Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 29965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 150(@200wpm)___ 120(@250wpm)___ 100(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 150(@200wpm)___ 120(@250wpm)___ 100(@300wpm)
“I am so glad you guys made it here safely.” Clara wrapped Johanna in a tight embrace and then did the same with Edward, Jake, and then Chloe.
Clara took a step back, arms still wrapped around Chloe’s waist, and eyed her almost quizzically. “I’m sorry we couldn’t be there for your graduation, honey. I got called into an emergency surgery, and Dom had a meeting with new recruits. It’s just been insane here.” Her aunt's comment seemed less than sincere.
“That’s okay. I’m just glad we’re finally here.” And she was. Chloe had instantly felt peace when she arrived at the cottage. It was as if the stress of all the years of schooling had melted away.
Clara smiled, but even that seemed forced. Her aunt wasn’t known for her gentle nature or sincere attitude, but Chloe knew there was definitely something bothering her. Gripping Chloe under the chin, Clara turned Chloe’s head from side to side. “You sure have grown up, haven’t you? No more little girl.”
“You just saw me in December.” Chloe forced a laugh and stepped back from Clara’s unyielding grip. She forced her own smile.
“Oh, to be so young again. How I remember when I was your age.” Her aunt had a whimsical tone in her voice. “You know, I had every guy eating out of the palm of my hand.”
Chloe loved her aunt, but Clara had a way about her. Conceited wasn’t even a word that fully described her. “You act like you’re ancient. You’re only in your thirties.”
Clara scowled but then seemed to catch herself and laughed halfheartedly, but didn’t respond. She turned away from Chloe and ushered everyone into the house.
Chloe didn’t want to go inside yet. She felt the sun hit her back and turned to enjoy the scenery. Memories crashed through her, and it felt as though she couldn’t get enough air into her lungs. She always felt at home here.
Looking out over the lake, she watched as the sun cast an orangey glow across the water. It was like millions of tiny diamonds twinkling back at her. The sight reminded her of the day her aunt and uncle got married. The water had looked exactly the same. The horizon towered in the distance, and the snowcapped mountains seemed majestic and imposing all at the same time.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
That deep, scratchy voice had her instantly smiling. Turning, Chloe watched as Dominic stepped out of the house and made his way toward her. For an instant, Chloe couldn’t help but admire him, feeling that comfort fill her. The white tee he wore did nothing to hide the raw power and rippling muscles. They flexed and bunched with every step he took. The loose, distressed jeans and flip-flops he wore seemed almost out of place on the hardcore soldier who had seen too much war.
When he stopped in front of her, his smile was wide. He was so much taller than her meager five-foot-four inches. Craning her neck back, she couldn’t help but really examine him. It seemed like it had been ages since she’d seen him last, and he’d changed, become more masculine, more hardened. Or maybe she was just seeing him like a woman saw a man? That had her face feeling hot as a flush stole over her.
His smile was white and straight. Dragging her gaze up over his square jaw and chiseled cheekbones, she stared into his eyes. The color always reminded her of the ocean. It was such a startling contrast to the coal black color of his short, dark hair.
“It really is.” He pulled her into a tight embrace and turned them so they could both stare out at the lake. “I’ve missed you,” he said softly, and she nodded.
“Me too.”
They stood there, just the two of them, the wind whistling through the trees. She could have stayed there all day, but her aunt’s high-pitched voice broke the serenity.
“Hey. Would you guys come in already? We're going to head out on the boat in a little bit.”
Chloe turned to see her aunt standing in the doorway. Her tone was clipped, almost as if she were angry. She glanced at Dominic, and Chloe didn’t miss how she narrowed her eyes.
Whatever was going on between her aunt and Dominic was pretty bad. Chloe felt it thicken the air when they were near each other, when they even glanced at one another. Why had they had anyone come over if they weren’t getting along?
“Come on, sweetheart.” Dominic’s tone had suddenly gone terse and cold, but he kept his arm around Chloe’s shoulders and led her into the house.
Her aunt and uncle’s problems, coupled with the pressure from Jake to go further sexually, would make for a … fun vacation.
4
Chloe slipped her sunglasses on and closed her eyes. The boat gently rocked back and forth from the waves, almost lulling her to sleep. The feel of the sun above her, heating her skin, made it bead with sweat and had her sighing in contentment.