by Kelly Moore
“It was more than love. I was nothing without her. She was every breath I took after the first time I laid eyes on her. My heart beat for no one else, not even for myself.”
“It must have been hard losing her.”
He places a plate of sandwiches in the middle of the table and grabs two smaller ones, placing one in front of me. “It was the worst day of my life, but I loved her enough to let her go find peace. She was eaten up with cancer and in pain every day. Watching her wither away and hold on to me was worse than letting her go.”
“She was one lucky lady, Hank,” I say before taking a bite of my sandwich.
He fixes two glasses of iced tea and sits across from me. “I was the lucky one to have her as long as I did.” He takes a swig of his tea. “What about you, Maggie? Your name was the only one registered for the house, so I assume you are here alone.”
“I am.” I laugh. “I’m an elementary school teacher, and I’m here to enjoy the peace and quiet.” Those are the words that I say, but my mind flashed to Will and how much I would love to spend some time with him here.
His eyes twinkle. “I think there is someone you wish were here with you.” He takes a big bite of his food.
I can feel my skin flush that something in my reaction to his words gave me away. “I’m just here for the quiet, Hank.”
“You never know what might happen while you’re here. We get lots of tourists this time of year.”
“I’m not looking to fall in love.”
“That means love has already found you, my dear.” He smiles and wolfs down his sandwich.
After we’ve finished our lunch, he draws me a map of how to get to the rental house on the bike. “Thank you for the best sandwich in town, Hank.” I wave as my bike starts to roll forward.
“Come by anytime. The cafe is always open,” he yells from between his hands on his face.
I follow the pebbled path leading along the waterway. The sun rays are peeking through a gap in the gray clouds, drying up the rain. Seagulls swoop down and cry as they dive for food.
The path crosses over into a wooded area, and there are cabins tucked back into the woods. It crosses back over to the water, and I can see the pier that Hank was talking about. There are small fishing boats gathered around the end. I smile thinking about Hank and Alice out on the dock fishing together. I want what he and his wife had, but I’m not sure I will ever find that kind of love.
The trail leads to a white wood, chipped picket fence that takes me down to a charming sea-foam green cottage that is surrounded by small dunes and seagrass. It is absolutely perfect sitting out all by itself.
I circle around the house to get a better look at the view. When I park the bike out front in the sand, I nearly step on a crab that is scurrying to get into a hole. Kicking off my shoes, I run down to stick my feet in the warm ocean water. Sand squishes between my toes as the waves roll over my feet, massaging the ache right out of them. The crash of the surf plays a relaxing melody in my ears as the wind pulls at my hair. I close my eyes and draw in the briny air, bookmarking this moment in time for soothing my soul. It’s a peace like I’ve never felt before.
Looking down the beach, there are brightly colored towels laying on loungers covered by giant umbrellas. Sunbathers are laying out, regardless of the cloudy sky.
I turn around and head back for the cottage but not before grabbing my luggage, bags from the market, and the keys out of my purse. I unlock the bright yellow door that reminds me of Hank’s kitchen.
The windows rattle against the pane as the wind sweeps through the door. I quickly shut it and step on the smooth wood floor. I take a step back onto the mat and rub the sand off my feet.
I walk into the small living room and run my hand over the soft blue sofa. Sinking into the cushy recliner sitting in the corner, I feel a soft breeze on my skin from the ceiling fan spinning above me.
From where I am sitting, I have the perfect view of the kitchen. There is a shiny black-handled kettle setting on the stove. A patterned linoleum covering the floor gives way to the age of the house. The crisp white appliances look new. There is a hanging rack with pots and pans dangling from it. Herb pots line the window ledge where they would normally be soaking up the sun this time of day.
After I have put away the food that I bought at Hank’s place, I scope out the bedroom. It’s just big enough for the queen-size bed and three-drawer dresser nestled inside of it. A light patchwork quilt covers the foot of the bed, and sheer curtains are mounted over the windows. I push them back and unlatch the window lock. White paint peels up from the seal as I push the window open. A breeze blows the sheers inward, softly flowing over my skin. I love the smell of the salty air floating through the room. It’s secluded enough out here that I might sleep with it open if the heat doesn’t take over.
Laying my suitcase on the bed, I unpack my clothes and neatly lay them in the drawers and hang a few things in the narrow closet. I hold up my one-piece bathing suit and cover-up and curl up my nose at it. I’ve always hated being half naked because of my scars, but with my newfound tattoos, I’m thinking something new is in store. Pulling out my laptop, I connect with my hotspot. I start to sit on the edge of the bed and remember the soft sofa in the living room. After setting the laptop on the birch wood coffee table, I go the kitchen and open the bottle of red wine that I bought and pour myself a tall glass.
The softness of the couch sinks around me as I make myself comfortable. I get lost over the next hour shopping for clothes that I would normally never buy. Lots of sleeveless tops, a strapless summer dress, and two skimpy bikinis. Most of the time I’ll be sunning in my secluded area of the beach, so I don’t care how much skin shows. I pay extra to have everything delivered by tomorrow.
Shutting down my computer, I snuggle further into the couch.
