Page 16 of Between Two Shores

She fiddled with the crystal base on the vase.

Lachlan looked out the windows.

A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned on her elbow and watched the boat masts bob on the water in the distance. Wasn’t he going to say anything? Comment on the food? Small talk, at least? The silence between them continued, but soft saxophone music played in the background. Maybe he was feeling full after his lunch. He ate so fast.

Emily came to their table. “Who ordered the Crème Brulee?”

“Me.” She raised her hand.

“I should’ve known.” Emily placed a ceramic dish before her.

“Your Coconut Tapioca, sir.”

“Thank you.” Lachlan straightened in his chair and picked up his spoon.

Emily cleared away their used plates and cutlery, then returned to the kitchen.

“Mmm. This tastes good.” Lachlan took a second scoop.

“Yes, that’s number two on my list of favorite desserts from here. But I’m a sucker for Brulee.”

Lachlan gestured to the windows. “I have a couple of hours before I need to return to the ship. After this, do you want to go for a walk on the beach?”

Her shoulders relaxed. “I’d love to.”

Chapter Six

LACHLAN

After a walk down the beach, Lachlan and Beth sat below the sandbank. Speckles of light sparkled like diamonds on gentle ripples lapping onto the shoreline. Gulls flew against the bright blue sky, searching for a fish below.

Lachlan picked up a spotted shell next to him and flung it toward the water. Missed.

Would he miss an opportunity for something more with Beth? Since the cave encounter forty-eight hours ago, all he could think about was how he nearly kissed her. Where would an actual kiss have left them now? He was already craving her—imagine what two years of distance would be like? Misery.

“Have you ever wanted something you know isn’t good for you, and it hurts to choose the right thing?”

She nodded quietly.

“We have a lot of freedom in America . . .” He threw another shell. “But we have a strong patriotic culture that grounds us to our loyalties. We’re taught it from a young age.” He turned and studied her expression.

A tear formed in her ocean blue eyes. Man, he hated to hurt her. But he couldn’t lead her on.

“Remember I said that you’re a treasure? A rare find.” He swallowed. “I hope you hold onto that. Don’t let anyone steal that truth away from you. You’re valuable, Beth. A woman that any man would be stoked to spend a life with.”

“Thank you. And you’re going to make me cry now.” She swiped under her eye. “Why am I feeling so sad?”

Tears stung the back of his eyes too. What was going on with his heart? It was compassion. He’d caused her pain by giving her false hope that they could be more. The other day, he’d blubbered they could email because she looked miserable. She’d grown attached in a short time. What had she said at the community centre? Her dad didn’t need to worry about him. No way was Lachlan Peters the best thing for Bethany Michaels. She’d be waiting for years, and he had no plans to live in Australia. His home was in San Diego. Friends and family he missed, waited for his return.

He’d been in a long-distance relationship before, pining over someone he couldn’t have while overseas—a waste of emotional energy.

“So, this is goodbye, huh?” She said softly, barely audible.

“Beth . . .” He drew out a pause. “. . . about the cave.”

“Don’t.” She held up a palm and averted her gaze. “It’s okay, I understand.”

His stomach sank. “I’m sorry.”

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