My Brother's Bad Boy Best Friend

"Jazz!"  Hannah screamed, throwing herself at me and wrapping her legs around my waist.  

I stumbled and fell on my butt in the soft beach sand, laughing and pushing Hannah off of me.  "Cut it out, you fatty.  You're going to make my swim suit fall off!"  

"Now that," the voice above us said, "would be something I wouldn't mind seeing."  

I stilled beneath Hannah and tilted my head back, squinting against the sun until Carson's face came into view, grinning down at me and Hannah.  

"Get off," I whispered frantically to Hannah, swatting her away from me.  

Hannah scrambled to her fit and I jumped up next to her.  My heart was beating rapidly in my chest and I couldn't wipe the huge smile off my face.  I probably looked like a completely idiot.  

Carson raised an amused eye brow and scratched the back of his head, chuckling.  My eyes immediately zeroed in on his bicep.  Trailed down to his chest, to his stomach . . . sweet baby Jesus, this boy was fine. 

"I'm gonna do build a sand castle or something.  You to have fun.  Play it safe.  I have condoms in my bag," Hannah said, cackling madly and running off when I went to slap her on the arm.  

Carson laughed.  "Your friend sure is . . . different."  

I rolled my eyes and faced him again, surprised by how close he suddenly was.  I took a small step backwards and laughed nervously.  "You have no idea."  

"So, Jazz," Carson smiled at me.  

I raised an eye brow.  "Yes Carson?"

Carson smiled shyly and looked down, chuckling nervously.  "Do you wanna go out for a swim or something?"  

I smiled, finding it cute  that he was so nervous.  I would have thought he'd be confident and arrogant.  "I would actually really love that," I said, stepping out of my shorts and pulling off my tank top, leaving me in only my bikini.  

Carson beamed at me, reaching out and taking my hand.  His was cold and smooth.  I found myself remembering the way Asher's fingers had felt on me.  Warm and rough and calloused and absolutely delicious.  

I mentally shook myself and blushed, looking at Carson.  This was not the time or place to be thinking about that.  It - whatever it was - is over with Asher.  I didn't need him and I should've never started that game with him.  

I gasped when I felt the cold salt water touch my toes, making them curl into the soft sand.  I made an appriciative sound.  "It feels so nice," I said, smiling at Carson.  

He grinned and began walking farther out, still pulling me out.  I shuddered against the cold water when a wave splashed against my waist and turned, sheilding my body from the freezing water.  

Carson wrapped his arms quickly around me, his hands slippery against the bare skin of my waist and back.  I gasped again, freezing in surprise.  

Before I could push away though, Carson released me, smiling sheepishly.  "Sorry, I saw that wave coming.  I thought it might've pulled you under or something."  

"Oh," I said with a shaky smile.  I didn't know why I suddenly got so nervous.  

"Hey, do you wanna go and lay out for a little bit?  It's getting kinda cold," I said.  

Carson grinned.  "I don't mind at all."  His eyes were hooded as he followed me back to shore.  I could feel them on my back.  

I walked quickly up to the blanket, widening my eyes at Hannah who's brow furrowed.   

I laid my towel down a little ways away from Hannah since she was under the umbrella.  I wanted some sun.  

Carson came and laid down next to me, giving me an unsure smile.  I felt my belly fill with butterflies.  I coudln't tell if they were good or bad but either way I just grinned back at him and nodded.  

"So Jazz, how's everything going?  How was Paris?"  

"Everything's great.  I'm glad to be back home," I said, laying back on the towel and closing my eyes.

"That's good.  I mean, I know we didn't really talk much before you left Jazz . . . but I'm really glad you're back, too."   Carson's voice was closer now.  I froze, not sure what to do.  

"I like you, Jazz."