Filed To Story: The Perfect Spiral Book PDF Free by Ashley Constantine
Suddenly, I feel two arms wrap around me from behind, the body pressed against my back providing warmth.
A light peck on my shoulder blade makes me glance over my shoulder at the friendly giant shielding me from the cold. He’s gazing at the setting sun.
There are still people around on the beach, making his move quite bold.
He rests his chin lightly on my head, his hands gently stroking my arms. We both watch people on jet skis out on the water in front of us.
His hands trail down to mine and he takes them in his, resting them against my body. It’s then when it
His hands trail down to mine and he takes them in his, resting them against my body. It’s then when it all hits me. Square in the face.
I like him.
I like Knox Carter.
But if he likes me. I’d be his second choice. He likes someone else. Someone who isn’t me.
I can’t go back to being someone’s second choice.
???
The morning was still fresh at eight o’clock, and I found myself out on the sea with Ben. We had risen early, eager to catch the first waves of the day.
We were now lounging on our boards, letting the rhythm of the ocean lift us gently up and down. The beach was still deserted, our family yet to stir from their slumber.
But they’d be up soon. My mom, in particular, would probably be in a state of mild panic, wondering where I’d disappeared to. She had a tendency to worry, especially when it came to her children.
“I saw you out here last night with Carter,” Ben’s voice broke the silence, his words aimed at the sky. “You two looked pretty cozy.” His head dropped to meet my gaze, his smile fading when he realized I wasn’t returning it.
I was lost in my own thoughts, not entirely present.
“Alex? You alright?” Ben’s concern was palpable as he paddled over to me. He positioned himself directly in front of me, his head tilting slightly as he followed my gaze down to his board.
“Sweet cheeks, what’s wrong?” His hand found the back of my head, pulling me towards him. His lips brushed my forehead in a comforting kiss, his voice a soft whisper against my skin. “You can talk to me about anything, Alex.”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired today. I’m in my own little world,” I managed to force a smile, though I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. I avoided his gaze, those captivating blue-green eyes that reminded me of the ocean.
“Don’t shut me out, Alex. I know when you’re lying to me,” he murmured, his lips still against my skin. He had a knack for comforting me. I finally met his gaze, offering him a genuine smile.
“I feel like you’re my soulmate, Ben,” I confessed, a chuckle escaping my lips.
I did feel that way, not in a romantic sense, but in the way we just clicked. It had been a bit scary at first, but I found myself drawn to him. We had an instant connection, and we hadn’t looked back since.
“I’m one of your two soulmates, sweet cheeks, and you’re one of mine,” he grinned down at me.
“But you have another one,” I retorted, rolling my eyes. In response, he pushed me off my board, and I was suddenly submerged in the cool ocean. I resurfaced, splashing him in retaliation.
“What was that for?” I squealed, laughter bubbling up from within me. I brushed my hair out of my face, the wet strands sticking to my skin. I probably looked like a sea monster emerging from the depths.
“You went all sappy on me, Thompson,” he smirked, echoing my words from our previous night out. I clambered back onto his board, my own board floating nearby, and scooted back towards him.
I could really use one of his comforting hugs right now. His arms wrapped around my shoulders from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.
“I really like Hannah,” he confessed, his words muflled against my shoulder. I couldn’t help but smile at his admission. I ran my hand over his arm that was wrapped around me, pressing a kiss to it.
“I’m glad, honey. She can’t stop talking about you.”
“Really? She’s so beautiful, Alex. Every time she talks, I get so lost in her words that I zone out and just stare at her. I thought I’d creeped her out a few times by now,” his chuckle vibrated against my back, making me giggle.
You could tell he was smitten by the way he looked at her when she was around.
“She said the same thing to me last night when she slept over. I haven’t seen her this smitten with anyone. She usually picks really shitty guys who treat her like crap.
But I know you won’t be like that. I’m glad you two found each other. You both deserve the best. Even if it’s not with each other.”
“I’d like to take her out before I leave, to spend some alone time with her, just the two of us without any interruptions. Any recommendations? You are her best friend after all!”
“Aww, Ben, that’s adorable! Who knew you’d be such a romantic. She’s an active girl, loves sports, she’s not one for just going out for a meal to a fancy restaurant. How romantic are we talking?”
“As romantic as possible. I want to woo her.”
I laughed out loud, shaking my head as I nestled into him.
“Well, I strongly recommend going hiking and having a meal up there. If you want, I know a guy who can set it all up for you. Do it at sunset, there’s a specific spot for it and it’s one of her favorite places.”
“Oh yeah? That would be perfect, sweet cheeks. You’re the real MVP, not Carter!”
“Don’t mention him, you ruined the romantic effect. But yeah, I can direct you to the place and the guy will have it all set up, plus he’ll give me a deal. He owes me a favor so it won’t be too expensive.”
“Money doesn’t matter to me. Just as long as it’s perfect.”
“I’ll call him the moment you ask her out and she says yes!”
“How do you know she’ll say yes?”
“Trust me, I’m her best friend. She will.” I kissed his arm once more, feeling his smile against my shoulder as he returned the gesture.
I know it looks like we’re a couple, but honestly, we’re not. There’s nothing more than friendship between us. Neither one of us has tried to make a move, it’s just too weird.
“Come on, I could use some food right now. Plus, the waves are dying out.” I agreed with him and jumped back on my board, paddling to keep up with him as we made our way back to shore.
After drying off a bit, he gave me a piggyback ride to the house. We stowed our boards in the shed and headed into the kitchen, me still clinging to him.
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.