Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“You remember, don’t you?” he says, calling me out of my thoughts.
“Remember what?” I feign ignorance, not turning for him to look into my eyes.
He pinches my chin and turns my face to him, causing my gaze to lift to his. There’s a softness to his eyes that I’m not expecting. It pulls at my heart. Another ribbon floats from around it up into the sky.
I’m deathly afraid that when all the fibers holding my heart together fall away, they’ll reveal a bleeding heart that can’t be repaired. As if reading my mind, Brodi places his free hand over my chest. I allow my lids to fall closed as his lips touch my forehead.
“I meant it then and I mean it now. I love you, Cee. My heart will forever belong to you,” he says against my skin.
I nod, as it’s all I can do not to fall apart right here. Seemingly sensing my need for a reprieve, Brodi starts to take his shoes off. He holds my hand to steady me so I can do the same.
Handing our shoes to Ethan, he then wraps an arm around me and leads us onto the sand. We walk along the shoreline in silence.
Even though I know his security surrounds us, I feel like we’re the only ones around. I don’t know when it happens, but I let my guard down. I lean into his warmth and rest my head on his chest as we walk.
More memories flood me. The memories of all of the things that led me to fall for him. The safe moments in our past.
“I’ve dreamed of walking out here with you a million times before. I’d come out here to think and thoughts of you would fill my head,” he says into the silence.
I don’t reply. I want to enjoy the moment a little longer, not think about the reasons he had to think about me instead of being with me. The breeze blows my dress around my legs as the water kisses my toes. These are the things I allow to ground me.
“I’d dream of our wedding day. Right on a beach like this. You walking toward me, taking my breath away,” he continues.
“A man can dream, right?” I snort cynically.
“Yes, he can and if he’s determined enough, he’ll make that dream come true,” he replies.
“That’s some determination.”
“You have no idea.”
“Um.”
We fall into silence once more. After a few feet, he stops, turning toward me. I look up into his eyes as he crowds my space. My heart starts to race, I know the look in his eyes.
His gaze drops to my lips. His arms band around my waist. I hold my breath.
“Cee?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“I miss you. Are you ready for me to kiss you?”
“No.” The word slips out so easily.
It’s the truth. I’m not there yet. These dates have been sweet, and I’ll admit they’re chipping away at the steel and ice, but I’m not ready.
He nods. His eyes lift to mine. His jaw works as he presses his forehead to mine.
“Then dance with me,” he says gently.
“Okay.”
This I can do. I close my eyes. Allowing him to dance us around the wet sand beneath our feet to whatever tune is playing in his head, I relax. It’s actually just what I need.
I’m lost in the comfort of his arms. This is dangerous, but it’s what I need.
* * *
Gregor
She looks so beautiful tonight. It seems like she’s becoming more gorgeous by the day. I want to kiss her so badly, but I won’t push her if she’s not ready.
Tonight has been one of those nights where she’s been more open than not. However, I still feel like I’m walking on eggshells. From moment to moment, I don’t know which Chloe I’ll get.
Still, right now—as I dance her in my arms—this has been the closest I’ve felt to her yet. It’s like time and space stills. We are one as the water laps at our feet. I savor the feeling of having her so near.
I don’t know how long we dance in circles before a grin takes over my face. I dip to wrap my arms around her thighs and lift her over my shoulder. In the next instant, I’m running into the water like a teenage boy.
Cee squeals and beats at my back, but her laughter rings out as I enter the water. It’s a joyous sound. Nothing in the world can touch my heart the same way.
Allowing her body to slide down my front, I lock eyes with her as she stands before me. Her lips are turned up into a genuine smile. She reaches down to splash water up at me. I laugh and return the gesture.
“You’re going to pay for this.” She laughs.
“To hear that laughter come from you, gladly,” I croon back.