Noah looked at Dominic. “Tell Josie I’ll pick her up in an hour.”
And remember you asked for this.
JOSIE SLIPPED OFF her sneakers and sank her toes in the sand. Sandals would have been a better choice, but Dominic hadn’t given her much time to get ready. He’d stormed into the house, told her she was going to the coast for the afternoon, and if she tried to stay he’d tell Dad not to let her go to the party. She’d run to change out of her sweats and into jean shorts, a V-neck T-shirt, and the first shoes she could find.
“I’ve always loved the feel of sand between my toes,” Noah’s grandmother said as she settled into the beach chair he’d set out for her. “Noah thinks I come for the chowder, but I just like to hear the sound of the ocean and feel the sand between my toes.”
“You’ve got it wrong, Gran.” Noah lowered to one knee beside his grandmother’s feet. He gently lifted one foot and slipped off her orthopedic shoe and then the other. “I drive out here for the chowder. The ocean and the company are a bonus.”
His grandmother laughed, then leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Why don’t you two take a walk, enjoy the beach, while I rest and listen to the waves?”
Noah stood. “We’ll be nearby.”
“Don’t stay too close,” she muttered to her grandson, eyes still closed. “I’m serious about my nap.”
“I know,” Noah said, shaking his head. “I know.”
Leaving her shoes near the beach chair, Josie headed for the packed sand by the water. The tides were out and the beach was quiet for a Friday afternoon. Noah moved to her side and easily matched her pace.
“I should probably thank you for breaking Travis’s nose, but—”
“You’re welcome.”
She glanced up from the sand and caught him smiling. “But, I wish I’d been able to do it myself.”
“I like playing the hero, Josie,” he said, placing a hand on her elbow and guiding her up the beach, away from the wave rushing in.
So much for low tide and taking care of myself.
“Is that why you’re joining the marines?” she asked.
“No.” He stopped and turned to look out at the ocean.
“Then why go? I know Dominic has been thinking about it for a while. Have you?”
He glanced in his grandmother’s direction. “We’re out of earshot. Want to sit down?”
No, she didn’t want sand in her shorts. But she wasn’t going to pass up a chance to sit next to Noah and stare out at the waves. What were the odds she’d ever find herself alone with him again in a place like this? It was like a scene in a romantic movie—except for the sleeping grandmother.
She settled onto the ground, burying her toes in the sand again. Her arms wrapped around her legs.
“With the marines, I’ll get a guaranteed paycheck and benefits,” he said, lowering onto the beach beside her.
“You could find that here. I mean, you have a job at your dad’s bar.”
“Big Buck’s Country Bar isn’t making enough to support three people,” he said. “It might turn around now that I’ve convinced my dad to take out the mechanical bull. But a new sound system would help. Some DJs. A bigger dance floor.”
“Wait, you took out the bull? I never had a chance to ride it.”
“It’s in my barn if you want to try it out,” he said with a laugh. “Dad set it up as if people might come out and visit the damn thing.”
“They might.” I might if you’ll watch me ride it.
But she wasn’t exactly cowgirl material. She’d never owned farm animals. Still, she had the boots in her closet . . .
“They’re welcome to the bull as long as it stays in the barn.” He looked down at the sand. “I’m planning to send home as much of my paycheck as I can spare. That should help with my grandmother’s expenses and cover the new sound system.”
“That’s sweet,” she murmured.