“She was thin and had pale blond hair.”
“Well,” Hannah says, dropping skewers into the cart. “There are a lot of blondes on this island, but it’s small. You’re bound to run into her again.”
We finish gathering supplies and head to the register. Outside, the sun sets as the first stars emerge. Hannah loops her arm through mine as we walk toward her car, chatting about the bonfire plans and setting me up with Scott.
I should be listening, but my minds on the strange woman’s words.
Nathan was important to me.
Who is she? Why did she run?
Chapter 9
Scott
The bonfire burns ahead, casting shadows on the faces of those already gathered. The smoky tang of burning wood mixes with the sweetness of marshmallows roasting over the flames. I carry a cooler and a few folded chairs toward the group. Jamie, Liam, and Margaret are already at the fire, their chatter cutting through the crackle of the flames.
There’s Maddie.
She’s at the edge of the group, her pink dress swaying in the breeze. Her hair falls in loose waves, framing her beautiful face. She’s talking to Hannah.
For a second, I forget to keep walking, my feet rooted in the sand.
“Hey, Scott,” Jamie says, his voice snapping me out of my daze. He waves me over. “You going to join us… or just stand there like a statue?”
“I’m coming.” My voice is rough. Jamie looks at me but says nothing. I set the cooler down and get started on unfolding chairs.
Jamie pops the cooler open with a flourish, pulling out a beer. “Now it’s a party,” he declares, tossing one to Liam before cracking open his own.
“Please tell me someone brought crackers,” Jamie says as he flops down beside Margaret. “It’s not a real bonfire without s’mores.”
“I’ve got you covered.” Maddie waves a box of graham crackers.
I settle farther back, letting the group’s energy wash over me. My eyes drift to Maddie as she prepares s’mores with the marshmallows Jamie roasted. She’s lively tonight, more outgoing than usual. I lose myself in her—every movement, the highlights in her hair, her beautiful skin. I know what that skin feels like. Soft and kissable. She doesn’t need the fire to glow. When she settles down on a beach blanket, I grab another beer from the cooler and walk over, joining her on the blanket. Her warmth, the scent of her, engulfs me.
“Thought you might be thirsty.” I crack open the can and hand it to her.
“Thank you.” Her fingers brush against mine as she takes it, and I’m hyperaware of each movement she makes. I watch her lips as she drinks her beer and I feel a thrill each time we accidentally touch. On the dive, Maddie was so at ease and happy under the water. And brilliant. She’s good at it. There was one moment when we approached the hole that I thought she may have lost her confidence, but it didn’t last long. The woman is full of surprises. Diving at ten years old. I shake my head.
The night settles into an easy rhythm of jokes, stories, and togetherness. Sparks spiral into the night sky as the fire pops and crackles. Jamie launches into another fishing trip story.
“And then,” Jamie says, unable to contain his enthusiasm, “A guy on the dock yells, ‘Shark! Shark!’… I swear, I’ve never swum so hard in my life. I barely got out of there alive.”
“It wasn’t even a shark, J,” Liam chimes in, shaking his head. “It was a floating log.”
“Ha. Those are just details.” Jamie waves him off. “Facts are overrated.”
The group bursts into another round of laughter. As it fades, I catch Maddie looking my way, her eyes filled with curiosity. Her gaze makes me want to touch her.
“What about you?” she asks, her voice drawing the group’s attention.
I blink, surprised. “Sorry, what about me?”
“Most embarrassing story,” Hannah prompts.
I sigh, scratching the back of my neck. “I don’t get embarrassed.”
“Oh, come on,” Maddie teases. “Scott, there has to be something.”
