Chapter 1
Jack Thornton could only stare at his father. The news he just dropped on his oldest son was a little too much for the soon to be senior in high school could accept.
"Pa…how could we move now? I'm a senior when school starts. This is my last year playing basketball with all my friends."
"Jack…"
"But Pa…you want me to move to some large city where we don't know anyone while beginning my last year of high school?" Jack could only shake his head. He understood his father's reasons for moving, but he still couldn't accept it.
Thomas Thornton was a decorated detective within the police force. His twenty year career has been filled with accolades and promotions. Within the police force, he was a rock star. Tom was well on his way to another promotion. People were also whispering in his ear that he would make a good police chief at some point. Something he always wanted to do.
That was until the fateful night last winter. He and his partner were eating a late dinner on their evening shift when the call came in. They responded to the call and quickly neared the convenience store that was being robbed. As Tom entered the store with his gun drawn, the second robber, who no one knew about, fired a shot, and hit Tom in the chest. His partner took the gunman down along with arresting the first robber. He was stood frozen in place. He was shocked when his friend fired his weapon. However, the gunman's bullet did its damage.
The chest wound almost took Tom's life. He was in the hospital one day shy of two months. Along with the gunshot wound, he contracted the staphylococcus infection. The staph infection took its toll on the injured policeman's body. He contracted the decease by being in the hospital for so long. Along with the chest wound that almost took his life, the staph infection almost killed him as well. It added another long month of hospital stay onto the one month because of the chest wound.
It wasn't until mid spring before Tom's body almost felt normal again. When he was able, he returned to work on light duty. He hated desk work, but he was grateful he was back at work. Staying at home on a couch wasn't any fun for the active man. As he was quickly approaching the date that he could return to active duty, Charlette was beginning to have nightmares about losing her Tom. She wasn't sleeping and her health was beginning to suffer due to the lack of sleep and worry of her husband. She was dreaming of standing over the casket of her husband. She would fight with all of her might to keep her eyes open.
Tom was always able to read his wife like his favorite book. While Charlette stated that she was ok with him returning to work, he knew better. He loved his job, but he loved his family and his Charlette more. His boss told him about a rich man in Hamilton was looking for a new person to lead his security team. With Tom's training, he would be a perfect fit for the job. While he would have to move from his beloved town, the pay was much better than his current job. The benefits were very comparable to his current benefits. However, the best part was Charlette's lack of worry. The new job wouldn't be as dangerous.
Tom would oversee a team of bodyguards. The body men would work under Tom's direction. He would work close with the shipping tycoon for protection. He wouldn't always be on the front lines. While Charlette didn't push for Tom to take the job, she was greatly relieved when he told her about the job offer.
"I'm sorry son. I really didn't have a choice. I'm worried about your mother."
"Me too." Jack lowered his head. Jack rubbed the back of his neck.
"I know this is horrible news for you. But the school you will be attending is a good school with a good basketball team. You will fit right in and do well."
"When are we moving?"
"In a couple of weeks. You will have three weeks before school starts. Plus, there is a beautiful beach you and your brother can go to."
Jack rubbed his face with both hands. He knew his father was completely right. It was best for his mother, but he still didn't want to leave his friends nor the basketball team.
"I'll begin to get my stuff together."
"Mr. Thatcher is moving us. He will send a crew to pack our things and to move us in a couple of weeks. Your mother and I are leaving in a couple of days to look at housing. Would you like to go with us?"
"No. If it's ok with you, I think I would like to hang with my friends while I can."
"Not a problem. I'll let you know."
…
"Hey…" Julie stuck her head into Elizabeth's bedroom. "…are you going to the beach today?"
"No. I'm volunteering at the library today. I'm reading to the children's camp kids today."
"I wish you would spend half as much time with me at the beach as you do in that dark library."
"First of all, that library isn't dark. I enjoy volunteering there. I wish you would spend more time with me instead of always going to the beach chasing some boys."
Julie loved the beach. She was two years younger than Elizabeth. While they were completely different, they got along very well. By anyone's standards, both Elizabeth and Julie were beautiful. Julie was shorter with red hair. Elizabeth was a little taller with auburn hair. Elizabeth loved reading and writing. She had known since she was six years old that she wanted to be a schoolteacher. She wanted to teach in a small town. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of her students.
