Shaken Not Stirred (Mixology) Read Online Free PDF Page B

towel.
    Both Macon and Brody smiled.
    “What?”
    “Did you really think I stole the boat?”
    “Wait? Did you ask in advance?”
    Macon cracked up. “Of course. I’m not a
complete idiot.”
    “Then why did you let me think you didn’t?” I
took a seat as Macon pulled up the anchor.
    “It enhanced the bonding experience. You
thought you were breaking the law with us.”
    “You’re lucky I’m still on an adrenaline
high.”
    “Oh yeah? What would you have done to
me?”
    “You don’t want to know.”
    They both laughed.
    Macon started the engine, and we headed back
to the marina. I wrapped the towel tighter around me as the wind
picked up. “What’s the off-season like? Is it going to be
different?”
    “It’s quiet…kind of boring, but then again,
you don’t have to deal with tourists.” Macon gazed up at the clear
sky.
    “Max said he’ll give me some shifts, but it’s
not going to be as many.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Free
time wasn’t exactly something I needed, and less money didn’t sound
appealing.
    “If you’re worried about rent, don’t.”
    “Thanks, but I should make it.”
    “I’m just saying I don’t care.”
    “Oh yeah? I don’t have to pay rent anymore?”
I looked out at the water.
    “You have to pay rent if you can. I’m not
going to throw you out though.”
    “Good to know I won’t have to turn to the
streets.” I bit back a smile.
    “I’m glad you’re sticking around.” Brody
patted my arm.
    “Yeah? Me too. I don’t know what I’d do
otherwise.”
    “When are you going to tell your parents?”
Macon leaned back.
    “And you had to go and ruin the bonding.” I
sighed dramatically. I had no desire to talk to my parents, let
alone to tell them I was extending my time at the beach. All they’d
do was nag me about reapplying to med school.
    “You have to tell them eventually.”
    “Eventually is later. Not tonight.” I’d been
saying that same thing for weeks, every time I let their calls go
to voicemail. I couldn’t deal with them.
    “Yes. There’s always room for later.” Macon
maneuvered the boat back into its spot. I couldn’t believe I was
gullible enough to fall for their stolen boat trick, but I had to
admit it was a pretty good joke.
    “It looks like we weren’t the only ones out
this late.” Brody nodded toward a boat docking two down from
ours.
    “Not surprising.” I opted to wear the towel
home around my waist and scooped up my clothes.
    “Oh look, it’s Maddy’s little friend.” Macon
unloaded the empty tanks and quickly soaked the gear in fresh
water.
    I hopped off the boat and regretted it
instantly. I stopped short in front of Lyle. “Hi.”
    “Hi.” He looked at me, then behind me. I
didn’t need to turn around to know both Macon and Brody had come
off the boat already.
    “Beautiful night.” Lyle ran a hand through
his hair, his eyes still on my face.
    “It is.”
    “Did you guys go for a swim?” He gestured to
my windblown, wet hair. I’m sure I looked fantastic.
    “A dive.”
    “Oh, cool.”
    “We thought it was time Maddy lost her night
dive virginity.” Macon put an arm around my shoulder. I shrugged it
off. I didn’t need him playing games.
    “Cool. I’ve never done it either.”
    “Cool.” We’d officially gone way beyond our
three-word conversations. Things were looking up.
    “See ya at the Grille next week.” He half
waved before walking off.
    “Get an ounce of drool in my car, and you’re
getting it cleaned.” Macon went around to the trunk and dumped some
empty tanks in.
    “Very funny.” I got in, noticing that Brody
was giving me the front seat again.
    Macon started the engine. “Come on, Maddy.
Why do you get so tongue-tied around the guy? There’s nothing
special about him.”
    “Do I question you on the girls you
like?”
    “Yes, but that’s beside the point. I don’t
like him. Did you see how he acted tonight?”
    “How he acted? He finally acknowledged me for
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