Read Online Down the Shore by Kelly Mooney - Free Book Online

outside and wondered if he would be waiting for me.
    I opened the door, and the heat took my breath away. I looked over in Colin's direction. He was still working. While he worked, he flirted with the blonde girl I had seen him with earlier. I ignored them and kept walking. I sat on the bench peering out into the ocean, pulling out my iPod and placing the earphones gently into my ears. The mist blew up and onto the boards and the seagulls fussed over a funnel cake they had just stolen from a little girl. I could hear her loud cries as she tried to talk between breaths. I stood to help her, but her mother had already gotten to her.
    I sat back down, twisting my body to look back at Colin. I didn't quite know what to make of Colin Murphy. Why did he want to walk me home? As I let different thoughts swirl in my head, they flashed back to Nick. What would he think if he saw me with Colin—would he be jealous? After several minutes lost in thought, I lifted my eyes back and glanced toward the restaurant. Colin strolled toward me, coming closer and closer, his hands jammed in his front pockets. My heart raced louder as he approached me. My heart pounded so fast I was sure everyone that came within a five foot perimeter of me would hear it. I fumbled with my iPod and tried to turn the music off.
    "Abigail, ‘bout ready for that walk, then?” he asked, his soft eyes appraising me.
    "It's Abby, and do you mind waiting for Makenna?” I wasn't sure how much longer she would be.
    He looked back at the restaurant. “Actually, she's busy, love. She's going for a walk with a friend of mine,” he assured me. “Don't worry, Liam's a good lad."
    I gazed into his chocolate eyes and sensed he was excited about our walk as he smiled at me.
    "You're not afraid to be alone with me, are you?” he asked playfully.
    "Of course not.” I tried to put some conviction in my voice. I turned, glancing back to the restaurant looking for Makenna. I saw her conversing with his friend and she caught my eye. She waved to me and smiled, giving Colin a quick grin. He followed with a quick step.
    Deep down, I was nervous as hell. I knew my inexperienced heart could fall for him, fall fast and fall hard. He was the kind of guy every girl wanted with his good looks, his charm, and of course, his Irish accent. I also knew I couldn't let that happen. He would disappear in a few months, never to be seen again. I knew my heart wouldn't be able to take that one.
    "Do you mind if we walk on the beach?” I asked.
    He gestured me toward the stairs. I kicked my shoes off, casually carrying them in one hand. The sand warmed the soles of my feet; the sun felt hot on my face. Beads of sweat started to find their way to the back of my neck. We walked side by side slowly, talking about everything. He had so many questions, and they never stopped coming. I attempted to ask him about his life in Ireland, his family, but somehow, the conversation always seemed to lead back to me.
    "How old are you?” he asked.
    "I'm eighteen, just last month,” so happy I could point that out.
    "Hmmm,” he murmured.
    "How about you?"
    "Ah, a little older love. Twenty.” He grinned, his eyes piercing right through me.
    I loved the way he spoke, the way he called me ‘love.’ His accent was just as mesmerizing as his face. He stopped to point out some dogs running through the water, playfully catching Frisbees. “Look at that. How free, huh?” After a pause, he asked, “What kind of things do you like to do?"
    "I like a lot of things, especially swimming at night,” I answered. I didn't understand why I told him that.
    "You're not afraid to swim in the dark?” He sounded surprised.
    "Not at all. My dad and I always go out at night. The moon lights up the water. It's perfect.” He was staring at me intently.
    "Well, that's good to know, in case you ever need rescuing."
    Time flew by. I looked down at my watch. We had been walking for nearly two hours, talking about everything. He