“Rory?” Dean says in such a way I know it wasn’t the first time he called my name.
“Yeah, sorry.” I shake my head and force a smile. “I’m spacing out.”
“What are you thinking about?” He flashes a look letting me know what he’s thinking about. Maybe I should relent to him, letting him ravish my body one more time before we part ways, awkwardly avoiding each other when we no doubt cross paths in our small town.
“How much I don’t want to go back to work,” I blurt. “Or the cold. Maybe I’ll stay here forever.”
“Just make sure you let your FBI agent brother know it was your choice and I didn’t actually kidnap you.”
“Ohhh, that just gave me an idea. We can live an exciting life on the run.”
“I need to get a 70s muscle car and biker boots first.”
I laugh. “I like your style.”
“So,” JoAnn claps her hands together. “Come sing with us?”
“I promised Rory we’d walk along the beach and look for shells,” Dean blurts. Neither of us have any idea if we’d even be able to find shells on the shore.
“You two have fun.” JoAnn gives a big wink. “I won’t wait up for you.”
“I’ll probably grab my suitcase before we head out,” I say, wrinkling my nose. “I have an early flight tomorrow.”
“Well get over here and give me a hug!” JoAnn opens her arms and I lean over and am swallowed by her embrace. “Are you on the Facebook?”
“Yes. I have Facebook.”
“I’m going to find you and send you a friend request! My profile picture is of Dudley, my puggle. We’ll have to keep in touch. And I’ll be watching for that status change.” She gives a big wink.
“Okay,” I say, smiling again. “It was really nice meeting you both.”
Dean comes with me to get my suitcase, and then we really do go to the shore, wanting to feel the sand between our toes one last time before we have to trade our sandals for snow boots. The low tonight is seventy-two, and some of the locals have on sweatshirts and pants, making us both chuckle.
Slowly, we go down the wooden path and then emerge onto the beach, walking close to the water. The night is alive with the energy of the city, yet it’s still so peaceful by the ocean.
My heart is in my throat, wrestling with the words that want to come out, but die from fear before they reach my lips. And then I remember the advice Dean shared earlier. Don’t let fear make you settle.
I think I see a shooting star, which is probably just an airplane, but I take it as a sign to buck up and stop being afraid. I’d rather know the truth than live in lies.
“What are we doing?”
“Walking along the beach.” Dean looks at me with that stupid, sexy smirk.
“That’s not what I mean.” A cool breeze comes in from the over the ocean, making me shiver. “And you know it.”
“I…I don’t know.” He slows, plowing his hand through his hair. “I like being with you.”
“I like being with you too.” I wait, and he doesn’t go on. I bring my arms in, crossing them over my body. Biting my lip, I look out at the dark water again. The sound of waves crashing on the shore echoes around us, and the sand is still holding onto a bit of warmth from the sun.
“Hey,” he says and brings his hand to my face, cupping my cheek. The rough skin of his palm feels so good against me. “We don’t have to think about it. I like what we have going on now.” He moves closer and his other hand lands on my waist, fingers pressing into my side.
I wish I could let it go completely and enjoy this moment right here. Because the setting is perfect, and the man in front of me is everything I ever wanted…only he doesn’t want me in the way I need to be wanted.Chapter 28DeanWhat the fuck is wrong with me?
I told Rory I wanted her to give me a chance to prove she’s more than a one-night stand. To prove we could be more because I want there to be more between us.
And when the perfect opportunity was laid out in front of me, I fuck it up. If I sat down and let myself think about it, I’d know I’m still letting my shitty baggage to weigh me down, but this time, it’s dragging Rory along with it.
I’ve wanted nothing more this whole fucking trip than to slam Rory up against the wall and kiss her until she’s breathless. I want to carry her to bed and fuck her until she’s screaming my name, coming so hard she sees stars and can’t form a coherent sentence from all the pleasure.