Julie had no idea what she wanted to do. All she was consumed with was chasing the next boy. She constantly had a boyfriend. She wasn't allowed to officially date yet because she isn't sixteen, but that didn't stop her from having boyfriends. Her longest relationship was nine days. She loved flirting but didn't want a long relationship. Elizabeth was completely different in this area too. She never dated anyone. She would dream of her future husband, but just didn't want to date to date.
People told her that she needed to date her friend Charles Kensington, but she just didn't see him that way. They were good friends, but that was all. Her friends told her that Charles liked her, but she would just dismiss it. They were friends, end of story. That wasn't the end of the story for him. He held out hope that Elizabeth would change her mind in time.
"I've got some tea." Julie stated. She was hoping gossip would convince Elizabeth to go with her.
"Let me guess, there is some boy who is in love with you for this week."
Julie rolled her eyes. "Not that…Dad got a new guy in charge of his security."
"What does that have to do with me?"
"He has two sons. One is seventeen and the other is fifteen."
"So…?"
"Beth, that's our ages."
"Please don't call me that! You know I hate that name!" Elizabeth gave her younger sister a stern, older sister look. "I know how old we are. Why would that mean anything to me?"
"Beth, you need to live your life."
"I am." She gave her sister a death stare at the name. "I love volunteering at the library. It's rewarding. I also love reading and I love working with the kids."
"I get that, but there is more to being a teenager than just reading."
"And there is more to being a teenager than just chasing some boy."
"Fine." Julie huffed. "Promise me you will go to the beach with me before school starts. We go back in just a few weeks."
"Fine. I'll go."
"Without Charles." Julie added. She liked Charles but he just wasn't for her sister. Julie always thought he liked her more than a friend.
"You know…Charles and I do a lot of things without each other."
"And you two do a lot of things together."
"We're friends!"
"Are you sure?"
Looking at her watch. "I need to go so I won't be late."
"There you go again…"
"What?"
"Avoiding a question, you don't want to answer."
"I have no intentions of dating Charles. As a matter of fact, I have no intention of dating anyone. You know I haven't dated anyone."
"Why is that? You could date anyone that you want."
"I just don't want to date to date. My first relationship will be my only relationship. I don't want to date like you do." Elizabeth playfully smirked.
"Fine, you don't have to date but remember you promised to go to the beach with me before school."
"I remember."
…
Two weeks flew by too quickly for the Thorntons. Jack spent all the time he could with his friends by the lake during the day. He would spend the evenings reading or sketching by the small fire pit in the backyard. That was one of his favorite things to do at the end of the day.
Jack looked up when the men walked into his bedroom to gather the boxes that held his earthly belongings. While his father told him that there would be movers to pack and move his things, he just didn't like the thought of some stranger handling all his stuff. He sighed as he stood from the floor in the corner.
"Is there anything we need to know?" A guy in a moving shirt asked.
"No. Everything is labeled. I have three boxes that need to be handled carefully. There are in the corner by themselves with 'breakables' written on the box."
"Thank you. I promise we will take great care of everything."
"Thanks."
"Are you ready son?" Tom asked as he stepped into Jack's room.
"I guess."
"We're leaving in ten minutes."
"Thanks Pa."
Jack turned around to take one more look at the only bedroom he had ever known. He already missed it.
"Let's go, J."
"Tom…are you ready?"
"Not really, but I am excited about starting a new school."
Jack offered his younger brother a small smile. Tom didn't want to leave his home, but he was looking forward to a new high school. Tom just couldn't settle on anything for any length of time. His longest relationship was less than two weeks. He tried sports, but just wasn't into it. His attention span was very short. Jack thought Tom just wanted different girls to flirt with.
"I guess we need to go."
"Pa said that we are driving until sometime tonight. He promised we would get a hotel with a pool so we could play a little. We should arrive at the new home sometime tomorrow."
Jack nodded at his brother. He really didn't want to leave. He looked around one more time. "Well, I guess we need to get going."
Jack didn't want to move. He loved his hometown and his friends. He has played basketball with his team for years. He was going to miss it all. He had made his mind up that this was needed for his mom's health. When he had his mind made up, he was a determined young man. That was one of the reasons he was so good at basketball. He wasn't the biggest guy or the most athletic, but he was the most determined. Thomas instilled a great work habit in his oldest son.
"Don't' forget your book." Tom nodded toward the floor where Jack was sitting.
