Talisman 01 - The Emerald Talisman

teens.
    I’d just about broached the subject when Tatchi suddenly gasped.
    “What’s wrong?” I asked and glanced over to where she looked, afraid her father might be storming down the beach towards us. Instead, a red Jeep rolled over the ridge and down the rocky path that separated our neighborhoods.
    She tsked. “What does he want?”
    My mouth parched as I caught a glimpse of Tatchi’s twin brother through his windshield. He wore his usual black baseball hat, and looked nothing short of adorable.
    “He’s coming here?” My voice cracked.
    “Apparently.” She pressed her brows together and looked toward her house. “Let me find out what he wants.”
    Fin parked and got out before she could intercept him.
    “Hey, Ash,” he called out with a wave.
    My stomach flipped into a knot as I smiled and waved back.
    They argued for a minute, but I didn’t catch what about. I stood, trying not to gawk, as I shamelessly adored his broad shoulders and beautiful blonde hair. Under the bill would be his piercing blue eyes fringed with paintbrush lashes—the ones that always melted my knees.
    My crush started years ago, right after we’d met when we were ten—right on this beach. With a deep breath, I tried to relax and not dream of a relationship that probably wouldn’t be. As far as I knew, he didn’t think much of me beyond meaningless flirting.
    Tatchi threw her hands in the air and stormed back in my direction.
    “Drama on the home front. I have to go,” she mumbled as she snagged her blanket off the sand. “Sorry.”
    “Is everything okay?”
    Fin watched us, which made me even more nervous.
    “Yeah, it should be fine. I’ll try to call later.” She smiled and gave me a hug. But more of a “I’m leaving for a trip and saying goodbye” tighter kind of hug. I grimaced, unsure what to say.
    She left with a sigh and headed toward their house, brushing past Fin without even a look. Once she was out of view, Fin turned and instead of going back to his Jeep, he walked towards me. My pulse quickened.

    2
    FIN

    Ashlyn stood awkwardly as I approached. Her curvy hips and wavy red hair took my breath away. For a moment, I caught her scent and hummed—honeysuckle with just a hint of chlorine from her morning swim. Briefly, I imagined us playing in the water. She’d give me a run for my money in a race.
    “What’s going on?” I asked.
    Her green eyes darted away. “Not much.”
    “Sorry I interrupted—” I pointed towards the imprint of my sister’s towel in the sand.
    “Oh,” she said with a gulp and a smile. “It’s okay.”
    She pressed her lips together and suddenly all I wanted to do was kiss her right then and there. I took a deep breath and glanced at my feet.
    “Is school going good?” I asked, kicking a rock.
    “Yeah.” She shrugged and then shot me that look—one with a hint of yearning behind it. I couldn’t help myself. I stepped forward and cupped her cheek. Her skin was soft as a rose petal, but within her startled eyes I caught my reflection—my very selfish expression.
    Her whole life flashed before me. This kiss I desired to give her would change everything—her dreams, her life with her family, her future. Innocent and trusting, she closed her eyes and tilted her chin upward in anticipation anyway. My soul protested, but I did the only thing I could—the responsible thing.
    “You’ve got something on your cheek,” I said, wiping my thumb over her skin.
    She opened her eyes and pulled away, her cheeks reddening. “I do?”
    I stepped back and grimaced at myself. I was being one of those guys, the jerk who led girls on and toyed with their emotions.
    “I’m going to go,” she said, rubbing her hand where I’d touched, and faked a smile. “See ya later.”
    She quickly stumbled up the path towards her Grandmother’s house before I could comment, but I heard what she said under her breath. “I’m so stupid.”
    I sulked back to the Jeep and slammed the door, hating myself for being such an ass. The only reason I’d come in the first place was to tell Tatch about the meeting we had to attend, not get distracted by Ashlyn’s captivating beauty. And I’d made a complete mess of things.
    I spun out of the spot, and drove the small distance back to our house.
    When I went inside, I spotted Mom in the kitchen, eyes wild with frustration, her waterproof bag and random stuff spread out over the countertop.
    “Where have you been?” she barked, hands on her