Endless Love

Chapter 20

Blythe was perched on a blanket just a little while later under the shade of a big umbrella. She had eaten a big sandwich and some chips, and was feeling way more alive than when they arrived an hour ago.

She watched Josiah dig a moat for his pretty impressive sandcastle. He didn't even need to use the mold. It was surprising because Paxton, the artist of the group, was really struggling to form the sand. Denver was trying to help but it was no use.

"How the hell did you do that?" Denver asked Jo.

"Calm down, cowboy. I'm a professional," Josiah said.

"No, I'm the professional. This stinks," Paxton whined.

Blythe giggled, munching on a strawberry. It was fun to watch. The three of them were shirtless and relaxed, looking incredibly sexy in sunglasses and baseball caps. She loved it. She loved them.

Denver came over, plopping down next to her. She squirmed away from him.

"You're getting sand all over my blanket," she protested.

"It's a beach, Bee," he said, rolling his eyes.

She offered him a strawberry, holding it to his lips.

"How about a swim?" he asked.

"You just want to see what's under my dress," she teased. She had thrown a coverup over her bathing suit before they had a chance to see it.

"You're not wrong," he said, giving her his famous cowboy smile.

She stood up, pulling it over her head.

"Look at how sexy you are," Josiah said from right behind her, startling her. She didn't know he was so close.

Paxton came closer, closing in their little circle.

"Wow," Pax grinned. "I like this bathing suit."

"I think I'd like it better if you took it off," Denver said, eating another strawberry. He stood up. She was surrounded by them. She could feel her heart race in her chest.

"Are we swimming or not?" she pouted, feeling the flush run up her neck.

Jo kissed her cheek. "Just put some more sunscreen on. I don't want you to burn."

"You too, Pax," Denver said, handing a bottle of the lotion to Jo and one to Paxton.

Josiah lathered Bee down, making sure to get it under the straps of her swim suit and evenly across her back. He would hate for her beautiful skin to burn.

"Thank you," she told him, so sweet and gentle. "Let me help you."

He crouched down, letting her do as she pleased before following her out into the water.

The waves were crawling gently towards the shore. Blythe walked out into the water to about her waist, lifting onto her toes with every rise of the water. It felt amazing after being cramped in the car all morning.

"Coming through," Paxton yelled over the crashing water. He had a body board, and she watched him attempt to ride out a wave. He didn't make it very far before he was flipped over.

Josiah chuckled next to her. He moved to Pax who had popped back up with a cough.

"Let me try," Jo said, reaching for it.

"It's not as easy as it looks," Paxton said.

Jo didn't flip, but he didn't get very far before he lost his balance and had to stand up.

Blythe dipped her head back, floating like a starfish and rocking with the forming waves, until she was pulled under by two hands.

"You're so mean," she told Denver when she came back up. She splashed water his way.

He gave her a sheepish smile.

After swimming and some more lounging, Blythe began to get tired. She was hot, and could feel the gritty sand in her bathing suit.

"I think I'm going to go in and take a shower," Blythe said.

"Okay, honey," Jo smiled.

"We're going to get pizza in a bit for dinner," Denver added. "Do you want anything special on it?"

She shook her head.

Paxton looked up from his book, gesturing her close so he could give her a kiss. "Maybe I should join you, make sure you get all of the sand off."

Blythe giggled. "Very smooth. Next time."

"Promise?" he asked.

She hummed, giving him another kiss. "Promise."