"Tom, do you think I would forget my favorite book?"
"No, but I wouldn't want to deal with you if you did." Smirked Tom.
Jack playfully smacked the back of Tom's head. "Come on dufus."
"You've watched too much NCIS." Tom rubbed the back of his head.
…
Jack and Tom looked out their car windows as they drove through Hamilton. This city was the complete opposite of their hometown. Jack couldn't remember if he ever saw buildings that big before. While their hometown wasn't small, it was a typical town. Hamilton wasn't a typical, medium sized town. As a matter of fact, Hamilton didn't seem like a typical anything.
After about twenty minutes of driving, the GPS informed them to turn on Watts Street. They were three minutes from their new home. The neighborhood was nice. It was full of middle class homes. They were all nice. There were kids out playing in the yards. That made Jack smile. He loved children and often would volunteer for camps with the kids. There was a reading camp and a basketball camp he volunteered at. There was a group of kids playing basketball in someone's driveway. Jack smiled at the joy on the kids' faces.
"It's the two story brick house on the right. It has white shutters." Charlette stated with excitement.
Jack and Tom looked out the car window in that direction.
"It's nice."
"It's big." Tom stated.
"It's a little bigger than our other house." Charlette smiled. She loved the new home. The moving truck was already in front of the home parked on the street. There were six men unloading the tracker trailer. They were about halfway done.
Everyone stretched when they got out of the car. They looked over the home. It was a two story brick home with white shutters and white trim. The lawn was nice with beautiful flowerbeds. There was a basketball goal over the garage door.
"There's room for your car, Jack." Tom sassed.
"I don't need a car." Jack stated. He just didn't want a car. Jack always walked to school or rode his bike.
"We'll talk about it." Charlette stated.
Thomas looked at his oldest son. "Hey, why don't you go down to the group and play with them for a little while?" Jack's dad noticed what was holding Jack's gaze.
"I need to help unload."
"Nonsense son. The movers are doing that. Go and have fun." Tom knew how much his oldest son loved playing ball with the kids.
"I'll be back. I have my phone if you need me."
"We'll order pizza for dinner."
"Thanks Ma."
Tom and Charlette watched their son walk down the driveway and toward the kids playing. "I hope this is good for him."
"It will be dear." Charlette gave her husband a smile. "Jack adapts well. He'll make new friends. I know it's difficult for him right now, but he'll be fine."
…
Jack walked down the street intently watching the five boys and four girls playing basketball. He smiled at their laughter and quickened his pace.
"Hey guys…do you need someone to make the teams even?"
The kids stopped playing and looked at this stranger. The girls smiled at how handsome this new guy was. One of the girls giggled. The boys thought he looked cool.
"Sure." One of the girls answered quickly. "My name is Wendy."
"Hey Wendy. I'm Jack. I just moved here." He nodded toward his new home.
"I was wondering who was moving in." A little boy stated.
"That's me." Jack smiled a big, warm smile. "We just moved in today. I'll be a senior in high school."
"Come on…let's play." Another boy stated.
Jack joined the group of kids. They ranged from nine to twelve years old. He had fun with them playing basketball. They played for about an hour before an adult stepped out of the home with some water for the kids.
"Oh…"
"Hello ma'am. I'm Jack Thornton."
"Are you the one moving into the brick house a few homes down?" She nodded in the direction of the moving truck and home.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Alright everyone." Abagail stated with everyone's attention drawn to her. I have water and popsicles for everyone.
"Cool!"
"Hey Jack, I'm Abagail."
"Hello." Jack gave her a shy, dimpled smile. She though he was a handsome young man.
"Do you normally play with a bunch of kids?"
"Sure. I love kids. I volunteered where I'm from with some kid's camp. I love working with kids."
"Really?" Asked a surprised Abagail. There was only one person she knew that enjoyed working with kids that was Jack's age.
"Yes, ma'am." Smiled Jack. "It was a reading camp and a basketball camp."
"You play sports and love to read?"
"I do love to read. I love to sketch too. I also play basketball."
"That's great. You're in high school?"
"Yes ma'am." Jack stated as he accepted the water. "I am an upcoming senior."
Abagail immediately decided to like this young man. He was polite and very nice. All the kids seemed to like him.
"What brought you here to Hamilton?"