* * *
“Hey, beautiful.” His muscles flex as Will runs across the sand. “Let me help you with that.” He takes the strawberry-laden picnic basket out of my hand and kisses me on the lips.
“How was your run?” I ask him.
“It was great. I saw a couple of sea turtles making their way back into the water.”
I unroll the blanket that I’ve had tucked under my arm and lay it out in the sand. “I love this time of evening when it’s not too terribly hot outside.”
Will sets the basket in the middle of the blanket, then tackles me to the ground. His lips travel over my collarbone, making me tremble with an instant need. “I’d like to make you hot while we’re outside,” he says when he trails his lips over the outside of my ear. “God, I love the taste of the salt against your skin.” His tongue dips inside my mouth as his hands roam my body. His fingers stop when they find what they are looking for under my skirt. “I want to taste you…right…here.” He presses two fingers inside of me, and I groan in pleasure.
* * *
I bolt off the couch when a phone starts ringing in the kitchen. I stub my toe on the coffee table and nearly fall on my face before I reach the orange phone that is hanging on the wall next to the back door.
“Hello,” I almost yell and look down at my already swelling toe.
“Maggie, it’s Hank. I wanted to make sure everything at the cottage was working for you and to make sure you have what you need.”
I slide down to the floor, leaning against the cabinets to check on my aching toe. “The cottage is great. I can’t think of anything else I need.”
“I’m making homemade clam chowder soup for dinner if you’d like to come back over. It stays light here until almost nine o’clock, but if it gets dark before you head back home, I could throw your bike in the back of my pickup truck and drive you home.”
“I’d love to come have dinner with you, Hank. I’ll make sure I’m back before dark.”
“Six o'clock then.” I can hear the smile on his face.
I hang up, get off the floor, and fill a baggie with ice for my toe. Hobbling back to the couch, I prop my foot on the c
offee table. Once the ice is in place, I lean my head back on the couch and close my eyes, trying to will myself back to my dream, but it doesn't happen. Reaching for my purse, I take out my cell phone and scroll to Will’s number. Just as I go to push call, it vibrates in my hand.
“Hello.”
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Will. I was just going to call you.”
“I beat you to it then. How was your trip?”
“It was long and boring without you on the train to entertain me.”
“So you miss me,” he teases.
Strangely, I do miss him. “This cottage is so perfect and quiet. The beach is absolutely stunning.”
“Have you been sunbathing already? I bet your body looks great kissed by the sun.”
I laugh at his playfulness. “No, but tomorrow I plan on being out all day.”
He growls into the phone. “I’d love to see you in a skimpy bikini.”
“You and me both. I’ve never worn one before, but I ordered one online, and it will be here tomorrow.”
“Let’s see…It’s only about a five-hour drive from here.”
“I would love for you to come.” I’m excited about the thought of him coming to Southport.
“I wish I could, but I have some things I need to take care of here for my mother, and then I need to be back in New York by the end of the week.”
“How are things with your mom and dad?”
“They aren’t speaking.”
“I’m sorry, Will. I’m sure the stress of your brother dying and your dad’s behavior toward you isn’t making things easy.”
“I’m sure they will be fine as soon as I head back home.” He’s quiet for a moment. “What are your plans?” he finally asks.
“I have a hot date tonight with a beautiful blue-eyed man. He’s making me a home-cooked meal.”
“You work awful fast.”
“Aw, you know, I bat my long lashes and men drop at my feet,” I joke, but I meet silence on the other end of the phone. “Will, I’m teasing with you. Hank is the owner of this house and the market downtown. He’s old enough to be my father. I think he’s a little lonely.”
“I wish you and I would have had a little more time together. I haven’t known you long, but I already miss being around you.”
His words are so sweet, and I feel the same way. “I miss you too, Will.”
“When summer is over, and you’re back in New York, I want to take you on a real date.”
“You will have forgotten all about me by then. Some gorgeous blonde will sweep you off your feet.”
“I’m not into blondes. I kind of have the hots for a certain curvy brunette with tattoo sleeves on her arms.”
“Do you now?” I think about my dream where his lips were on my body. An unfamiliar ache starts to build at my core.
“Seriously, I do want us to get together when you get back.” His voice has dropped a few octaves, and it sounds raspy.
“I’d like that.”
“It’s a date then. I’ll see you in September. I gotta go. Try not to forget me,” he says.
“I won’t forget you, Will.”
Chapter 8
Two weeks later…
* * *
“I know, it’s my turn to make dinner tonight, Hank. I’m making a Greek salad and garlic rounds. Yes, bring over those pictures of yours and Alice’s trip to Greece and a bottle of wine. Catch you later.” I hang up the phone and throw on my floppy hat and sandals. I pack plenty of water and a good book to read to take down by the ocean.
Last but not least, I put on my sunglasses and head out the door. I’ve already been here two weeks, and I have a good tan on my New York City skin. My tattoos have all healed, and I’m getting in the water today.
