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

had so many questions, asking me my favorite color, ice-cream flavor, flowers. We both realized we had made it clear down to the end of Ocean City. Our eyes met, and we both started laughing. We decided to walk up to the streets and grab a slice of pizza and a soda. We found some cute little table tucked in the back at Three Brothers. I slid into the booth and he sat across from me, our eyes meeting now and then.
    "Can I ask you something?"
    "Anything,” he replied.
    "Why did you want to walk me home tonight?” I asked, feeling a bit sheepish, taking another sip of my soda.
    He grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers. “I'm not really sure. This is kind of a new feeling for me. I saw you the other day and I don't know, there was just something about you. I just had to find out who you were,” he confessed.
    With his hand still holding mine, I asked, “Why? What so special about me? There are at least forty girls at Clancy's, not to mention hundreds down the shore. Why me ?” I insisted on knowing the answer.
    "Like I said, Abigail, I'm not really sure. You have something special, a charm about you. Something I'm willing to figure out. It's hard to find someone who isn't quite of aware of herself and the beauty she carries with her, y'know?” he confided.
    I chuckled, letting go of his hand, not sure what to say. “Are you going to insist on calling me Abigail the rest of the summer?"
    "It fits you, but if you really prefer Abby, fine.” He rolled his eyes. “I'll try, but no promises."
    I wanted to get back on track. How could he possibly think I have some kind of charm, as he put it?
    "We barely know each other. Why do you think I have a charm, as you so gracefully put it?” I asked.
    "I've been watching you,” he said. “Trust me, there's something there, an innocence about you.” He leaned closer to the table and whispered, “You're beautiful."
    I hid my face behind my hair and glanced up at him. I was embarrassed. If my heart weren't beating out of my chest right this minute, I would think I had died and gone to heaven.
    We started our walk back home.
    I knew where this was going. I didn't want to stop it, and I didn't want to hurt his feelings or mine, for that matter. My heart said ‘go for it,’ and also, ‘no.’ Even if Nick and I were nothing, I didn't think I could handle Colin. Sure, he was sweet, but I was also sure he'd want exactly what Nick wanted from me.
    "I'm already seeing somebody,” I was unsure why I told him this. “I think you're really nice...but like I said, I'm involved."
    He grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer to him. My breath hitched, but I kept talking anyway.
    "Friends?” I asked.
    He chuckled. “Friends. Friends are fine for now. We have all summer, Abigail, there's no need to rush this.” He cocked his eyebrows, then added. “Besides, it might be more fun this way."
    He walked me up to my front door, kissed me on the cheek and turned away, “See ya tomorrow, then."
    I noticed a shadow in the corner of my eye walking toward me. Nick had been watching.
    "Who was that?” Nick asked.
    "Just a friend from work. Why?"
    "Didn't look like just a friend.” I read the jealousy on his face.
    "Nick,” I grabbed his arm “You and I went on one date. He really is just a friend,” I reminded him.
    "You're naive, Abby, if you think that's all he wants. Tell him to keep his hands off. I don't like him messing with my girl.” He leaned over and kissed my lips.
    "Your girl?” I asked with confusion in my voice.
    "Of course. Can I come in?” he asked as he opened the door.
    "Sure,” I shrugged. On one hand, I was excited that he'd call me his girl, but on the other hand, I wasn't so sure he was exactly what I was looking for.
    He sat on the couch channel surfing. I wanted to confront him about the voices I had heard coming from the deck last night, but something told me not to.
    "I'll be right back. I just want to change out of my work clothes.” I bounced out of the