"My father's job. He was a detective. He was injured in the line of duty late last year. He almost died from his injuries. That made my mom very nervous. So, he accepted a job as head of security for some shipping guy."
"Is he working for Thatcher Shipping?"
"He is. For a gentleman named Mr. William Thatcher…I believe. How did you know that?"
"I know of that family. I especially know their two daughters. One of them is your age and her younger sister is two years younger."
"I have a brother, Tom, who is two years younger than me."
"That's interesting." Wondered Abagail. She has a little grin on her face.
Jack only smiled. For some odd reason, everyone wanted to set him up with someone. "Ms. Abagail, I am not interested in dating. Please don't make any plans to set me up with anyone."
"Wait…how did you know?" Abagail playfully smirked.
"You have this mischievous grin that told me you were up to something." Jack sassed wagging his finger at her in a playful manner.
"Fair enough." Laughed Abagail. "Do you have a girlfriend?"
Jack gave her a playfully stern looking face. "No girlfriend and I'm not looking." He sassed playfully pointing his finger at her.
"Got it." Abagail smile. You would be perfect for Elizabeth. She thought to herself. "So…if I may ask, why no girlfriend?"
Jack took a moment trying to read this nice woman. She was a little pushy about this, but she was very nice. He decided to like her.
"I think my younger brother has dated every girl where we lived." Laughed Jack. "I'm just not ready to date. So many of my friends dated and it ended badly. They were hurt. Then they would date someone else and then they were hurt again. I just don't think I'm ready for that. I don't want to date just to date. I'm only seventeen, I'm not ready to be married. I just figure it's easier not to set myself up for heartache."
Abagail smiled at his answer. You would be perfect for Elizabeth. You two are just alike. "What high school are you attending?"
"Hamilton East."
"Oh…" That's perfect!
"Do you know it?"
"I do."
"Is it a good school?"
"It is. The best one in Hamilton."
"That's great to hear." He felt Abagail was asking a little too many questions, but he couldn't deny she was a nice lady. "So, Ms. Abagail, which one of these are yours?" Jack asked, nodding toward the kids who were sitting and eating their popsicles and drinking their water. He was hoping to deflect from the questions concerning him.
"I don't have children."
"You don't?"
"No." She noticed Jack's surprised expression. "I lost my child when he was younger."
"I'm so sorry." Jack reached out and touched Abagail's forearm.
"Thank you, Jack. I lost my child and first husband in a car accident. I've remarried. The neighborhood kids just seem to gravitate here."
"I believe that speaks to the person that you are. Kids know a good person."
Abagail nodded at Jack's kind words.
Jack pulled out his phone when it buzzed. "I'm sorry Ms. Abagail, that's my Ma. They ordered pizza. It should be there soon."
"Nice to meet you. Hey, I own Abagail's café. Come by sometime. Milkshake on me."
"The café on the corner?"
"Yeah."
"I saw it as we drove in. It looks very nice."
"Thank you. Come by sometime and we'll talk."
"I'll do that."
…
While the moving men did a good job unloading the truck, it did take the Thorntons about four days to get the new house situated before it felt like home. After setting up his room the way he wanted it, he helped his mom with hanging the pictures and other little things.
Jack had just over two weeks before school began. He did meet with the basketball coach when his parents took him to the high school to register him for school. The school was happy to have such a good student and the coach was happy to have a new kid who played basketball. Coach Franklin was even happier after watching a few game films of Jack from last year. He had big plans for the young man.
After the things at the school were settled, his family decided to drive around for a little bit to see what Hamilton had to offer. They have spent the days in Hamilton so far at their home getting it settled. As they drove around, Tom showed his family the building he would be working at. He also took them to the shipping port that Thatcher Shipping used. It was massive.
"Dad, that's a huge building."
"It is, Jack. I'm kind of looking forward to starting work."
"I bet." Charlette chimed in reaching for her husband's hand. "Thank you for doing this for me."
"For us, dear. We are one." Tom gently corrected his wife.
Jack sat back in the back seat of the car listening to his parents. While they weren't perfect, they always worked with each other. That was the type of relationship he was hoping to have one day. He wasn't willing to settle for anything less than that.
"Hey Jack…there is that café you mentioned."
"Abagail's." Jack stated. "She's a nice lady. She told me to stop by for a milkshake."
"Let's stop for lunch. This is my last free day. I begin work tomorrow."