Hank and I have bonded, and he insists on themed-night dinners twice a week. I’ve tried all kinds of food that I have never tasted. He’s such good company and full of stories. I keep telling him I’m taking notes and one day I’m going to write his memoirs for him and have them published. Since he and Alice never had children, they spent their winters traveling all over the world. He told Alice if she found a place anywhere in the world she wanted to live, he’d move their lives to wherever that would be. Alice always chose to come back to Southport. She told him it would always be their home because that’s where she found her heart.
I love how much they loved one another, and I wish I could have met her to ask her some questions, but Hank is pretty open about everything. I can see why she would fall in love with this sweet, sweet man.
I lay my bag and towel on the beach chair and kick off my flip-flops, setting my glasses down and throwing my cover-up into the bag. Running to the water, I dive into the white-capped waves. When I come up for air, my long brown hair clings to my face. I go under again, letting my head fall backward, pushing the hair from my face. When I reemerge, I shield my eyes from the sun and see kids running up and down the beach laughing. I love watching them play.
Letting the water carry me out a little further, I lie on my back and float in the warm water. I’ve fallen in love with the ocean and wish I never had to leave this place. I plan on enjoying every moment of my time here. I only wish I had someone to share it with. Will comes to mind immediately. I haven’t spoken with him again, but I think about his handsome face and charming ways almost every day. I’ve been tempted to call him, but I’m sure he’s been busy back in New York. He’s probably forgotten all about me by now.
I splash in the waves for a while then head to the white sand. I’ve been dying to build a sandcastle but didn’t want to risk it while my tattoos were still healing. Before I plop down in the sand, I spread coconut-scented sunscreen lotion all over my body. Almost as soon as I sit down, I can feel the chafing of the sand caught inside my bikini bottoms. I ignore it and start digging. It’s so hot out already; the prickling heat of the sun is on my back and neck. My lip is brimmed with sweat, but I keep digging further down until I have a good-sized mote surrounding where I want to build my castle.
I jump up to guzzle down a bottle of water, and I see in the distance someone walking around the back of my cottage. I can only tell that it’s a man with a dark baseball cap on.
I’m digging my phone from my bag, ready to dial 9-1-1 when I see him peek through the glass French doors in the back of the house. I quickly pull on my peach-colored cover-up and flip-flops and make my way to the cottage. He walks to the end of the deck on the porch and looks out toward the water. When he sees me, he waves like he knows me.
I stop dead in my tracks when I realize who it is. “Will!” I yell.
He takes off in a jog toward me. Wrapping his arms around me, he swings me in a hug. “There you are, beautiful.”
“What are you doing here?” I’m giggling like a schoolgirl.
“I missed you.” His lips find mine, and I taste my coconut sunscreen. “Mmmm…you taste good.” He moans against my mouth.
“I thought you were in New York,” I say, pulling back to look at him.
“I was, and now I’m here.”
Taking his ball cap off, I run my hands through his dark hair. “This is a nice surprise. How did you find me?” I take his hand and head back to my chair to grab my things.
“I stopped at the market downtown and asked around. The old man that owned the store made me give him my driver’s license before he would give me any information.”
“So you met Hank.” I giggle, picturing him giving Will the third degree.
“Yeah, he said he’d be out here to check on you later.”
“Actually, he’s coming over for dinner tonight.”
He digs his shoes in the sand, halting us. “You’re dating Hank?”
“What’s wrong with Hank? He’s got the most gorgeous blue eyes,” I say, dreamily.
“I guess I should have called first,” he says, running his hand through his hair.
I swat him in the stomach. “I’m teasing you. He and I have become friends. I r
ather enjoy his company. I think I’ve become the daughter he never had.”
“You had me worried for a minute. I thought maybe you had a thing for older men.” He runs a finger along the edge of my collarbone. “You look good with some color on you.”
The heat coming from him burns my skin. “How long are you here for?” I sound breathy all of a sudden.
“As long as you will let me stay.”
I grab my things. “Then you’re here for the summer.” I laugh. “I hope you found a decent place to stay.” I’m teasing him again, but he’s not finding it funny.
“I thought you might let me stay with you.” His gaze whips to mine.
“Like shooting fish in a barrel.”
“Oh…you’re teasing me.” He bends over like he’s going to tie his shoe and the next thing I know, my derriere is pointed toward the blue sky as he throws me over his shoulder and takes off running toward the cottage.
I’m laughing so hard I can’t breathe until he places my feet on the deck. He holds out his hand. “Keys.”
The look he is giving me causes a low and pleasant hum to warm my body. I dig for the keys in the bottom of my beach bag. But, instead of handing them to him, I unlock the door, step inside, and with a crook of my index finger, I beckon him to follow me.
He grabs my hand and brings it to his mouth, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. The touch of his lips causes scarlet heat to caress my body. He lets go of my hand, and I shut the door. When I turn around to face him, he’s unbuttoning his white shirt.
I lick my lips at the sight of his chest. I know I’ve seen it before, but never heaving with lust. I gaze back up, and his eyes are magnetic, pulling me toward him. My heart pounds hard as I step closer to him, mere inches from his face.
“Did you come here just for this?” My voice is barely a whisper.
I close my eyes as his hand touches my face. “No, Mags. I came here to fall in love with you, but now that I’m here, I want to see what it feels like to have you lying beneath me…buried deep inside you.”