“Of course, I’ve felt that way. I used to do lots of things, and now I can’t or won’t do them ever again.”
“Like what?”
He flashed his gaze in her direction then reverted his eyes back to the winding road. “I guess the biggest thing I gave up was flying.”
“Why?”
He guffawed. “Why? Why not? I lost my leg from a helicopter accident. I’m not too keen on losing something else.”
“But you didn’t cause the accident, right? I mean, someone shot the helicopter down.”
“True. Still I’m not going to risk it.” She mulled over his words and he interrupted, “How have you lost your touch?”
She shrugged.
“I told you about my secret.”
She squirmed against the plastic-covered bench seat. Sighing, she replied, “I’m having trouble being a nurse.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. I’m wondering why I keep going back to it. I don’t feel good at it anymore. Rather, I feel like I’m just going through the motions. Just doing enough to get by.”
He risked moving his hand from the gearshift and patted her leg. “You’re too hard on yourself. You’re a wonderful nurse with a heart for people.”
Raylyn accepted the compliment but didn’t reply. She knew her heart felt harder every day. The concerns she once held for others faded behind the overwhelming atrocities she’d witnessed.
The remainder of the trip passed with Jack concentrating on the road and Raylyn focusing internally on her perceived problems and their previous conversation.
The truck shuddered to a halt outside a resort. Ocean waves struck the vast shoreline. In the distance, she could just make out white sandy beaches and bobbing vessels.
Jack breathed a sigh as he cut the motor, and Raylyn’s face morphed into a smile.
****
Jack carried the bags to their separate rooms. He’d half-expected an issue which would force him to share a room with Raylyn and had been a tad disappointed when the hotel seemed to be on top of things, and no such problem arose.
In the hallway, a couple passed. “Look at that poor man. He has quite a limp. I hope it wasn’t a shark attack.”
“Seriously, Edith, do you believe a shark could injure a man, and he would still return to the beach? Why do you think all men are gluttons for punishment?”
“Well, maybe the shark wasn’t at this beach.”
“I guess I’ve answered my own question,” said the man.
The couple continued to argue over the reason for his infirmity even as they boarded the elevator. Raylyn frowned.
Jack ignored her obvious irritation over the couple’s rude conversation. He was used to degrading and ridiculous comments.
While he juggled the luggage, he fumbled in his pocket for the keys. Their rooms were connected with a door and balcony. He dropped her bag on the bed. The balcony overlooked the ocean. Raylyn slid the door back and froze.
“Breathtaking,” whispered Jack, secretly staring at Raylyn’s expression. She caught him in the act, and a red hue covered her neck and cheeks.
Children frolicked over the sand, laughing and squealing in delight. Families built sandcastles and raced closer to the hotel as waves raced in and rolled over their creations.
“Want to go for a walk?” he asked.
“Yes.”
After throwing a handful of water over his face, Jack met Raylyn in the hallway. They exited the hotel and took a path that granted access to the beach. They strolled along the shore. Spray struck his face and dotted her glasses. She cleaned them with the hem of her shirt.
“I can already tell we aren’t going to be here long enough,” she said as she replaced her glasses and stared out at the ocean.
He laughed. “Let’s just enjoy the time we do have.”
Up ahead was a long pier.
He said, “I bet that looks pretty at night.”
She agreed.
“Manuel told me there is an outdoor grill with the best seafood you can eat located on that pier. Maybe we can get dressed up and eat there tonight.”
“Sounds good.”
“Today, I thought we could rent a boat and ride out to the lagoon. Maybe we’ll see some sea turtles.”
“Sounds like fun.”
They returned to the hotel. He decided to change into more appropriate attire of shorts and t-shirt, grabbing a jacket in case the weather cooled.
Jack rented a fishing boat at the front desk. Raylyn exited the elevator, and he whistled under his breath. Short white shorts showed the length of her tanned legs. The tank she wore showed the defined shape of her biceps. Hair pulled back in a ponytail, it swayed as she stopped in front of him.
“I’m ready.”
He’d never been happier to have the weather improve. He gulped and led the way.
Approaching the boat, he said, “The man at the front desk told me Santa Cruz has over eight species of sea turtles, and they are all on the endangered list. There is a turtle sanctuary where people volunteer during the year to dig up the turtles’ eggs when they lay them and rebury them some place safer until they’re born. He wasn’t sure if we would see turtles today or not because of the season, but he did say we could visit the sanctuary, and that we were sure to see sea lions and maybe dolphins.”
“Dolphins! Sea lions!” she clapped her hands in excitement, reminding him of a hyper puppy waiting for a treat.
Jack paid extra for a boat driver so that he could sit beside Raylyn on the ride. As the motor started, he wrapped his arm around her and drew her to his side.
The driver slid close to the pier. “Do you see the sea lions?”
The sea lions barked, and Raylyn gasped and covered her mouth. “They are so much bigger than I imagined.”
“I think they can grow to around eight-hundred pounds.”