…
"There is one of my favorite customers." Smiled Abagail as she looked up and saw Elizabeth walk into the café."
Elizabeth was a regular at Abagail's. They had a great friendship even though there was a twenty year age gap between them. Elizabeth stumbled into the café as a freshman. She and her friends were just walking down the sidewalk, and someone noticed the café. It was a friendship at first meeting.
Elizabeth walked through the door with a huge smile on her face. She embraced Abagail and kissed her on the cheek. Then Abagail noticed Charles and his buddy Sam walking through the door. Abagail liked Charles enough, but just didn't think he was a good match for her friend, Elizabeth. She knew by Charles' expressions that he had fallen for Elizabeth. She always told Abagail that they were just friends and Charles knew that. Even so, Abagail still thought he liked her more than just friends.
"How are you?"
"I'm good Elizabeth. You?"
"Good. Thought I would grab an early lunch before heading to the children's center."
"You're working there today?"
"I am. The children will be there at noon. I'm helping to tutor with reading today."
"That's so kind of you." Abagail offered her friend a smile. "The usual?"
"Sure." Elizabeth smiled. "That would be great."
"A turkey sub with fries and extra ranch on the side."
"You're too good to me Abagail."
"Oh…do you have any information for someone who may want to volunteer at the center or the library?"
"I can get some. Why?"
"There was a nice young man I met the other day. His family just moved here. He volunteered at children's camps where he used to live. I thought I would get him some information if he wanted to continue to help."
Elizabeth took a moment to look at her friend. She studied her friend for a minute. "Are you trying to do something here?"
"What do you mean?" Abagail tried to sound offended, but the corners of her mouth couldn't stop from curling up into a small grin. "He's a nice young man who volunteered where he used to live. I thought he may want to continue to do so. I know you volunteer there. So, I thought you could get me the information for me to give to him."
"Abagail!" Warned Elizabeth. "I do not want a date!"
"I know…I know…That's what he said too."
"I'll get you that information as long as you back off." Elizabeth teased.
"Great. Have a seat and I'll have your food to you soon."
Elizabeth continued to look at her friend with a warning look.
"What…? I don't even remember his name."
"Fine."
Elizabeth turned to walk toward the booth where Sam and Charles were sitting.
"What was that about?" Asked Charles.
"Abagail was wanting some information for volunteers at the children's center and the library. Evidently there is a new family in her neighborhood and one of the family did that type of work back in their old town."
"That's nice of her."
"Hey Charles, when does basketball begin?"
"Not for a while. I don't know the exact date." Charles turned his attention to Elizabeth. "Are you going to come and cheer me on?"
"Probably not. You know me, sports just aren't my thing."
"You should come. You can cheer me on."
"Charles…you know I always wish you the best, but I'm just not a sports girl."
"Hey…" Sam began. "…are you going to the beach any time soon?"
"I guess I have too. Julie made me promise her that I go with her before school started."
"You should." Charles stated. "Let me know when you're going, and I'll go with you."
"I think Julie just wanted me to go with her." Elizabeth gave him a warning look.
"I know…" Charles stated.
"Don't push it, Charles. Are we good?"
"Yes, we're good. I just don't know why you won't go on a date with me."
"Charles…" Elizabeth warned.
"I know…I know…"
The friends ate their lunch. They chatted and looked at their social media until it was time for Elizabeth to leave for her noon appointment at the children's center.
…
Thomas had just pulled into the parking lot when he noticed a beautiful young lady walking out of the café. There was just something about the young woman. Charlette noticed her too. Tom and Charlette shared a look, but neither of them said anything. They watched her walk down the sidewalk in front of the café. Never taking their eyes off her. Even when she was out of sight, they continued to look in that general direction.
Jack stepped out of the car and looked at the café. It really was a nice café. When he opened the front door of the cafe, two young men about his age stepped to the door. Jack stepped back and held the door open for them.
"Thanks man." Sam stated.
"No problem." Jack returned with a smile and a nod.
Once inside, Jack looked around the café. It was more beautiful on the inside than the outside. Abagail immediately noticed the young man. "Jack! Jack!" She called out.
"Ms. Abagail!" Jack returned her greeting. "It's great to see you. Please, let me introduce you to my family."
