"Well, maybe you need to figure it out on your own. You need to stop feeling like a failure because you aren't where you think you should be. There's not some unwritten law that says you need to be married and successful by 21." His words slap me right in the face.
"That's exactly why I left." I shrug and pull my legs up into the seat. "I'm sick of everyone else thinking they know what is best for me.
"I know exactly how you feel." He admits.
"How so?"
"My dad had my life planned for me since I was born. He expected me to go to school at his Alma Mater. He told me who was acceptable to date, where I was supposed to work, all that shit." I can hear the irritation in his voice.
"I'm sorry." I take a sip of my coffee.
"We're more alike than you think." He says so quietly I can barely hear him.
I'm glad he said it. I feel less strange thinking that too.
Most of the morning ride we spent in small talk, stealing kisses. My brain is telling my heart to slow my pace, but I just want to jump in headfirst. I don't think he's ready for me and all my baggage. I can't throw all that on him right now anyway. He doesn't deserve all that shit. I notice him take a sharp turn and pull into the dock. He is seriously mistaken if he thinks I'm getting off this boat in a t-shirt and panties.
"Where are we?" I ask.
"We're gonna eat lunch," he says with the biggest grin.
"You have lost your marbles if you think I am leaving this boat in this." I snap back and tug at the bottom of his t-shirt.
"Well, you're in luck because I grabbed you some clothes at the store this morning when I went for coffee."
"How do you know they will even fit?" I roll my eyes and cross my arms over my chest.
"They are in the bathroom. Change so we can eat. Otherwise, I'm leaving your ass here." He pulls me up by my hand and motions toward the stairs, with that wicked grin stretched across his face.
Um, he bought me clothes? Who does that? How would he even know what to get? He is a guy! I practically jump down the stairs and into the bathroom. Folded on the counter sits a long sleeve t-shirt and a pair of Nike shorts, socks, and tennis shoes. Even new panties! I guess he decided not to try and guess my bra size. Smart move because he probably would've gotten that wrong. I slip everything on, and to my surprise, everything fits perfectly. Silently, thanking him for not getting an extra small because I like my clothes a little loose. I run a comb lightly through my hair, and it still looks pretty good from last night, considering. I brush my teeth with the toothbrush he left for me and grab his Columbia snapback off the counter, deciding to steal it. A hat is better than a sunburnt face. I make my way back up the stairs; he is against the steering wheel with his arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Can we eat now, princess?" He smiles, pushing himself off the steering wheel and toward me.
"I suppose so. I will admit I am pretty impressed and a little creeped out you knew what to buy." I laugh.
"Well, I don't typically tell all my secrets, but I looked at the dress and shoes you took off last night to get your sizes."
"Well played, Judson Banks, well played." He grabs my hands, helping me off the boat and onto the dock.
"That hat looks better on you." He gives me a boyish grin, and we make our way to the restaurant.
Finally, some real seafood! I look the menu up and down but just can't decide what to order. Judson doesn't even open the menu, cocky ass. The waitress breaks my concentration, "Have you guys decided what you'll be having?"
Judson grabs the menu out of my hand.
"We'll have the sampler. Thanks." She nods, smiling at him, her eyes lingering a little too long.
Ugh! I have never been the jealous type, but the way girls look at him makes me want to fight. I have no idea why. We aren't even together, but it doesn't keep me from having irrational feelings that he is mine. I know he isn't property, but this man makes me want to become territorial.
"Is something wrong?" He asks. My thoughts must be showing all over my face.
"No, do all the girls mack on you like that around here?" He looks at me, confused.
"I'm not sure," He laughs, "why you jealous?"
I'm jealous, but I will never admit it. I know exactly why they are looking. Judson is gorgeous and no ring, I can't blame them. Hell, I would probably be looking too if the circumstances were different. Who am I kidding? I am looking now, which makes me a terrible person.
"Not the jealous type." I proclaim, trying to make a case.