Old Enough to Love... (Just One of the Guys) (52 page)

             
The screen of my phone indicated no new messages. I decided to dial. It rang four times then went to voice mail. Crap. I looked back at the fire as my heart plummeted into my stomach. I had to do something….so I slid on my shoes and headed toward the flames.

              Grant and Ryan were lying back in their beach chairs.

             
“Hey guys.”

             
“Oh. She came out to play again,” Grant teased.

             
I shot him a squinty eyed look.

             
“Yeah. Well, if you can’t play nice then go back inside,” Ryan said still bitter.

             
“Whatever. You’re the one who wasn’t playing nice.”

             
He held his palm up dismissing me. Grant grinned and I sat at the bottom of his chair. The fire felt good. The waves wrestled in the distance and I closed my eyes and listened.

             
“Mind if I join you?” the voice was deep.

             
We all looked in the same direction. A bulky short guy in an Oklahoma Sooners sweatshirt was across from Ryan.

             
“Sure.” Ryan said. “Where you from?”

             
“Oklahoma. My family’s here for a wedding tomorrow.”

             
“The Sooners. Do you play football?”

             
It was a stupid question for Ryan to ask. I pictured him as more of a…tennis player.

             
“Not really.”

             
“How long you staying?” Grant asked.

             
“Two nights. I’m Dexter.”

             
The poor guy was not attractive.

             
“Well, Dexter. I’m Ryan, this is Grant and that’s Emma. If you’re around tomorrow, come down and throw the ball around with us. We can always use an extra pair of hands.”

             
“Thanks. Sounds good.” He looked at me and winked giving me the heebeejeebies. 

             
Grant leaned up and kissed my cheek. “She’s mine, Dex.”

             
I slapped his shoulder. “He’s lying Dexter. I am not his.” I started to get up when his arms wrapped around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest.

             
“Oh Sugar Baby. Do we have to play this sex game again tonight? I get so tired of it.”

             
Ryan laughed and so did Dexter. I rammed my elbow into Grant’s ribs.

             
Dexter waved. “I need to go. Maybe I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

             
I shoved away from Grant’s hold. “I’ll walk you up Dexter,” I added.

             
He glanced at Grant who shot me an evil look. I smiled.

             
“Uh, OK.” Dexter stuttered as I moved to his side.

             
“Which way you headed?” I asked.

             
He pointed north.

             
“Me, too.” I wasn’t going north but out of the corner of my eye, Grant was shaking his head.

             
“Emma,” Grant gritted and I ignored him.

             
“Come on, Dexter.”

             
Dexter’s eyes roamed over Ryan then finding Grant who was scowling.

             
We headed northward.

             
“Hey, Dex,” Grant sang. “If she’s not back here within five minutes, we will hunt you down,” Grant threatened.

             
Dexter threw his arms in the air. “Look, man. I don’t want her coming with me. She can stay here. I’m not here to cause a problem.”

             
“It’s OK,” I said. “Just ignore him.”

             
“No. I can’t go to this wedding tomorrow with a black eye. Just leave me alone.”  He held his hands up like I was the enemy and he was surrendering.

             
I jetted around and kicked sand at Grant. “You’re a jackass.”

             
He grinned.

             
Ryan was smiling. “Revenge sucks, Runt.”

             
I clenched my fists and stormed toward our house. I hated Grant and poor Dexter was running north.

              When I reached the house, shaking from anger…or maybe the cold, I phoned Zach from my deck. It rang twice.

             
“Hey, baby,” he said excitedly.

I smiled though I heard music in the background. “How’s it
goin?” I asked my hands still trembling.

             
“Fine. You sound upset.” It was more of a question as the music faded.

             
My head was hurting. “You still at the beach?” I rubbed my forehead.

             
“We are. I think Josh, Brett and I are going to get a room. Crash here then drive back tomorrow.”

             
“Great. Have fun,” I said sourly.

             
I heard his breath on the other end. “Em. I’ll drive home tonight. It was just a thought and if it upsets you then it isn’t worth it.”

             
I squeezed my eyes tightly shut disappointed I was being a bitch for no good reason. I didn’t deserve his patience. “Zach. I’m sorry. I’m pissed at Grant. Are the girls there?”

             
“By the girls…I’m guessing you’re referring to Estelle, Clair and Jaycee?” He seemed annoyed.

             
“Forget it.” I was sorry I asked.

             
“You don’t know how bad I wish I was there to hold you right now. Make you understand there is nothing to worry about.” He sighed. “What did Grant pull this time?”

             
I wished he was here too and I couldn’t very well admit to trying to walk some dwarfy dweeb home. No one would ever understand my relationship with Grant. The incident on the ski slope this year gave Zach a peek into the competition between us. That got me in enough trouble so I certainly wouldn’t offer up this story. “Oh. Just Grant being Grant.”

             
“Be careful, Em. Don’t let him pull you in,” Zach’s tone was soft and caring. I needed him…wanted him. I stared out at Grant and Ryan by their fire.

             
“I’m not. I better go. Have fun tonight,” I said not wanting to hang up.

             
“Do you want me to text you when we get in?”

             
“Sure. If I don’t text back then I’m asleep. Love you.”

             
“And I love you. Sleep tight.”

             
I disconnected the call, looked out at the fire, went inside and fell on my bed. I hated summer.