“Wow,” said Raylyn as she studied the mammal.
The driver drove toward the lagoon. “We are happy you have decided to visit Boca del Cielo. Please do remember that, during changing tides, the waters can be dangerous. At low tide, you can cross the lagoon, but at high tide you will need a boat. Also, there are no signs posted about water conditions. Remember to ask about current conditions if you decide to enter the water.”
That was the end of the driver’s speech. The rest of the trip was conducted in silence as they rode around the lagoon and back to the hotel.
Chapter Twenty
After a light lunch at the hotel restaurant, they agreed to meet by the indoor pool. Raylyn changed into a one-piece solid-colored swimsuit and covered it with a terry cover-up.
The pool door swung open. She tied her hair back as she strolled toward a lounge chair. A young man stilled and allowed her to pass.
“Thank you,” she said. When he didn’t reply she added, “Gracias.”
He smiled. “De nada.”
Sunlight entered the clear windows and reflected off the pool’s crystal clear surface. Raylyn found the sunglasses in her day bag and perched them on her nose atop her regular glasses. She selected a chair and spread out upon the cushiony top.
Shadows danced over her, and she cringed as water droplets sprinkled along her exposed skin. “Hey!”
Jack laughed as he plopped down beside her and laid crutches between them.
It was the first time she’d seen him without his prosthesis since the hospital, and her gaze involuntarily riveted to the sight like a bug to a light bulb. Others who passed stared and pointed. Jack, who seemed oblivious to the scrutiny, lifted his lips in an infectious grin.
“What a rush. I haven’t swum like that in months.”
“Isn’t the water cold?”
“Not at all.”
She tried to look away from his amputation site, but her medically tuned brain wouldn’t cooperate.
“What’s the verdict?” he asked.
“What?”
He shrugged. “You keep staring at my leg. Did the docs do a good job?”<
br />
“Yes,” she replied, heat flushing her cheeks.
He studied the site himself. “I always thought so. I’m mighty lucky they were able to save most of it.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s have a race.”
“What?”
“A swimming race. Bet I can beat you.”
“I don’t know—“ She shifted.
“Are you chicken?”
“What?” Her voice rose three octaves.
“I asked if you’re a—“
“I heard what you said, I just can’t believe you said it.”
“Why not? If you won’t race, then you must be a chicken, or maybe you’re just yella.”
“Ooo, I’m seeing a color right now, but it ain’t yella.” The spirit of healthy competition flowed through her veins.
“So we have a race then?” A smile tugged the corner of his lips, and his eyes twinkled with mischief.
“You’re on.” She strode to the side of the pool and dropped in, surprised by Jack’s speedy appearance at her side.
“I think I should give you a head start.”
“Are you kidding?” she asked.
“If I show you up too badly, you might be upset, but if I give you a head start…” He shrugged but didn’t continue.
“No head start.”
“Suit yourself.”
A boy sat on the edge of the pool, kicking his feet. Jack called, “Care to tell us when to go?”
“Sure.”
“And will you keep my glasses?”
The boy carried her glasses to the table beside her belongings. When he returned, he cupped his hands around his mouth. “Ready…”
“You’re going to regret this,” she said, squinting to see his face.
“Set…”
“We’ll see,” he replied with a wink.
“Go!”
They plunged into the water. Raylyn focused on kicking and using the appropriate stroke. She mentally chided herself for allowing him to goad her into a contest. He only had one leg, how fair would it be? Maybe she should have encouraged a wager, she thought as she neared the pool’s side.
Head above the water, Raylyn struggled to calm her breathing.
“Nice to see you finally made it.”
“What — where — how?” she sputtered.
He laughed and she playfully slapped his arm.
“I don’t know how you cheated, but I know you cheated.”
His head thrown back, he laughed even louder.
Unhappy with his display, she placed her hands on the concrete rim and pushed out of the pool.
Jack snagged her hand and dragged her back.
Droplets of water glistened on his bare chest, and Raylyn couldn’t look away.
****
Jack released her ponytail and allowed the wet tendrils of her hair to filter through his fingers. His breath caught, and he lowered his head. Before their lips met, someone cleared his throat behind them.
Jack broke off the anticipated kiss and settled himself onto the edge of the pool. Adults and children alike frowned at his missing appendage. An elderly man handed him his crutches and hurried away, mumbling under his breath about Raylyn’s saint status.
She positioned herself before him and lifted her face. “Okay, you didn’t cheat. You’re an awesome swimmer.” She moved to a sitting position beside him and tugged her hair back into its holder. “Very humble, too.”
He fought the urge to laugh. The ogling from the hotel guests made it easier.
Crutches in hand, he stood and hobbled toward the hotel entrance. Raylyn ran to her chair, placed on her glasses, gathered her bag and towel, and rushed to catch up.
“Did I do something?”
He shook his head.
“Oh, I bet you’re tired.”
Anger consumed him, and he trembled. “Stop treating me like an invalid!”
