. She spun her tires as she pulled out of the parking lot.
“Were you trying to get a concussion or what?” Jesse asked as he looked at me with concern.
“What do you mean?”
“I love Ally like a sister, but the girl has a mean streak, and she can back it up. I’ve seen her take down guys my size.”
“I can handle myself.”
“Not against her. Trust me on this. Just stay away from her, okay?”
“Sure.” It wasn’t like she went to our school. I could avoid her if I needed to.
“I’m serious.”
“I know you are, and I promise not to cross her path any more than I have to.”
“Good. I have to say that it was kind of hot that you were willing to get in a girl fight over me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Sure it was.”
“I’m not kidding.”
He stepped closer to me, and I held my breath as he leaned down.
“You’re hot when the claws come out.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but his lips were on mine before I could say a word. I wasn’t complaining though. Kissing Jesse was quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do. He continued to kiss me until I felt breathless.
When he finally pulled away, I clung to him to keep from falling.