Page 22 of Kayak Girl

“Hey, Knight,” Gray called. He’d taken to calling me by my last name. “Are you playing volleyball with us? It’s a Friday tradition, you know.”

Ball sports had never been my thing, but I didn’t want to pass up the chance to spend time with him. “Yeah, I’m keen. Give me five minutes. I just want to put my stuff away.”

I ran to my room and cleaned up a bit. There was no time to shower, but a fresh application of deodorant and some perfume never hurt anyone. While I put sunscreen on my face, I spotted a bottle of mint chewing gum and threw a piece in my mouth.

I shut my door and ran to the volleyball court, where several leaders had gathered for a game.

“I call shotgun for Elle on my team,” Weston declared.

“You haven’t even seen me play,” I said.

Weston just laughed. “Quit stalling. It’s been decided—you’re with us, Elle.”

I thought it strange that Weston wanted me on his team—I always got the impression he was wary of me. I’m not sure what I’d done to make him dislike me. Perhaps he’d warmed up to me. Cool.

Gray was the captain of the opposing team. At least I would provide comic relief for everyone, as my ball skills left a lot to be desired. Weston should have taken the out I was offering him.

Miraculously, I returned the first three balls that came my way. Gray must have thought this meant I was a competent player, because he hit the ball in my direction. It was coming so fast and with so much force that I froze in horror and just watched it hurtle toward my face. I could hear my teammates calling my name, but my limbs were not moving.

The ball collided with my face.

I stumbled backwards from the impact and landed ungracefully on the sand with a thud. My hands flew to my face, my fingers gingerly exploring the tender flesh around my nose. Ouch. I could feel the start of a nosebleed. The pain was sharp and immediate, but the embarrassment of the moment was a slow, creeping burn. Tears may or may not have pooled in my eyes.

I heard a few gasps as my teammates asked if I was okay. But it was Gray’s reaction that absorbed all my attention, his usual composure was gone. He dropped to his knees beside me, his expression a mix of worry and guilt. “Elle, are you okay?” His voice was urgent.

My heart fluttered at his sudden closeness, the way his hands hovered over me, as if he was fighting the urge to touch me. I nodded, feeling a little dazed. “I think my nose might bleed,” I said, as I pinched it.

“I’m going to take her to get some ice. You guys can carry on without us,” he announced to the group, but his eyes never left mine. He carefully scooped me up in his arms, as if I were something precious, and my heart skipped a beat.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered.

Being close to Gray gave me a ridiculous amount of comfort after days of him keeping his distance. I knew it would end soon, so I thought I’d make the most of it. Relaxing into his hold, I rested my head on his shoulder. In the background, I heard the others starting their game and calling out their well wishes.

“I’m so sorry for hitting you, my girl,” he whispered into my hair. “I can’t believe I hurt you.”

My heart did a flip flop. Did he just call me “my girl”? Was I dreaming?

Gray backed into the kitchen, using his shoulder to push the door open. He set me on the counter and dashed to the freezer. I missed his closeness. He returned a few seconds later with a bag of frozen peas and a few napkins.

“I’m not hungry. My nose is sore,” I said, confused.

He chuckled, “I know, silly. These are to put on your nose, not in your mouth. It will fit around your nose better than ice blocks. Here, let me show you.” Gray placed the bag on my nose with such gentleness. He lifted my hand from the counter and placed it on top of the bag so that I could hold it in place.

The chilly feel of the frozen peas pressed against my nose caused the throbbing sensation to fade some. “I promise I’m not that fragile. I’ll be okay,” I said around the bag of peas.

Gray stood opposite me with his hands resting on his hips. His eyes, usually so commanding and assured, were filled with worry. “You almost gave me a heart attack out there. I hate that I hurt you. Have I expressed how sorry I am? I was so sure you’d hit the ball back or at least jump out of the way.”

Touched by his concern, I offered him a weak smile. “I tried to warn Weston that I’m not skilled at volleyball.” The memory of the ball’s unexpected impact and the subsequent sting flashed through my mind.

“Well, next time we play volleyball, you’re on my team, okay? I don’t care what Weston says.” His voice was firm, protective, and a tiny part of my heart may have melted.

As I nodded in agreement, a lance of pain shot through my head, causing me to wince. “Perhaps I should lie down for a little while and let the peas work their magic,” I suggested, attempting to slide off the counter with as much grace as I could muster.

“Whoa, don’t even try walking. I’ll carry you to your room,” Gray insisted. Before I could protest, he scooped me up, cradling me as if I weighed nothing. As he carried me, strange emotions bubbled to the surface.

My childhood had been filled with fear and loneliness, with no-one to rely on or protect me. I was always the one taking care of others, shouldering burdens far too heavy for someone my age. But in Gray’s arms, I felt a warmth and safety that was entirely new to me. I allowed myself to relax and lean into his embrace, relishing the unfamiliar sensation of being cared for by someone else.

Gray’s strength and reliability struck a chord deep within me, touching a part of my soul that had long been starved for support and love. It was both exhilarating and terrifying to let myself trust him, even if just for this brief moment.

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