Read Goodbye to You for Free Online Page B

thought I was flirting with them because I kept staring at their chests.
    I’m cataloging the images so I can decide on a size and shape when I consult with the plastic surgeon.
    A few minutes later, Shay emerges from below, and I’m not embarrassed to admit I need to pick my jaw up from the deck. While he’s wearing long board shorts, he’s shirtless. My instincts were right.
    The man has a killer bod.
    Broad, well-muscled shoulders, but not too wide. I could discern that through his clothes.
    His corded biceps flex as he pushes himself on the railing of the steps, and I swallow.
    Good-googa-mooga.
    His wide shoulders taper into a narrow waist. I’m not sure if it’s a six-pack or eight. I’ll count later when he’s closer. Whatever the tally, I’m positive I’ll be able to bounce a quarter off his abs.
    I won’t waste time doing that, though, with other more enjoyable activities I could do with a naked Shay.
    I take a sip of beer and pull out my camera, pretending to take pictures of the sea and sky.
    Shay strays into a few of the shots. Accidentally, of course. The photos could go a long way in keeping a girl warm on a cold Carolina night in January.
    Ed calls out, “Who’s snorkeling today?” I snap out of my daydream and pay attention as much as I can with the distraction of Shay one thin garment shy of naked.
    I went snorkeling once at Discovery Cove in Orlando ten years ago, so a refresher will help.
    “Ladies and gents, please put any belongings you want to keep safe in the locker right here.” He points at Shay. “Please turn your attention to this strapping lad. Handsome boy, right?”
    A woman at the end of the bench, who appears to be in her mid-thirties, whistles and calls out, “You got that right!”
    She’s one of the ladies with a chest as large as mine.
    I’d never wanted to punch anyone ever until today. This is crazy.
    Ed laughs and says, “Must take after his father. That would be me!” His joking elicits hearty laughter from the passengers. “I’ll turn it over to him. Son.”
    “For those of you who’ve never been snorkeling, the basics: these are the fins, this is the mask, and this is the snorkel.” Shay holds up each one to demonstrate.
    “Fins are based on your shoe size, so get the right one.”
    “Yours are big. Is it true about guys with enormous feet?”
    Grrrr.
    The obnoxious woman is making me see red.
    Shay laughs but doesn’t respond. “To keep the mask from fogging, you’ll need to do something kinda gross. When you’re out in the water and ready to go under, do this.”
    He pretends to spit into his mask and rub the spit on the lens.
    He slips on the mask and snorkel.
    Ed continues, “Ye mostly want to keep the snorkel above the water line. But if ye do go under, don’t breathe in, or ye’ll get a mouthful of seawater. Or whatever else the folks I brought out earlier left behind.”
    The collective response from the passengers varies from “ewwwwww” to knowing laughs, because everyone here has likely peed in the ocean before, or worse.
    “Okay everyone, gather round and gear up.” Shay slips his mask off and helps the passengers get their masks and air tubes set.
    A particular person requires loads of attention. The whistler.
    Ugh.
    Once she finishes rubbing herself on Shay at every possible opportunity while he helps her, I saunter to him and bat my eyelashes, rubbing his shoulders. “Excuse me, hot young man. I can’t get this strappy-thingy on my mask adjusted. Can you pleeeeaaase help me?” I coo.
    One side of his mouth pulls up in a half-smile.
    “Huh. That’s what I need in my life, another smart-mouth. A family full of ‘em isn’t enough.” He snatches my mask in mock anger, and I continue to flutter my eyelashes and giggle as I throw my head back.
    Shay’s checking me out again, and his eyes keep returning to my torso.
    He blinks as though in awe.
    They are impressive. His is a natural response.
    Like last night, I pull my shoulders