Jack introduced everyone to Abagail. As he was doing so, Abagail was hoping he was just a few minutes earlier. She could have introduced him to Elizabeth. She just knew in her heart of hearts that they would be a good fit for each other.
"Nice to meet you all. Now, have a seat and I will be over in a moment to take your order."
As they sat down, they looked around at the art on the wall. They turned their attention to the menu just moments before Abagail walked up to the table.
"What would you all like?"
Everyone placed their order except for Jack. He looked at the menu and then up to Abagail.
"Ms. Abagail, would you by chance have a turkey sub?"
"I do."
"May I have fries and…"
"Extra ranch on the side?"
"Yeah…how did you know?"
"I just did…" Smirked Abagail.
"I swear…" Charlette started. "…Jack would take ranch dressing intravenously."
Abagail let out a loud laugh. I have another customer that's exactly the same way. She just can't get enough of my home made ranch dressing."
The food was delicious. Abagail would stop by often just to talk with everyone. She would often find herself speaking with only Jack. He loved it. She was such a nice lady. Everyone agreed that Abagail's Café would be a go to place for them.
…
"Come on, Elizabeth…you promised." Julie whined.
"Julie, we have just over two weeks before school starts."
"Yes, but the weather is great today. It's sunny without being too hot. You said you'll go to the beach with me."
"Julie…" Stated a frustrated Elizabeth.
"It's supposed to rain this weekend. Come on."
"Fine!" Let me go and get my suit on."
"Great. I'll grab the sunscreen and towels."
Elizabeth put on a modest two piece. For most young ladies, it would be too modest. Elizabeth just didn't like to show too much. The bathing suit covered everything nicely. However, it also fit her perfectly. Elizabeth was a beautiful young lady. She had her hair in a loose ponytail. She pulled on a pair of shorts and a loose t-shirt to cover herself up as they traveled to the beach.
Julie's bikini was a little more revealing, but not too inappropriate. She was excited to finally talk her older sister into going to the beach. She was hoping there were a lot of boys there.
"Come on, Julie."
"I'm coming."
…
"Hey, Jack."
"Yeah Ma."
"Could you take Tom to the beach today?"
"Sure."
"Take the car. Your dad won't be home until around six. Why don't you two spend the day and have fun?"
"Sure. I'll take my book with me."
"Just don't spend the whole day reading. Get out in the water and have some fun."
"I will Ma…I promise."
…
Tom was already in the water. He was flirting with a small group of young women swimming close by. Jack shook his head at his little brother. Jack sat on a small little beach chair. He was reading his favorite book, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. He has read that book once a year since he was twelve. His aunt Shirley gave him the book for his birthday. Pride and Prejudice was her favorite book since she was little. His Aunt Shirley loved the growth of Elizabeth Bennet in the book. Jack fell in love with the aspect of Elizabeth Bennet, learning the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness. The lesson has helped guide Jack's life. You look for the true person. Who they actually are…not what they tried to project to others. Of course he quickly developed what he thought someone was early on in meeting them, but he tried to learn from Bennet in that you must change that opinion if it doesn't match reality.
Jack looked up when he heard someone laughing. It sounded like music in his ears. He quickly looked around until he heard the sound again. He turned his head to the right. At that moment, he saw the most beautiful lady he had ever seen. She was wearing a yellow bikini top with a pair of blue shorts. Her auburn hair, while in a loose ponytail, moved with the slight breeze. There were little strains of hair that framed her face on each side. Her smile was gorgeous, almost as beautiful as her laughter. Jack figured she was about the same height as he was…maybe a little shorter. He couldn't take his eyes off her. He scolded himself for staring but he couldn't look away. This lady was beyond gorgeous.
Elziabeth was laughing at something her sister just said. She was being silly because of all the boy's attention.
"Julie, that's why I don't like coming here. These jerks always hit on us."
"Yeah…isn't it great?"
"No! I hate it!"
"Elizabeth…what's the problem? It should make you feel good."
"Julie, those guys are pigs with one thing on their mind."
"But they are cute to look at."
Elizabeth shook her head.
"Excuse me…" Jack stated.
"Listen, I'm not interested. I have a boyfriend." Elizabeth stated before she looked up into the most handsome face she had ever seen. This young man's hazel eyes were captivating. They were drawing her in without her realizing it. She was grateful she spoke before looking into those eyes.
