by Carrie Elks
“You got it, little buddy,” the tour guide said, high fiving him. She moved her radio up to her lips. “Captain, we spot humpbacks at ten o’clock.”
It was late afternoon by the time the boat headed back toward the bay. Nick was laying on the bench seat in the cabin of the boat, exhausted from a combination of excitement and the heat of the sun, not to mention the salty ocean air. Brooke was next to him, with Aiden on her other side. Like Nick, she could feel her body starting to soften and relax.
“He had such a good time,” she told Aiden. “I’m not sure what he liked most, spotting the whales or Griff letting him steer the boat.” Or being with his uncle. She was liking that part, too.
Aiden stretched his arm along the backrest, until it was behind her. Without thinking, she leaned into him, feeling his hard body against hers. She heard his breath catch for a second, before he curled his arm around her, his palm strong against her shoulder.
“I’m glad he enjoyed it. I would have loved to come out and look for whales at his age. We used to do it from the shore all the time.”
“I wish I’d known. I’d have bought you a ticket.”
He chuckled. “You were a kid, too. And by the time I was a teenager, I had my mind on other things.”
She could feel her heart start to speed up. “I guess we all did when we were young. I blame the hormones.”
He was stroking her arm, his finger moving up and down her bare skin. It was making her entire body tingle. Did he realize what he was doing, or was it an absentminded gesture? She couldn’t bear to look up, or move, for fear he would stop. It felt way too good for that.
“I kind of liked the hormones,” Aiden said, his voice low. “They made me brave. Made me do things I would have been too scared to do otherwise. Made me flirt with girls who were out of my league.”
She licked her lips, dry and salty from the sun. “You never told me about them.”
Another chuckle made his body shake. “That’s because you were them.”
“You thought I was out of your league?” she asked, shocked.
“Brooke, you were out of my stratosphere.”
She felt giddy at his words. As though she’d stepped off a rollercoaster and the world was still spinning. His fingers were still tracing lines up and down her arm, leaving a trail of fire behind them. “I always thought you were the one who was too good for me. I was this annoying kid, following you around everywhere. I must have been infuriating.”
“Yeah, but that was before that summer. I came home and you were all grown up. And I didn’t mind you following me around any more. I wanted it, the same way I wanted you.”
Was it possible for a body to explode? The way her chest ached – as though it was so full of emotion it could burst – made her think it might be. Sitting there against his hard, strong body she felt like a teenage girl again, the one who followed the college boy around, asked him questions about his classes, and asked for his help with her horses. Anything to keep his attention.
Until he noticed her. Really noticed her.
And she hadn’t been the lovesick puppy any more. She was a girl in love with a boy so much it made her heart sing. She’d been obsessed with him the same way he’d been with her. And that summer it was as though there was nobody else in Angel Sands except Aiden Black. They’d made the town their own, sneaking down to the cove to make out on the rocks, buying separate tickets for the movie theater, then snuggling down together inside. Making eyes at each other across the counter at the Beach Café, neither of them saying a word.
There were times he’d sneak into her room. Climbing over that damn tree and using the blanket of night to find her. He’d held her in his strong arms as they talked for hours, making up stories about their future, stories she really thought would come true. And when the words ran out, the kisses would begin. Soft at first, then heated, until her whole body felt like it would burst into a ball of flames. And she’d begged him to finish what he’d started, to make her his the only way he could. To seal their promises with the one thing they could never take away. But he’d resisted, telling her they should wait, they shouldn’t have their first time in her parents’ house. That he wanted to be certain she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Somehow, his chivalry had only deepened her love for him. It hadn’t stopped her from trying, though.
Until that heartwrenching night when everything changed.
“Mom, can I stay over at Uncle Aiden’s tonight?” Nick’s sleepy voice brought her out of her thoughts. Aiden’s hand froze on her arm. “Owen always goes to his dad’s on Saturdays. They call it boys’ night. I want a boys’ night.”
For the first time since he’d started touching her, she turned to look at Aiden. His eyes were dark, his expression serious. Their stare lasted a second too long, enough to send her heart pounding once again.
“I don’t know…”
“He can stay if it’s okay with you.” Aiden’s voice was rough. “I have a spare room.”
Her body was still stuck in the after-effects of their conversation and his touch. Pulses of electricity were shooting beneath her skin, making her feel tender and raw. “It’s okay with me.”
“You can drink beer, if you want,” Nick said, suddenly awake. “Owen’s dad does. And they eat pizza and watch movies. His dad’s really cool. Like you.”
Reluctantly, she pulled away from Aiden’s embrace, her skin turning cold where he’d been touching it only a moment before. She took a deep breath, trying to center herself. “I’ll pack you a bag with your things,” she said, smiling at Nick. “But you have to promise to do what you’re told. When Aiden says it’s bedtime, it’s bedtime. No messing around, okay?”
Nick was the picture of innocence. His eyes were wide, his bottom lip dropped open. “Of course,” he agreed, sneaking a smile at Aiden. “Anything you say, Mom.”
