“I just want to know where your mouth has been. Obviously, it would be preferable if I wasn’t getting Courtney cooties.”
He puffed out an amused breath. “No Courtney cooties.”
“Any other cooties?”
“No. Am I catching Chase cooties?” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I just used the word cooties.”
I laughed.
“Well?” he asked.
“You may have caught a few in the beginning. But I think they’re out of my system now.”
He stepped in close, and I looked up into his face. His skin was smooth and freshly shaved, even since this afternoon.
I traced a finger across his jaw, getting close to his beautiful lips.
“Put some more of that lip gloss on. I want to kiss it off,” he said.
“You’re so bossy.” But obviously I immediately fumbled the tube out of my pocket and swiped a thin layer over my bottom lip, then mashed my lips together. “There.”
He leaned down, putting his face close to mine, inhaling against my mouth. Then he licked his tongue across the seam of my lips.
Oh, good God. A tiny whimpering sound came out of my throat.
“On second thought.” He raised his head. “I think I’ll make you wait.”
“Are you joking?” I said, outraged.
“Nope. Let’s go, Jazzy Bear.”
The use of my dad’s name for me hit me like a low blow, snuffing out any further smart-assery I may have been able to conjure up. Joey walked ahead, my hand in his. I used the moment to concentrate on the feel and taste of Joey’s mouth on mine, consciously pushing thoughts of my father out of my mind. I’d hardly thought of him in the few minutes Joey and I had been talking. I liked that very, very much.
THE BEACH WAS full of the usual cast of characters. Keri Ann told me she’d seen Chase and Lizzie pairing off. I hoped she knew what she was doing. Looking around I saw Jasper chatting with Cooper and Vern. I raised my solo cup when I caught his eye and he returned the gesture. I would have totally thought he and Lizzie would finally get together. Perhaps not.
I tried to keep my mind off my dad, but it was really hard. Perhaps I should just try and call the law office in the morning. One never knew. Perhaps a paralegal or something was in over the weekend. They probably needed the information about South Africa.
“Are you okay?” asked Keri Ann.
I wanted to tell her but could sense a wobble imminent in my chest and knew if I started talking, I’d bawl. And who wanted a sobbing wreck of a chick at a party.
“I’m great,” I said. “Let’s get a shot. What liquor did Joey buy?”
“You’re drinking it. Firefly iced tea.”
My eyes widened. “I thought it was just barely spiked ice tea. I heard this stuff is strong.” Now that she mentioned it, I was feeling a little buzzed already.
“I know. Pace yourself,” she said. “Stuff’s addictive.”
Joey and Colt were throwing a football with some guys from the Butler Cove football team. Or ex-football team. I sighed. It was weird thinking we were truly done with school. As if he’d felt me watching him, Joey turned and looked straight at me.
“So, I know I’m only your best friend, and he’s only, like, my brother, but are you guys … hanging out? No idea what to call it.”
“I don’t know what to call it either. But yes, we are … that. Whatever it’s called.”
“Not dati—”
“Nooooo,” I drew out the word in a deep and dramatic tone, bugging my eyes wide and shaking my head.
“Got it.” Keri Ann laughed. “I won’t mention that word again.”
“Kissing. Just lots of kissing.” I chewed my lip. “Kissing buddies.”
She scrunched up her nose. “This is weird. Talking about this. I mean, it’s my brother.” She gave a mock shudder.
I laughed. “I kinda feel that way too. But, not.”
“I’d hope not. Oops, he’s coming over here.”
I swallowed hard and steeled my nerves before turning around.
Joseph was almost to where we stood. He actually might have been getting better looking with each passing moment. And it wasn’t like I didn’t think he was easy on the eyes before.
“Hey,” I said and raised my glass between us, ensuring some distance. “You drinking some of this?”
“Yeah, I had a bit.” He slung an arm around his sister’s shoulders and brought her in for a squeeze. “Come walk with me?” he asked, but he was looking at me.
I shrugged.
“You guys go on, I want to go catch up with Vern.” Keri Ann winked in my direction and then pinched her brother in the side before walking off.
“Let’s refill.” Joey took my cup and got one of his own, then we walked down the beach and toward the surf.
“No stars tonight,” I said, looking upward, remembering the last time we were on the beach at night. “So are you serious about specializing, maybe becoming a surgeon?” I asked remembering the conversation at dinner.
Joe shrugged. “I’m kind of in awe of Dr. Barrett. He’s a kick ass surgeon. Watching him and hearing him talk about his patients and how many lives he’s saved, it’s just incredible.”
I snorted.