The Dysfunction Of Evan: Books 1-3 Collection

38. Not-So-Honey Honeymoon

"No, I'm not going any further out than this." I insisted, crossing my arms. The ocean water lapped at my hips, Tom and Chris were both calling me a wimp. 

"Come on, babe!" Tom said. "There's a great wave coming, ride with me." 

"I'm good!" I said. 

"There's nothing to be afraid of." Chris said. 

"That's what Steve Irwin said." I shot, crossing my arms. 

"Hey, you leave him out of this!" Chris said pointing at me. 

"Astrid, why don't you came back here and help us set up the volleyball net?" Liz called out. I turned and started back. That was much better than being teased. 

"I hope you don't get eaten by sharks!" I called back, wanting one final word in. 

"That's not fair!" Tom called out. 

"It's fine mate. Lets go." I heard Chris say. 

I reached shore and headed over to to our little area. Liz and her boyfriend, Robbie, were holding the posts, and Elsa was unfolding the net. I grabbed the net and helped her hang it. Then we went over and helped Liz and Robbie drive the poles into the sand.  

"Lizzie and I against you two." Robbie said grabbing the ball. "New comer serves first." 

He tossed me the ball and I smiled as I took my position. 

"You sure about this?" I asked. I held the ball out with my left hand. 

"Totally." He replied. 

"Alright." I said. I tossed the ball into the air and volleyed it with my right hand, sending it soaring over the net. Liz ran over, smacking it back to us. 

"Elsa!" I shouted. She ran up on the net and bumped it back over. It went flying to Robbie, who spiked it back. 

"I got it!" I shouted, running up to the center and bumping it as I dove. I landed face first in the sand. 

"Point!" Else shouted before helping me up. 

"Well shit." Liz said. 

I ginned up at them. "I played on a team in middle school. It's been awhile, I think the last time I played was in 2014." 

"Hold out." Liz replied with a smile. I wish she wouldn't smile at me like that. "It's good though, keep the surprises coming." 

Robbie served the ball back over to us, Elsa was right under it, bumped it to me, and I sent it flying back over, earning us another point. By the time Tom and Chris gave up surfing, Elsa and I were ahead seven to two. 

"Tom, she's ruthless." Liz said. Tom chuckled. 

"One reason why I love her." He replied. "Why don't we break open the cooler? I'm famished and I can hear Elsa's food calling my name." 

After lunch, Tom and I walked off on our own and plopped ourselves in the surf. I was wedged between his legs and he had his arms wrapped around me. He kissed my neck.

"I love you." He whispered. I turned my head to kiss him. 

"I love you, too." I replied. 

"You feel so good in my arms." He whispered in my ear. 

"It feels good being here." I said, leaning back. "Best part is, I get to stay here for a while." 

"Mmhm. No more living apart." He muttered. 

"Except when you're off working." I said. 

"But you'll be coming to visit me." He nibbled on my ear lobe.