18
Brooke sat at her compact kitchen table, legs curled up underneath her, as she reached up to check her messy bun. After dropping Nick’s bag off at Aiden’s house, she’d come home and showered, pulling on an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt, since she wasn’t planning on going anywhere. Her latest assignment was in front of her, and she was going through her tutor’s comments with a pen in her right hand, scribbling notes on the lined pad beside her.
It was getting harder to concentrate. She was so tired, yet she couldn’t switch her mind off. Each time she tried, he’d claw his way into her thoughts again. She remembered the way his fingers had felt as they caressed her skin. Did he know he was setting her on fire? He had to, right? You didn’t touch somebody like that without meaning it.
She tapped her pen against her lip, remembering what he’d said. That she was out of his stratosphere, but he wanted her anyway. She couldn’t help but think the tide had changed now. She was the one who was punching above her weight – the poor student batting her eyelashes at the rich businessman. She was the one doing the wanting, too. She could feel the tingles right down to the tips of her toes.
It was clear she wasn’t going to get any work done, so she pushed the books closed, piling them up on each other to put them away on the shelf. As she was about to close down her laptop, her phone began to buzz. Glancing down at the vibrating device, she saw Ember’s picture appear on the screen and she picked it up, swiping her finger to accept the call.
“Hey.”
“Hey, how did today go?”
She’d forgotten Ember had been there when Aiden had made arrangements for today. “It was really good. We went out on a whale tour. Nick went crazy over it.”
“I know.” Ember sounded smug. “Griff told me.” She cleared her throat. “Well, he told Lucas who told me, which is the same thing.”
“What else did Griff say?” Brooke asked. The grapevine seemed to be working faster than usual. A glance at her watch told her it was only a few hours since they’d left the boat, yet word was already spreading. She felt her cheeks heat up at the thought of being the subject of gossip.
Been there, done that. She didn’t want to do it again.
“Only that you and a certain… um… old flame were looking mighty close. His exact words were ‘you couldn’t pry them apart with a tire iron’.”
Brooke didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. How she and Aiden had kept things quiet all those years ago, she’d never know. Maybe technology had been their friend – or rather the lack of it. Nowadays you were only a swipe of a finger away from having your secrets unleashed on the world. “We’re friends. We have Nick in common.” She wasn’t ready to admit her feelings to her friend. She was barely ready to admit them to herself.
“That’s not what Griff saw.”
“You’d believe him over me? I’m devastated.” Brooke traced the pattern of wood on the table in front of her. “It doesn’t matter anyway. There’s no future in it, even if either of us was interested. We have nothing in common.”
“Apart from Nick.”
“Yeah, apart from him.”
“And your shared history.”
“Okay. That, too.”
“And the fact you’re both clearly itching for each other. Every time you’re together I can practically hear the fireworks exploding.”
Brooke sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Has the shine worn off you and Lucas? Are you so bored you’re looking for romance when it’s not there? Maybe I should call him and suggest he visit a certain, um, website. Spice things up a bit.”
“Well since you ask…” There was a smile in Ember’s voice. One which made Brooke sit up straight and take notice. “There’s another reason I called you.”
“What reason? What’s happened?”
“Lucas asked me to marry him. And I said yes, of course.” Ember’s words tripped over themselves in a breathless tangle. “It was so romantic, Brooke. He got down on one knee in the sand as the sun was setting out over the water. You should see the ring, in fact you probably can see it, it’s that big. Look out the window and you’ll see the moon reflecting on it.”
Brooke laughed. “I’m so happy for you.” She really was. The warmth enveloping her had nothing to do with embarrassment this time, and everything to do with pure delight for her friend. “You and Lucas are such a great couple; you’re made for each other. Do you know when you’re going to do the deed?”
“I’m thinking over winter break. That will give us enough time to have a short honeymoon too. And of course I want you and Ally to be my bridesmaids.”
“Does Ally know?”
“Yes. I was worried I was stealing her thunder, since she isn’t getting married until next year. But she promised me I wasn’t.” There was a pause. “I’m not, am I? I don’t want to upset anybody.”
“Of course you’re not. Ally and Nate always said they wanted a long engagement. They aren’t going to rush anything because of Riley, remember. Whereas you and Lucas don’t have to worry about any children…” Brooke trailed off, a thought occurring to her. “Unless there’s something you’re not telling me?”
“I’m not pregnant, you goof.” Ember chuckled. Brooke could picture her shaking her head. “Not yet, anyway. Maybe some time.”
“You’ll make awesome parents. I can picture it now, Lucas will probably get your children surfing before they can even walk.”
“We’re talking about Mr. Safety here. I don’t think he’ll ever let them surf.” Ember’s voice was warm as she talked about her fiancé. “Oh, Brooke, I’m so happy. I didn’t think getting engaged would change anything but it has. It’s made me feel more in love with Lucas than ever. No wonder Ally always has a smile on her face.” After another pause, Ember added, “I wish you could have this too.”
“Hey, I’m happy enough. I have my work, and Nick. That’s all I need.”
“Is it?”
Brooke blinked, thinking over her friend’s question. A few months ago she would have answered ‘yes’ right away. Her life was on the up. She’d finish her degree soon and be able to work as a veterinary technician. Nick was settled and enjoying school. Independence from her family was only a breath away.
