by Gen Ryan
I caught many waves, my body falling into a rhythm. It was a dance I would never forget. Colton watched me from the beach, the smile never once leaving his face as I rode the waves, crashed into the water, and did it over and over again. I was breathless and exhausted before I made my way back to the beach. But I felt so alive. So fucking alive.
“I’ll never tire of watching you surf.” Colton kissed my forehead as I toweled off.
“Yeah, well we’ll be heading back in a few days. Rhode Island beaches aren’t the same.”
“That’s why we’re moving here,” Colton said.
“What?” I dropped the towel and looked at him.
“This is where you belong.” He took my hands in his.
“But what about you? You worked hard to get lieutenant, and you’re just going to leave?” I asked. Although Colton had made lieutenant, he had put restrictions on his hours and had a pretty decent schedule. Sure, there were some long nights, but I saw him more now than I ever did before the promotion.
“Wherever you are is where I belong.”
My mind was screaming yes, but I thought of all he’d give up. His lieutenant spot. His family. I was happy enough in Rhode Island. As long as I had Colton by my side, I could make anywhere work.
“Stop thinking about everything. I’ll be transferring to a precinct here. Max agreed to let you go.” He raised his eyebrows. “Apparently you’re a sucky mechanic.”
I laughed through my tears.
“Melanie?” I asked.
“I’ll let you tell her.”
I nodded. Melanie would take it the hardest. There was something missing for her, and with me leaving, I knew she’d feel even more alone.
“And we can live in the cabin on the beach and wake up to the ocean every day.”
I stared at him, stunned.
“Oh, come on, Brad. You knew this was forever. From the moment you shoved that clipboard at me, stared at my dick, and then gave me a kidney, I was hooked. How many times do I have to tell you this is forever?”
“I’ll never get tired of hearing you say it.” I smiled at him.
“Well, good.” He got down on one knee and pulled out a simple silver band. “Because I plan on saying it for the rest of our lives.”
With the waves crashing behind me, the sun reflecting on Colton’s smile, I said yes.
The End
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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All the readers who wanted Brad’s own HEA, thanks for giving me the push and nudge to write his story. Thanks for the reviews and comments. You all are what makes me want to keep writing and give more HEAs. (*Cough* Melanie *Cough*)
Trysh, you’re the best beta/editor (because you just can’t help yourself). You’re my sounding board, my venting buddy, and my encouragement. I honestly don’t know how we just met because I feel like I’ve known you forever! Love you hard.
To all the beta readers, your feedback, kind words, and helpful suggestions helped make this story the best it could be. Thank you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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You can find Gen curled up reading paranormal romance and romantic thrillers, or frantically typing her stories on her laptop.
Psychology is her trade by day, teaching and molding the minds of college students. Her interest in psychology can be seen in her books, each including many psychological undertones. Although she loves teaching, her passion, her true love, lies in the stories that roam around in her head. Yes, they all come from her mind—the good, the bad, and the totally insane.
She lives in Massachusetts—no, not Boston—with her husband, daughter, and American Eskimo dog. With each story she shares, she hopes her love for writing and storytelling seeps through, encompassing the reader and leaving them wanting more.
Follow Gen:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/genryanauthor
Website: www.genryanbooks.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/genryan15
TRADE ME COLLECTION
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Table of Contents
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TRADE ME COLLECTION