Moments that define us

Chapter Seven

Emily

There was something peaceful about the sun beating down on my heated skin. There was a calm feeling inside me as I looked out at the water. Amy and I spent a lot of time here in the summers growing up. It was always a safe haven, and the perfect escape from anything distracting in our lives.

Amy was already laying out her towel to tan, while I took my tank top and shorts off. She was beautiful in her two piece white bikini. Growing up, boys always chased her. She didn't give many the time of day though. I looked down at my one piece simple black bikini. "Girls were to dress modest", momma always says. Amy didn't quite believe the same, but I always tried. I had never felt awkward for dressing mostly modest, but standing here waiting for Jameson to walk to the dock had me questioning my clothing choices. Well at least my bikini.

Amy must've sensed my internal battle, because she looked over and smiled at me. "You are beautiful Em. Don't overthink what you are wearing. No need changing who you are for a man."

I knew she was right. The truth was I didn't want to change. I did wonder about Jameson's life though. Mainly what he wasn't wanting to share. I just smiled at Amy, then set on the end of the dock and put my feet into the water.

Mac came over and started teasing Amy for not getting into the water. Then before I knew it, he picked her up and jumped into the water with her over his shoulder. The water splashed and got on me, so I got up to get my towel. I looked over at Amy and Mac while I dried my face off and they were both splashing each other. I couldn't help but chuckle at their banter.

"He's nothing, but a big kid." Jameson said from behind me. I didn't think I could get too much of hearing that raspy southern drawl.

I turned around and smiled up at him. Then I noticed he just had swimming trunks on with no shirt. His body looked like it was made from a rock. I knew for sure Jeremy's pencil arms, and tiny frame held no candle to this handsome man in front of me. He had tattoos on his chest, and some tribals on his arms. At that moment I knew tattoos on a man were an attractive feature.

He must've noticed my eyes locked on his chest cause I heard him give a small laugh. I looked up into his gray eyes, and even though he was smiling, his eyes said so much more. It was like a storm was raging in his eyes, and he was in a battle he didn't know how to win. I wondered what that battle was.

"You wanna get in the water?" He asked me.

I looked out at the two rowdy kids playing in the water and shook my head. "I think I'm just gonna put my feet in for a bit."

He nodded, then asked if I wanted a drink. I said I didn't, then went back to sit down. After a minute I saw him sit down beside me out of the corner of my eye. I heard him open his drink then looked over at him pressing his beer to his lips. I didn't know what to think about him drinking beer. No one I knew drank alcohol. I instantly wondered what my daddy would say, so I pushed those thoughts out of my head.

"Have you ever had a beer before?" He broke through the questions running in my head.

I glanced at him, then looked back out at the water. "I have never had any alcohol. Actually I don't personally know anyone who drinks it. Well other than you."

He looked down at his beer, but then took another pull before he responded. "I have been drinking since I was probably 14." He looked over at me, than set his beer down beside him. "It's something I do occasionally. Does that bother you?"

"Honestly I don't know. I do know I wanna see where this goes." I answered honestly.

"Emmalynn there are things about me, things that I'm not proud of." I wondered if he said my full name to make the blow hit it's spot. "But I wanna see where this goes too. So can I kiss you again"?

I nodded my head looking at his full lips. He ran his calloused fingers over my cheek, and murmured softly "such an angel", before his lips came down on mine.

I could taste the beer on his lips, and honestly didn't know what to think about it. I did know I liked him kissing me. When he pulled away, he gave me a wicked smile. Before I knew what was happening, he stood up with me in his arms. Then he jumped into the water. It was cool against my skin, and felt amazing.

When we came up out of the water, I went to him and put my arms around his neck. "I'm not scared of your past Jameson." I told him, before I wrapped my legs around his waist, and went to kiss his lips again.

When we pulled our lips apart, he was looking at me so intently. Like he was trying to figure out where I came from. With one arm secured around my back, his other hand went to move some hair out of my face. "I'm not sure what I done in my life to be in the same vicinity as an angel as pure as you." He said against my lips, then before I could respond, he pressed his lips back to mine.