Jack stalked away. In his room, he threw the crutches against the wall and held onto the furniture as he hopped to the nearest chair and sat. The prosthesis rested against the chair’s wooden framework, mocking him.
He cradled his head in his hands and berated himself out loud. “How could I be so stupid? How could I think to act normal when I’ll never be normal?”
“Maybe you should just be yourself.” Raylyn stood in his doorway.
He faced her. “What are you doing here?”
“Checking on you.”
“I don’t need you to check on me.”
“Suit yourself, but if I don’t check on you, the hotel management will.”
“What?”
“You can’t throw objects around and not expect the curious to ask questions. Especially, when you leave your door wide open.”
“Fine. Tell them you checked on me.”
She was gone for only a few minutes before she returned. “It’s done.”
Between clenched teeth, he said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She crouched in front of him. Unexpectedly, she lifted her chin and planted a quick kiss on his closed mouth. He went to speak, but she laid her finger across his lips.
“I’m going to shower and get this chlorine out of my hair. When I get back, I expect you to be ready to go shopping.”
He nodded, and she removed her finger and exited his room.
****
Raylyn picked a dark blue dress with a ruffled collar that hung off the shoulders. Straightening her glasses, she studied her reflection.
A healthy pink color tinged her cheeks. Her freshly washed hair coursed along her back in waves. She clipped a portion with a flowered bow. A hint of shiny lip gloss, and she was ready.
Instead of using the hallway entrance, she knocked on the adjoining door. Jack opened his side, and she inhaled deeply.
Swathed in a pair of black slacks and a black silk shirt open at the collar, Jack looked like a movie star prepared for a night on the town. He twirled and smiled, a dimple developing in his cheek. Gaze riveted to his form, she almost missed his sparkling blue eyes.
“Whoa,” he said, punctuated by a whistle.
“Whoa, yourself. I think I might need one of your crutches.’
He narrowed his eyes. “What for?”
“To beat off all the women who will be interested in you and trying to cart you off.”
His harsh look softened, and he nudged her chin upward. “You needn’t worry, mi tesoro.”
The familiar word caused the heat on her face to increase, and she tried to turn away, but he held her still.
The kiss started slow, but as their bodies moved closer, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and the kiss deepened. By the time they broke apart, her chest heaved, and she struggled to speak.
He placed his forehead against hers. “How do you do that to me?”
“What?”
“How do you make me go weak in the knees?”
“I don’t know,” she said in a breathy whisper.
She thought he would kiss her again, but instead he held her purse out to her.
“We better hurry before all the good stuff is gone.”
She nodded but didn’t readily agree.
They strolled to the pier. It seemed Jack avoided touching her, and Raylyn wondered if she’d dreamed the kiss.
The fish grill was indeed the best seafood she’d ever eaten. Packages from their earlier purchases littered the area beside their table.
“We should hurry.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
They left the pier and cut a path to the beach. Halfway to the hotel, Jack stooped and drew a native-made blanket from one of their bags. He spread it over the sand and insisted she join him. Legs curled beneath her, she settled her dress around her.
“Can I know now?” The question left her lips as soon as the first firework blast rent the air.
Raylyn jumped, and Jack’s arms settled around her. Sheltered in his embrace, it was as if nothing could go wrong.
Happy expressions ran the gamut across Raylyn’s face, and it seemed like the perfect moment. He reached in his pocket and drew out his empty hand. He frowned.
“Is something wrong?”
“What?”
“You just went all tense. Is everything okay?”
Should he tell her he’d bought her an expensive present that had somehow miraculous disappeared? “Just a muscle cramp.”
“Oh, let me move.” She moved away and settled beside him.
Fireworks continued to shower the sky. The show ended, Jack gathered their belongings and they returned to the hotel. In the darkness, he allowed concern to etch his brow.
“Why don’t you go on up to our rooms, and I’ll be there in a minute.”
Raylyn boarded the elevator, and he stopped at the front desk.
“Can I help you?”
“I’ve lost something.”
“Yes?”
“It was a necklace in a black velvet box. Has anything like that turned up?”
“I’ll check.”
The desk clerk returned moments later, shaking his head. “I’m afraid no such item has been brought to our attention. Can I be of further assistance?”
“Yes. I would like to speak with the Santa Cruz authorities.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The police interview ended late, and it was after midnight before Jack hauled himself into the elevator and ascended.
The door between the rooms was open, and light drifted in from Raylyn’s side. He sneaked over and doused the lamp then drew the covers up to her neck. She snuggled lower in the bed, and he rubbed his knuckles across the soft skin of her cheek.
Moonlight peeked through the parted curtains, highlighting her smooth skin. Each day she seemed to grow more beautiful.
He entered his room and tugged the adjoining door closed.
The police believed he’d been robbed no matter how many times he'd explained the item had been in his pocket. Maybe they were right. Maybe a pickpocket had taken the necklace as Raylyn and he shopped the boardwalk or as they ate at the pier. It didn’t matter who'd taken it. The necklace was gone. The money spent could have purchased a small house.
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