But now? She felt like the ocean after a rare storm – full of sand and water all mixed up and murky. She couldn’t see through it, but she had to keep swimming, hoping for the best. It would be stupid to pretend Aiden wasn’t a big cause of her confusion. Having him back in her life was such sweet agony.
“Yes,” she replied to Ember.
“Oh honey, when are you going to do something about Aiden?” It was as if Ember was completely ignoring Brooke’s words, only concentrating on the tone underlying them.
“I’m not, I can’t.”
“But he’s gorgeous and he’s available and he’s into you,” Ember blurted out.
“Look where that got me last time.” Her phone beeped, alerting her to another call. Frowning, she pulled it away from her ear, glancing at the screen to see who it was.
“Ember, Aiden’s calling. I need to take it. Nick’s with him.”
“No problem, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Is he okay?” Brooke was breathless when he opened the door. “I got here as soon as I could.” She hadn’t needed to knock or ring the bell, the sweep of her headlights across the darkened room as she pulled in was enough to alert him to her presence. And now she was standing on his front step, wearing an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt that was way too big for her, her hair pulled away from her face revealing freshly scrubbed skin. She smelled of summer fruits – sweet and edible – as though she’d stepped out of the shower.
“He went back to sleep.” Aiden grimaced. “I swear he was inconsolable. Kept talking about his nightmare and the sharks eating you. He wouldn’t rest until I called you.”
Her face fell. “He fell asleep? Should I leave?” The full moon was shining down on her, making her face look almost ethereal.
“No.” His response was almost immediate. “You should come in. He might wake up again.”
She rolled her lip between her teeth, nodding. “I would like to check on him, if that’s okay with you.” Aiden stepped aside, letting her pass him in the doorway. She brushed against him, and his body responded to the soft touch. Did she know she had this effect on him?
Nick was in the first bedroom on the left. She peered around the doorway into the gloomy space, lit only by a nightlight on the far corner. Aiden stopped behind her, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder. Her breathing was still rapid, as though she still hadn’t caught it yet. He could feel her lean back into him, her slight body pressed against his muscled torso. “I’m sorry if he’s been a pain,” she whispered. “He doesn’t normally have nightmares.”
“He’s not a pain,” Aiden whispered, his lips close to her ear. “I felt bad because I couldn’t console him. He wanted you.”
“He’ll be devastated if he can’t stay over again. He was so excited to spend ‘man time’ with you.”
“Why wouldn’t he stay over again?” Aiden frowned.
She turned to look at him, her body twisting against his. “I thought he might be too much for you. He doesn’t have a lot of sleepovers. Only with a few friends. I know kids aren’t easy, and you haven’t had much experience with them. Plus there’s the peanut allergy. That additional responsibility always puts people off.” She grimaced. “Not everybody has your patience.”
Aiden winced. “There’s only one way to get experience, and that’s by doing it. I like having him over. I like spending time with him. He’s family.”
Her face softened, the same way it always did when she spoke about her son. “He likes spending time with you, too.”
He could feel the muscles in his arm twitch. He wanted to hold her, to touch her the way he’d touched her on the boat. The sensation of her soft skin against the rough pads of his fingers had felt like heaven.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?” he asked her, his voice low and rough. “Maybe you could hang around for a bit to make sure he doesn’t wake up again? That’s if you have the
time.”
“Coffee sounds great.” She followed him to the kitchen, where he filled up the coffee pot and pulled out white ceramic mugs he kept in the cupboard over the stove top. From the corner of his eye he could see her lean on the counter, her eyes hooded with worry. He wanted to smooth away the lines between her brows. She worried constantly about her son, he knew that much. Maybe it was time somebody took some of the burden off her.
He gestured for her to go through to the living room while the coffee pot spluttered away. By the time he’d poured the hot liquid into the mugs – followed by a dash of cream, the way she liked it – she was sitting on his cream leather sofa, her bare legs curled up beneath her. She was staring out of the window to the beach beyond, her eyes taking on a faraway look.
He slid the mugs onto the coffee table, sitting down next to her. Was he too close? It was hard to tell, especially when he never felt close enough.
Aiden wasn’t sure when his interest in Brooke had gone from being purely friendly to wanting more since their reunion. Maybe it had never been about friendship. From the moment he’d seen her saving the dog it had been as though something inside him was switched back on. A long-neglected fire that had somehow sparked back into life. And now it was burning him from the inside out, and the only person who could stop it was her.
“I love this view,” she said, her voice soft, as she lifted the mug to her pink lips. “You must sit here and stare out of it all the time. It could never get boring.”
Aiden shifted in his seat, following her gaze. “I’d forgotten how beautiful the coastline is. Funny how being away for so long can dull things in your mind. Like a faded photograph.”
She took a sip from her cup. “Did you miss this town when you left?”
He felt his stomach tighten. It was hard to think about those days, let alone talk about them. “There were aspects that I missed, yes.” He looked at her over the rim of his coffee cup. Her eyes were trained on his, her lips pressed together. “But I was angry.”