"That's great for you. But…"
"Are you hard of hearing?" Elizabeth sighed with frustration. She looked away from his eyes because she wasn't sure if she could speak while looking into those pools of hazel. She was just tired of guys whistling and hitting on her. She just wasn't interested in any boy that would catcall her. "I have a boyfriend." She stated with a little authority in her voice.
"Elizabeth…" Juile tried to interject, but Elizabeth was frustrated with all the guys and their comments. They were after one thing and one thing only. They could care less what her name was. She was just over it. Now, here was another guy doing the same thing.
"I have a boyfriend."
"You've stated numerous times. Again…that's great. But…" Jack tried to state again but he was cut off.
"I don't think you do." Elizabeth stated again. When she looked back into the guy's eyes, she never looked away, she couldn't. Those eyes were just too cute to look away. There was just something about this guy. She wanted to talk to him, but she just didn't want to get hit on again. She just wanted to sit down and read her favorite book in peace. However, there was something about this guy's eyes. Finally, she tore her eyes away from his, then they landed on his smile. Oh my… His dimples disappeared and she missed them. The guy's hair was brown, and the wind gave it a little bit of a messy look. She thought it was very sexy. She scolded herself for thinking that.
Instead of standing and staring at this guy, Elizabeth found enough strength to walk away. She didn't realize that she had dropped her book from her towel that she was holding. That is why Jack stopped her. He noticed the book was slowly sliding out of the towel. He just couldn't get her to listen to him.
Jack watched as she walked away. He was trying to be a gentleman and not stare, but this young woman was gorgeous. He couldn't keep from watching her. She walked about fifty yards and opened the towel. She laid down on the towel on her back. She didn't notice that she didn't have her book. She was too consumed with the image of those hazel eyes.
Jack reached down and picked up the worn book the young lady dropped. He smiled when he noticed the title. He knew the book was read often. It was almost as worn as his copy. He dusted the sand off it and turned to his chair. He picked up a pen he had and opened the woman's book to the inside page. He wrote an inscription.
"Why did you tell him you had a boyfriend? Wait…you are dating Charles."
"No Julie. I am not dating Charles. I'm tired of guys hitting on us. It's boorish behavior."
"It is…but did you see how handsome that guy was? That dimple and those eyes…"
Elizabeth's face turned red with embarrassment. Instead of saying anything else to her sister, Elizabeth laid back on her towel and closed her eyes. All she saw was those hazel eyes and a face full of dimples.
He stood tall as he walked toward this woman. He tried to force himself not to notice that she was laying on a towel in a bikini. She was drop dead gorgeous. However, her attitude was rough. As gorgeous as she was, her attitude was just as ugly. With one last look at her, he closed his eyes and focused on the task at hand.
He stood at the end of the towel where Elizabeth's feet were just tangling off the edge into the sand. "She even has pretty feet." Jack whispered to himself. Then he shook his head trying to get her out of his thoughts.
"Excuse me." Jack stated. Elizabeth opened her eyes but before she could say anything, Jack continued. "You dropped this." Jack held up the book for her to see. "I wasn't hitting on you. I was trying to tell you that you were about to drop your book."
Jack tossed the book on top of Elizabeth's towel by her waist. Elizabeth watched the book land on her towel and turned her attention back to the young man standing in front of her. The smirk on his face drove her crazy. First, it infuriated her. But much to her amazement, it drew her even closer to him. She didn't understand how she could hate and love that smirk so much at the same time.
"Have a good day with your boyfriend." Jack sassed as he turned on his heels and walked away.
This time, she was the one who watched Jack walk away in his yellow swim trunks. She was amazed at how slim, yet muscular he was. From his hazel eyes to his dimples, to his muscular chest, he was perfect. She watched him walk to his little chair.
Elizabeth finally turned her eyes to her book. She was grateful she didn't lose her book. Her Aunt Agatha gave her the copy of Pride and Prejudice several years ago as a Christmas present. It was her favorite book. No matter how many times she has read it, she loved the book more each time she read it.
Elizabeth picked up the book and smiled knowing that this guy was just holding it. She scolded herself for thinking that. As Elizabeth opened the book, she noticed a handwritten note on the inside front page that wasn't previously there.
Princess Beth –
You're wrong with your assertion! You should learn from Elizabeth Bennet!
– Jack
Author's Note:
This story will be updated every week or two. A Misunderstanding takes priority over this story until it is finished.