Warmth rises in my cheeks. “A hazard of dancing on the beach.”
His hand lingers, tucking the strand behind my ear and rubbing his thumb across my cheek. The tenderness of the gesture makes my breath hitch.
As the night wears on, we wander toward the festival’s quieter edge. The noise from the crowd is replaced by the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. The scent of the sea wraps around us.
Scott strides ahead with his hands in his pockets. “Did you have a good time?”
I hug the stuffed octopus to my chest. “Amazing.”
Scott’s gaze drops before meeting mine again. “I enjoy seeing you like this. Happy.”
My heart skips a beat.
The festival lights twinkle in the distance like stars.
I break the silence. “Will you show me where you live?”
Scott blinks. “I haven’t taken you to my place yet?”
“You know so much about me already. I want to know more about you.”
His lips curve into a slow smile, and he gestures toward the parking lot. “All right. Let’s go.”
I walk with him, when suddenly he turns and picks me up and carries me the rest of the way to his truck. Laughing, I feel as light as a feather when he puts me down on the leather seat and kisses me with all he has.
“I can’t wait to make you mine.”
Chapter 26
Maddie
Scott rests his hand on the gearshift, his eyes flicking toward me like he’s trying to be sure I’m still here. We turn onto a sandy drive, and the headlights sweep over his house. I gasp.
Tucked behind a canopy of palms and sea grape trees, the house belongs on a postcard. It’s simple and understated, perched by a private stretch of beach. A wraparound porch hugs the structure, and in front of it, there’s a fire pit surrounded by several Adirondack chairs facing the ocean.
“This is incredible.” I get out of the truck and the cool, soft sand covers my bare feet. Endless swaths of water open beyond the beach.
Scott rubs the back of his neck. “It’s nothing fancy, but it’s home.” He grabs a blanket from the backseat.
We walk toward the shoreline hand in hand. “It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.” He pulls me close, wrapping an arm around me as we walk.
As we stroll along the shoreline, the moonlight sprinkles the sand with shimmering dust. Waves roll in and try to keep paceto match the beat of our hearts. Scott leads me to a weathered driftwood log that washed ashore long ago. He motions for me to sit, but before I can, he picks me up and cradles me in his arms, spinning me around until we’re both dizzy with laughter. He gently puts me on the log and sits next to me, holding me tight so I don’t fall over.
“You’re too good to me.” I snuggle in to his chest and squeeze his waist.
Scott lifts my chin to turn my face to his and clears his throat. “I just want to make you happy.” He takes a deep breath and looks at the sand. “I want…” He meets my eyes, suddenly he looks so much younger.
“What?” I brush my fingers along his jawline.
“You. I want you. I really thought this part of my life was over. I never expected to find someone again, someone I can trust…”
A pang of guilt shoots through me. I should tell him what I’m doing with Wes, but I can’t.
“…with my heart. Do you see us together for the long term? Just us?” He takes another deep breath. “I want you badly.”
He takes my hand and kisses it. “This chapter in my life. It’s one I can’t wait to begin—with you.” He waits for my answer.
