The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 14

Thanks for reading!

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Violet's POV

I was so angry at Seth. Why did he punch Mason? Mason was supposed to be his friend, and ever since he showed up, Seth had been nothing but mean to him. I didn't get it. 

I turned abruptly, facing Seth. He looked pretty calm, but I thought I saw a hint of nervousy in his eyes. I glared at him. "Seth, what the heck were you thinking?!" I shouted. He looked pained. "Violet, I'm really sorry. It's just that-" I cut him off. I really wasn't in the mood to hear any of his excuses right now. I tried to talk in a calm, grown up voice. I was determined to handle this situation like an adult. "Seth, do you know what could happen now?" I took a shaky breath, imagining the worst. "Mason could sue the Seaside Retreat. I know he's rich, and if he sues us..." I shook my head, and looked at the floor. "I'm not sure if we'll be able to pay it. Seaside Retreat can't go out of business, Seth." I said quietly. My voice was shaky. "It's been in my family for generations and if something were to happen to it, I don't know what we would do..."

A small tear escaped my eye, and I felt a gentle touch on my cheek. Seth was wiping away my tears. He was so sweet. Wait, I scolded myself, you're supposed to be mad at Seth, remember?But, my mind countered, it's so hard to stay mad at Seth. He's so kind and I knew he would never do anything to hurt me or my family. 

Seth cupped my chin in his hand. I leaned into his hand, enjoying the warmth it provided. Seth's eyes bore into mine. They were so intense. "I promise you, Violet, I won't let that happen . Standing there staring into his eyes, I somehow knew everything would be alright. I stared intenstly into his eyes, but all I saw there was sincerety and determination. I nodded my head, and Seth smiled.

He dropped his hand from my face, and quickly wrapped his arms around my waist. I put my arms around his neck. I put my head on his chest, and he put his chin on my head. This gesture felt so right. It felt natural, like this was how things were supposed to be. 

As much as I would have liked to stay in this position with Seth forever, I knew that I had to get Mason an icepack. His face was probably a big purple bruise. I slowly distangled myself from Seth, but he seemed hesitant to let me go. I laughed at his reluctance. "Icepack." I reminded him. He seemed disappointed, but nodded his head, letting me go.

I went to the fridge and found an icepack. After I had wrapped a thin towel around it, I started to head back to the living room, where Mason was probably still waiting. Right as I was leaving the kitchen, Seth's hand was on my arm, restraining me. There was a pain in his eyes. It hadn't been there a moment earlier. 

"Violet, before you go out there, there's something you should know." I turned around, giving him my full attention. He took a deep breath, running his hand through his hair. This gesture only made him look sexier, and I felt longing for him, but I forced myself to focus. "I know you're probably wondering why I punched Mason." I nodded my head, waiting for him to continue. "Well, see, the thing is..." He seemed at a loss for words. I hated seeming him look so uncomfortable. "It's okay" I assured him, running my hand down his biceped arm lightly. "No." he shook his head. "You need to know what you're going to have to face." "What are you talking about Seth?" I was really confused. He looked uncomfortable when he replied, "The reason I punched Mason was because he kept flirting with you. I know you don't know Mason well, but I do. When he finds a girl he likes, he dosen't give up until the girl is going out with him. And usually tries to steal my girlfriend. I just want you to be prepared. He's going to turn on the charm, trying to impress you. But please, don't forget about me when he does." 

He looked so sad, like a little lost puppy. I went up to him, putting down the icepack and giving him a hug. He tentatively wrapped his arms around me. I leaned up into his ear and whispered, "never. You know you're the one I love." before kissing his ear. He leaned towards me and kissed me. When he pulled back, he replied, sounding relieved. "I'm glad to hear that."

He smiled his adorable smile. I smiled back. He started to stare at me in a way I couldn't read. "What?" I asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Nothing,"he replied, grinning. "It's just the first time that you told me you loved me." "Oh," I said lamely, not sure what else to say. Had I really not told Seth that I loved him? I know I'd thought it hundreds of times. "I love you too." He said, smiling at me. His lips gently met mine again.

We pulled back quickly back though. "I still have to give Mason his icepack." I said, winking at Seth. He looked slightly nervous, but more confident than before, when he replied, "just remember what I told you." "I will" I promised him. I picked up the ice pack and headed back out to the sitting room. I turned back, wondering why Seth wasn't coming with me. I raised an eyebrow, and he seemed to instantly know my unsaid question. "I want some time to cool down  before I face Mason again." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Understood." I said, smiling at him. I waved at Seth and walked out of the kitchen. 

I was almost nervous going back to Mason after what Seth had told me. Maybe if I just ignored all of his flirting, he would eventually stop. Although by the way Seth talked about him, he seemed to be pretty presistent. And I was curious about what Mason had done to Seth's former relationships. Well, I reminded myself sternly, the past is the past. All I could control was the future. And I was determined for Seth and I to stay together. And I was NOT going to let Mason come between that.