He leans in, his lips meeting mine in an urgent kiss, dissolving the remaining walls between us. Scooping me up into his arms like he did our first night on his beach, he carries me to his bed and lays me down, hovering over me.
“We have all night to make up for lost time, sweet girl. I’m going to make sure you feel how much I love you.”
Light from the dawn filters through the windows. I stir, waking to the warmth of Scott’s arms around me. When I turn, I find him awake, watching me.
“Morning.” His voice is rough from sleep.
“Good morning.” My cheeks flush as memories of the night before washes over me. We made up, indeed.
He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “Last night meant everything to me.”
My heart is full. “Me too.” My fingers trace his scar, and I kiss his chest. I want him to touch me again.
Scott glances toward his dresser and sits up. “Maddie, there’s something I want to…”
The rude trill of Scott’s phone breaks the moment. He curses as he pulls away from me to answer it.
“Rickter.” His brows furrow in concern and confusion, his jaw clenching as he listens. “Yeah. I’ll be there in less than thirty.”
“What is it?” I ask as he ends the call, a knot of unease forming in my stomach.
“The Coast Guard,” he explains, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “They said they need me to come by to help with something urgent happening at the Drop.”
“Is something wrong?” I sit up, clutching the sheet to my chest.
“It might be nothing, but I need to handle it.” He’s putting on his pants and grabbing a shirt. “I’ll call to check on you in an hour at the most.” I put on my nightgown and follow him into the kitchen.
“Denver. Here, boy.” Denver rushes to meet Scott. “Protect.” He nods in my direction. Denver barks once, signaling he understands.
“Call Hannah, have her pick you up, and take you back to the inn. Don’t let anyone else in and call me if anything concerns you or if anyone other than Hannah shows up.”
Scott leans down, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips before pulling back. “Until she gets here, stay. Rest. I’ll see you soon. I love you.” He slides his hands down my waist, palming my hip with a playful squeeze. Then he turns to leave.
He sets the alarm and the door clicks shut behind him.
Chapter 33
Maddie
Watching from the window, Scott’s truck disappears down the road. I try not to worry about being alone. I have Denver, and he’s pacing dutifully nearby. I left a voicemail message for Hannah, asking her to leave Ding at the inn and come by and get me as soon as she can. My emotions are all over the place. It’s like nothing bad ever happened between Scott and me. He loves me and I love him. The only difference is me. I’m never going to take what we have for granted again. A pleasant shiver runs up my spine. Last night was amazing. He hasn’t lost his touch, that’s for sure. I’m excited to see him again. But as the minutes stretch by, a strange feeling of dread presses against my chest.
Still in my robe and needing a shower, I head toward the bathroom. My heart sinks when I hear the doorbell ring.
Who could it be? I rush to the door but hesitate with my hand on the knob. It’s too soon to be Hannah. My heart’s beating so hard, it’s about to give out. I force myself to look at the screen on Scott’s front door monitor.
Mark Glassier.
Relieved, I start to open the door, but pause. Wasn’t Scott meeting the Coast Guard? Did something happen to him on the way? Oh God. My palms are sweating. I press on the intercom.
“Mark?”
“Something’s happened. It’s Scott. Can you let me in?”
I gasp and clutch my chest tightly. In tears, I turn off the alarm and open the door for Mark. His crisp uniform makes him approachable.
“You’re scaring me. What’s happened to Scott?”
“I’m sorry.” He coughs and holds up his hands, urging me to calm down. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just on my way to check in with Scott, but it looks like I missed him.” His eyes are tracing the room methodically, looking for something. He’s speaking, but he’s not focused on what he’s saying to me. What is going on?
