Overcoming Fear (Growing Pains #2)(49)

“Isn’t this stuff better left in the garage?” she asked, surveying all the gear as her eyes got accustomed to the light.

“Then where would my car go?”

He was right--being this close to the beach meant a constant influx of sand in everything. His car would be dirty 24/7, an unthinkable thing in Sean’s opinion.

He led her by the h*ps to stairs that would take them to the rest of the party. They could feel the warmth of the house and hear a small group of people collected in his living room. Before Krista could put her foot on the stair to go up, she was being turned around.

Sean’s eyes were deep, green pools. It was like a lagoon with refracted light on top.

“I wanted to see your face in the light for one last kiss,” he whispered as he bent down to connect his lips with hers.

His lips were sure and sensual, moving with purpose and intent. Krista could feel his ardor rise, but also the sensitivity in the way he gently held her face and playfully flicked his tongue. Lovemaking with him would be truly spectacular. Krista was a sodden mess in her under-roos, wanting to be touched hard and fervently. She moaned without realizing it and pushed him away harshly.

“You’re teasing me,” she said, panting.

He kissed her cheek. Then her lips ever so lightly.

“C’mon. Everyone is probably wondering where I am,” he whispered.

“Boo!” Krista said petulantly, wanting to go straight to his bedroom. She desperately hoped there would be time later to finish up.

Sean chuckled and gave her butt a tap as she walked in front of him, “Mush, little doggie. Mush.”

She giggled like a chick and let him guide her with his hands on her h*ps up the stairs. They passed through a decorated hallway and came to the living room.

“Sean, Krista! C’mon in and have some wine. Red or white?” Mary exclaimed as she ushered them in. She was ever the model hostess, even if it wasn’t her house.

“Red,” they said in unison.

Krista smiled at Sean, who put his arm around the small of her back and winked. Mary laughed and rushed to get them drinks.

“What took you two so long?” Ray asked with a deeper meaning evident.

“It is a maze out there,” Sean said with a laugh. Ray nodded knowingly.

Cassie was talking to Keith, but broke away when she saw Sean and Krista were settled with glasses. “Krista, so how did you like the play?”

Krista decided quickly that white lies didn’t count as lying. “Oh, it was really great! I really liked it. And Sean, of course, was sensational.”

Mary and Ray smiled, totally believing her. Cassie looked at her with a twinkle that said she didn’t agree, Keith was looking at the TV, which wasn’t on, and Sean was studying her intently with a laugh behind his eyes.

“I call bullshit,” Sean said, letting the laughter bubble over. “And now tell us what you really thought.”

Krista’s face turned red immediately. “Okay, well, honestly, it was a bit weird for my taste.”

“I knew it!” Sean said as he laughed loudly. Ray joined him.

“But, right? It was weird, right?” she asked Cassie.

Cassie’s smile was giant, “Weird is right. I am starting to think that everything in that part of the city is a little off.”

“Unfair,” Krista exclaimed. “You just haven’t done the Mission properly. Well, truth, yes, it is a bit off, but that’s what makes it fun! Are you around tomorrow? I will take you for a tour of the great places that that part of the city has to offer.”

“I think I am too scared.” Cassie laughed, throwing up her hands.

“No, seriously. No whips, no heroin, and I’ll try to keep us as far as from the crack-heads and crazy bums as possible. There are some truly great eating spots, and some bars that are fantastic. It is the young, hipster part of town.”

“I thought North Beach was the young spot,” Sean said.

“North Beach is the young spot for fraternity types. Super fun, but hard to get to and often sporting a bunch of douche guys. Marina is for yuppie boys who all dress the same. Mission is for bartender types that just want to have fun and not spend a fortune to do so.”

“And Castro?” This from a mid-level voice across the room.

“Keith, so glad you could join us,” Krista said sarcastically. Everyone laughed, including Cassie. Keith did not find it hilarious. “Castro is ruled by the g*y men. Very fun, of course. Great dancing and you don’t usually get hit on. Well, I don’t. Keith, you would probably get hit on constantly. Maybe even a butt pinch.”

Keith scowled and looked back at the TV. Which still wasn’t on.

“Well, I am here the whole weekend and Sean has to do that play tomorrow, so if you’re up for it, I’ll head to the Mission with you,” Cassie said good-naturedly.

“What about me?” Keith whined.

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Shall we drop you in Castro?”

Krista would have laughed, but Cassie was entirely serious. The two argued a little more before Cassie gave up and went towards the TV.

“Everyone, I have a surprise for you,” she said as she picked up a DVD.

She put it in the player. Sean was still standing close to Krista, but as he caught sight of what Cassie had, he groaned and moved toward the kitchen.