I get ready to start my sprint and I see little flailing arms looking to get someone’s attention in my direction. I look around and there’s really no one around but I don’t know anyone here to be waving at me and assume it’s one of the kids from SMC.

As I get close my heart starts beating faster as I slow to a fast walk towards who I have now noticed is Arin and her family. I can hear her yelling Dr. Spencer now that I’m closer and Ashley looks almost shocked but she covers it as she stands and dusts sand off her toned legs.

I’m caught staring as she is now speaking to Arin telling her stop asking me questions and to go back to play with Addison for a sec.

She asked me questions?

Hmm

Well I’m sure I looked like a spaz by not answering her but come on my eyes are a little distracted

Mmm

Oh did I not mention that Ashley is half naked

Well she has on a bathing suit top and a mini skirt and her abs are to die for and her legs, my God, what I would do to…

“Spencer!”

“Oh, hmm? Hey! Ashley, nice to see you again.” I give a slight blush and notice a slight smirk on her face this time as she catches my eyes.

“Didn’t expect to see you so soon? Can’t say that I’m not happy about it though.”

Did she really say that?

I’m doing a little happy dance

In my head of course

She makes me flustered and I’m sure she already thinks I’m nuts I don’t need any extra help in that department

We share a smile and she asks me to join them and I don’t have anything better to do so heck why not

Being the big kid I am I grab a pail and shovel and dig down into the sand with Arin while she talks away a mile a minute but it’s very entertaining to say the least. Halfway through our sand collecting and a partially buried Addison covered in the sand I see Ashley give me that same look Arin gave me when she left Addison with me earlier. That Dennison stamp of approval I’m assuming. It suits them. I look over at Addison who is waving at me and I wave back making a cheesy face that makes him giggle.

Moments like this make me miss a lot of things I can’t or don’t have

Sigh

Before I can let dark thoughts creep in my mind I’m drenched by a wave crashing on top me and a shocked Arin. We are both wearing the same expression and at the howling laughter to the left is Ashley.

I whisper in Arin’s ear then we dart off before she even knows what’s coming and we tackle her

“Tickle fight!” Arin yells and I’ve got the Addison, tickling his little belly while Arin is failing at her attempt to tickle Ashley’s sides. “Help, help! Dr. Spencer I need backup”

I pile Addison on top of Ashley and join in the family fight to take her down and after a few seconds she is at our mercy

“I give! Uncle!” We all end up rolling on our backs breathing hard and still trying to tame our laughter. After a few minutes when we’ve settled I start to get up and I feel a hand fall into mine and a glare sent my way. She whispers “payback” and somehow I don’t think I’m going to mind it that much if the spark I felt from her hand in mine is any indication of what’s to come.

—–

The night ended shortly after the tickle match

We all said our goodbyes, this time with Ashley giving me her card and made plans to see each other again before the end of the weekend

One last wave at the passengers and I stepped away from the Dennison’s SUV with a smile that was plastered on my face the rest of my jog home