A sigh of relief pours out of me as I realize she only squealed because the guys a little further up the beach threw their ball a little too close to her. It was an innocent accident that they’re currently apologizing profusely for, but that doesn’t stop Aria from letting them know exactly what she thinks about the close call.
“Ahhh, and there’s my opening,” Tully says, grinning across at Aria talking to the group of guys who all look to be roughly our age or maybe a smidge older.
“What are you talking about?”
“I need a date for tonight. Someone to come and pick me up from my place would be best.”
I roll my eyes, wondering when all this bullshit will end as she gets up off the sand and dusts off her ass. I get up as well, grabbing my phone and wallet as I go. “Are you good to keep an eye on Ari?” I ask. “I’ll go and grab us some lunch.”
“Oh, sure,” she smiles. “Looks like she’s about to invite herself to play football with the guys. You know, you should really talk to her about stranger danger.”
“I know,” I groan. “She’s so embarrassing. She talks to everyone and doesn’t give a shit what she tells them. She told some random woman at the grocery store that I was wearing a bright pink thong and she knew that because she was hiding under my bed while I was trying to get dressed, hoping to scare me.”
“Shit,” Tully laughs. “I freaking love that kid. Lily used to do all sorts of stupid shit like that. It used to drive Noah crazy.”
“I bet,” I tell her with a fond smile. “Alright, I’m out of here. I’ll be back in a bit. Oh, and please don’t let my sister drown while you’re busily flirting with Mr. Steroids over there.”
“Got it, boss.”
I take off up the beach knowing that my little Squirt is as safe as can be with Tully. Hell, she’s probably safer with her than what she is with me.
I head up to the good burger place that sits right near the beach. It’s the best burger place in Haven Falls, but that title means that on weekends and afternoons, it’s absolutely packed. So, I’m not surprised that for a Saturday lunch, the place has a line that shoots straight out the door.
I let out a frustrated groan while trying not to be too bratty about it. It’s not the store’s fault that they’re so damn popular, and it’s not their fault that they’re the only place that sells a good burger in all of Haven Falls. If you want to avoid the queues, you have to make the drive into Broken Hill and get an ordinary burger, but naturally, they add fancy ass fries instead of the good, normal kind that the people of Haven Falls crave.
I pull my phone out and text Noah as I wait, wondering where the hell he is. Usually, the boys don’t disappear in the middle of the day, especially on a Saturday.
Henley – What’s going on?
He texts back almost instantly and I find myself grinning down at my phone like a moron.
Noah – How do you feel about ditching Rivers and Tully for the night? They’re fucking downers lately and I wouldn’t mind getting you alone.
Henley – You’re on.
Noah – Where are you guys? We just got home.
Henley – Ari dragged us to the beach again. She doesn’t like coming here as much without you guys though.
Noah – Point out the obvious, why don’t you?!
Henley – Dick.
Noah – Don’t go anywhere. We’re coming down.
Henley – K. I’m getting lunch. Are you guys hungry? You better warn Rivers – Tully’s been making new friends again.
Noah – Shit. He bailed.
Noah – Fucking starving. But not for food.
Henley – Manwhore!
Noah – See you in a bit.
I can’t help but smile as the usual butterflies start fluttering around in my tummy every time I know Noah’s making an effort just to be around me. I’ll never get bored of it. To me, Noah Cage is larger than life. He’s the pack leader and the man that is quickly stealing every part of my heart, body, soul, and mind. I’m all his and I’m pretty damn certain that he’s feeling the same thing.
After another fifteen minute wait, I get to the front of the queue and finally put in my order, making sure to get exactly what Noah likes, just to be a kick ass girlfriend, cause I’m awesome like that.
I’m handed a number and I shuffle off to the side and mind my own business as I wait for our food to be prepared. I can’t help but watch the busy kitchen. Burger patties are being flipped like pancakes, hot stoves occasionally shoot up with impressive flames before the cooks get it under control, but the noise coming from that kitchen is ridiculous and is enough to tell me that I don’t want to be a chef. I don’t think I could handle that.