God, last night had been a huge mistake. She would have been just fine living with him, even while having a slight crush on him, if only she hadn’t found out how amazing of a kisser he was, if only she hadn’t felt so safe in his arms, if only she hadn’t seen the passion and care in his eyes. Now she was never gonna be able to get over him. This little infatuation had graduated from a high school “Yeah, I think he’s cute” to an all-out adult “Wow, I think I’m in love with him.” She was surprised to realize that she hadn’t even felt this way about Brad. She smirked bitterly. ‘Not that he was worth feeling that way about,’ her mind screamed. Anyway, she said no to the guy she could very well be in love with, and she couldn’t believe it.
She felt terrible. Something told her Nick hadn’t wanted that response from her. Something told her Nick wanted something more than friendship. Still, she wasn’t about to lead him on and pretend she felt the same way. Well, she did feel the same way, or at least, that’s what she thought. She wasn’t entirely sure. “Wait, how can I not be entirely sure?” she muttered to herself. “It really shouldn’t be that difficult.” She either liked him or she didn’t…either loved him or she didn’t. There was no in between. It was a simple yes or no question.
God, why was life so confusing? Maybe it would be easier if she were just a cold heartless bitch like Nick had originally thought. Then she wouldn’t care if she was hurting him or not. Plus, if she were heartless, she couldn’t get hurt, herself. Nothing would make a difference to her. She would have no emotions, and life would be a lot easier.
She stared down at the white sand and kept walking. Suddenly, someone smacked into her, knocking them both to the ground. Before she saw who it was, a deep voice apologized frantically. “Oh, gosh, are you all right, miss? I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, I’m fine. I’m sorry. I’m so clumsy.” She looked up and locked eyes with a guy in jogging clothes who looked to be a few years older than her. He had short dark brown hair and brown eyes, and he was tall and built. Wow, very sexy!
When he noticed her staring at him, he quickly spoke up. “I’m Jesse.” Then he stood up and brushed the sand off himself.
He offered his hand to help her up, and she took it and smiled while she searched for her voice. “I – I’m Michelle,” she stammered. “It’s nice to meet you, Jesse.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too.” He paused. “I apologize again. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. No other joggers usually come onto this beach.”
“No, it’s no problem. No harm done. Actually, I’m not a jogger. I’m an artist,” she stated.
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, sort of. Not a very good one, but I draw and paint. I was hoping the beach would give me some inspiration, but I can’t really concentrate on anything today.”
“Don’t worry. We all have those days.” He hesitated. “Would you like to maybe go get some coffee or something? There’s a little place right down the road.”
She grinned. “Absolutely.”