On the Rocks by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page B

toward the beach. The sun was out, and the heat beating down on us was enough to make me reconsider my decision. “Remember that you promised to go slow.”
    Maddy smiled and kept to the jog. “Let me know if I get too fast for you.”
    “Don’t worry, you’ll notice when I fall back.”
    She glanced at me. “You don’t look out of shape.”
    “I’m not exactly, but I don’t do this often.”
    “Are you more a gym person then?” She picked up her pace slightly. I could tell she was trying to talk to me so I didn’t notice.
    “Usually.”
    “You should see if Macon will take you to his. He gets lots of buddy passes. I haven’t bugged him to use one in a while.”
    “Oh, cool.” If I was going to spend my time in a beach town I was probably going to have to make sure I kept working out. I didn’t spend my life worrying about how I looked, but I think most girls have doubts when they put on a bikini.
    A mile in I decided I was done for the time being. I could just picture Maddy calling Colin to visit me in the hospital for heat stroke. “I’ll meet you back at the house.”
    “Ok, I’ll see you in a little bit.” She waved before continuing down the beach. If she minded that I was turning back, she didn’t show it.
    I sighed with relief and walked down to the water. The waves were gentle that morning, creating a slow and steady rhythm as they made contact with the sand. I closed my eyes, taking in the relaxing sound.
    “Doing some morning meditation?” A very familiar and sexy voice asked.
    My eyes flew open. “Hey, Macon.”
    “So? Were you meditating?” He stared at me with an intensity that unsettled me.
    “Nope, just relaxing.” I wasn’t relaxed at the moment. He was shirtless and wearing only a pair of shorts and running shoes. I’d seen him in less when we were in the ocean, but it was hard to turn away.
    “Cool. I’m just out for a run. Care to join me?”
    “You too? What is it with you people and running?”
    He laughed. “Uh, am I supposed to answer that?”
    I shook my head. “No. I just went on a mini run with Maddy when she insisted. I’m just not the runner type.”
    He looked me up and down. “Whatever exercise routine you do is working.”
    I could feel the blood rushing to my face. “Thanks.”
    “So any news on the moving front?”
    “I think it’s a go. Maddy seems on board.”
    “Awesome. Let me know when you’re ready. I can help you move your stuff if you want.”
    I redid my pony tail so my hair was further off my neck. “How much stuff do you think I have to move? I’ve only been at Colin’s a few days.”
    He shrugged. “I had to offer.”
    “I’m going by the Grille tonight with Maddy to see if I can get a job.” I’m not sure why I decided to tell Macon, maybe because it was his idea to start with.
    “Good luck with that.” He turned to leave. “Maybe I’ll catch you there.”
    “Oh. Cool. Enjoy your run.”
    “Enjoy your meditating—or that’s right, relaxing.” He waved before running off.
    “Thanks,” I mumbled knowing he couldn’t hear me. I watched his retreating figure. I needed to snap out of it. I wasn’t allowed to crush on a roommate. He had made his feelings clear, and the last thing I needed was more drama in my life.
    ***
    I double checked my outfit choice one more time. I figured you could never go wrong with a simple black skirt and blouse, but I didn’t want to emphasize just how inexperienced I was when it came to job interviews. My resume was sadly short. One summer working at The Gap and tons of babysitting rounded it out. Unfortunately, work experience wasn’t something I had a lot of.
    I waited by the front door for Maddy. A minute later she walked down the stairs two at a time. She was dressed in a black skirt and black Surfside Grille t-shirt. “Sorry.”
    “That’s fine, I haven’t been waiting long.”
    “I assume you want to drive over.” Maddy had finally gone home to get her car from her parents’