If that means I have to wait for Graham to see I’ve changed, then that’s what I’ll do. Try to do, anyway. Although, another encounter like last night could break that resolve…if Hannah gets that close again, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to resist. At least now I know she has feelings for me, too. Just unsure if she’ll be patient and wait for the right time for something to happen between us. And I don’t know how patient I can be, knowing there’s a guy like her friend Pete around, who’s interested in her, too.
I reach the stretch where the guardhouses sit. They’re empty right now, so I climb the steps of the red one—my favorite—and stare out at the ocean. The sun is climbing higher, lightening the dark blue waters to a bright, iridescent aqua.
That familiar feeling rushes in—of being on duty, watching for signs of trouble or distress. The ache to be back on duty floods me in an unexpected wave.
“Nick!”
I snap my head around toward the direction of the voice calling me.
Zane waves, and then jogs the rest of the distance. “Hey man, I didn’t expect to see you out here today.”
“Just finished a jog.” I join him at the bottom of the steps, and we do our usual bro shake.
He points over his shoulder with his thumb. “Kade’s down there finishing up his Turtle Patrol shift. Thought we’d grab some breakfast when he’s done. Care to join us?”
“Yeah, sure.”
We head down the beach toward Kade, who’s staying in the distance.
“How’s therapy going?” Zane sounds hesitant as if he’s unsure if he should bring it up.
“Really well. I’m confident I’ll be ready.” More like confident in Hannah. Her plan has pushed me to the limit at times and forced me to be patient with others, but she’s been right at every stage, setting goalsandboundaries for me.
He turns his face toward me, revealing his relief. “That’s great news, man.”
Kade stands as we approach. “Nick, good to see you, man.”
After another bro shake with Kade, I stare down at the nest he’s inspecting. “Definite impressions there.”
Kade crouches down again near the bright red tape attached to the four stakes marking the nest. “That’s what I thought, too. Could be any time then, right?”
I nod. Kade joined the team last year and has looked to Zane and me for more understanding regarding the turtles’ nesting habits, and he’s catching on fast.
Kade glances between us. “Any more updates on those cameras?”
“Not yet. Still waiting to hear.” I’ve learned to keep my input simple so as not to attract attention or questions that could clue someone in to my deeper involvement.
Zane gives me a quick glance before refocusing on Kade. “Finish up, and then meet us at headquarters. Nick’s going to join us for breakfast.”
“Awesome. I’m almost done with my zone.”
Zane and I head back the way we came. After a few minutes of walking, he glances over his shoulder, probably to make sure we’re out of earshot. “So, what’s the deal with the cameras?”
“Long story short, my parents put a hold on my trust fund.”
He stays silent for a moment. “Mind if I ask why?”
I take a few seconds to figure out what exactly to say. The last thing I want to do is make Zane feel responsible for what happened to my shoulder. Like I told him back then, he was in charge of the beach, but I’m the one who volunteered to be in the boat that day.
“Just the usual overprotectiveness and over-involvement I’ve dealt with all my life.”
Zane unlocks the door to headquarters, and we head to his office.
I sit down in the chair in front of his desk as he drops into his.
“Does this have to do with the accident?”
I shrug. “They’re throwing an anniversary party next weekend. I’m hoping I’ll get a moment to explain to them how important this project is.”
