Page 8 of Inseverable (Carolina Beach)

Like those people from those countries, Callahan has experienced his share of torment. If that Special Forces tat hadn’t given him away, the lines hardening his features, and those eyes?man,those heartbreaking blue eyes?spilled the truth. He’s broken . . . and probably all kinds of lonely.

“So you’re giving up on him, Trin?” Becca asks, yawning yet again.

I adjust my arm around her waist. “You saying I should?”

She thinks about it. “Yes, and no. I mean, he’s like the first guy you’ve actually taken an interest in since . . .” She clears her throat. “It’s just nice to see you notice someone you don’t have to save from drowning,” she adds quickly.

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind a little mouth to mouth action there,” I admit. My comment causes Becca to clutch me tighter and squeal with a little too much enthusiasm. I try to loosen her hold so she doesn’t choke me and only mildly succeed. “Becks,” I croak.

“Oh. Sorry, sugar.”

She repositions her arms around me, but thankfully her hold is tamer than what it was, allowing me to move and breathe as I increase our speed up the small hill. Just a few more yards until we reach our property, and a few more after that before we fall into a soft bed.

I breathe in the salty sea air fluttering my hair as I stop in front of the electronic keypad. The house, while a good distance away from the beach, is still only a short walk from the shore. My parents purchased the property when they were first married, but didn’t build the house until Landon was a few months from starting school. They liked the view and the close proximity to the beach, they just preferred not to be smack dab in the face of a hurricane should one hit.

I punch the keypad, causing the gate to open with a mild creak and allowing my drunk cohorts through. “Open sez a me,” I say a little too late.

Sean who’s crashed here before jogs ahead, likely to call dibs on a bed. Hale and Becca have stayed over more times than I can count, but they remain by my side. The rest of our party walk slowly behind us, the solar powered lights casting their glow against the weeping willows, palmettos, and dogwoods, allowing them to take in the property.

“You live here?” the girl who made out with Mason asks. I hadn’t noticed that she’d tagged along.

“I do,” I answer. I offer a smile over my shoulder, making sure to catch Mason’s stare. He tilts his head, his way of telling me he’ll keep an eye on her. While I like to think most people are genuinely good, I still have to be cautious of who I allow in my home.

My attention returns ahead to take in the light brick color Momma and I wanted, and Daddy and Landon did not. It’s a great shade, bordering on tan with traces of peach, and even in the darkness, it seems to welcome us home.

I hurry up the steps and unlock the door. For a brief moment, I wonder if I should have invited Callahan with us. It’s a stupid thought?he would have said no?not to mention I’d just met the guy. But maybe I should have. Like I said he seems so lonely and . . . well, doesn’t everyone deserve a smile?

“Trin?” Hale says.

“Uh, sorry, what?”

He cocks his head. “I asked where you wanted us?”

“You can have my room. Becks and I will take my parents’ room.”

“Okay,” he says, looking back at Becca. “Hey, Becks. Want to hang out on the terrace for a little bit? Maybe kick back some water instead of more beer?”

“No, shug. All I’m thinking about is warm sheets and a long sleep,” she answers, yawning.

Disappointment swirls along his features as he watches her trail inside with the others. I punch him the arm affectionately. “It’s a marathon,” I whisper. “Not a race.”

He shoots me a sideway glance, and oh yeah, there’s that panty-melting grin again reminding me he’s not giving up hope yet.

“Trin?” Mason calls from the kitchen. “Can we heat up the frozen pizzas in there? I’ll swing by tomorrow with a few more to pay you back.”

I shove Hale away when he pulls me into a headlock and tousles my hair. “Sure,” I answer, Mason. “But consider yourself in charge, ‘kay? I’m tired and going to crash.”

“No problem, Trin,” he says.

By his serious tone, and that stiff nod he offers, I know he means it. I hurry up the steps behind Becca. “Spare toothbrushes still in the linen closet?” she asks when reach the top.

“Yeah. Be a pal and see who else needs them, okay?”

“All right,” she says, hurrying off.

I grab some clothes for us out of my room and my toothbrush from my bathroom before crossing into the other wing and slipping into my parents’ suite. I’ve already showered and have my hair up in a turban before Becca returns and slips into the bathroom with me.

My hair falls against my shoulder blades with a smack as I tug off the towel. I reach for a wide tooth comb and pass it through the length as I think back to Callahan. He didn’t notice me like I wanted him to. In fact, some might call my first impression disastrous.

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