Page 62 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

We hit the highest point, and my gaze catches on the shimmering waters beneath.

“Did he hit you for that?” Kai’s fingers flex.

“No. Richard wasn’t violent.”

Kai looks like he swallowed a cactus. Questions unravel in his head, trying to assemble my life’s pieces. “Why do you call him Richard?”

“Because his name is Richard,” I say as if Kai could understand the pain my father’s name means.

Another person who abandoned me.

As I force my attention away from my inner turmoil, I gaze toward the bustling fair by the lake. Seagulls call out, and the smell of water permeates the air, creating a calming and refreshing ambiance.

The marina is alive with activity, with boats of all sizes parked on the dock. The colorful sails of sailboats and the gleaming metal of fishing yachts catch my eye, adding luxury and adventure to the scene.

The dock is crowded with tourists. Some are strolling, taking in the sights and sounds of the place while others are taking pictures and eating hot pretzels. The wheel moves slowly, allowing me to look around and appreciate the moment.

I get lost in the marina’s energy. It always has a way of doing that, of making me forget my worries and get in touch with the present.

I wish I had a boat.

“I wish I knew how to sail.” Kai’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

The view of the boats parked in a row at the marina of St-Gabriel is one that I’ve missed. From atop the wheel, the sky is breathtaking, with pink and orange highlights that look like a brushstroke from a painting. I’ve always dreamed of sailing, spending my days sun tanning, writingmy novels and drinking margaritas at night. But Eric and I both worked too much to make that dream a reality.

Kai’s voice swirls around me.

Evening shifts aren’t the most convenient, but better than night shifts. Especially in the emergency room.

The day shift, I can dream. The nurses who get that assignment are all way older than me. Things might be brighter for me in Nay. At the small clinic downtown...

My ex liked that I worked evenings from four to midnight. He had all his time to party with his buddies and play video games. I wonder if Kai is a gamer too. With his busy schedule, I imagine he doesn’t have much spare time for leisure activities.

“Come back to me.” Kai scoots over, and his warmth envelops my body. One arm is on the backrest, and another is on the bar. I’m surrounded. The situation should make me lose it, but nothing’s coming. I’m fine until he slides farther ahead.

I take a nervous peek at Kai. He isn’t gazing dreamily at the boats. He’s staring at me. His gaze shifted from my breasts to my mouth to my eyes.

Should I turn my head?

I breathe a little faster, and heat invades my face.

Does he want to kiss me?

I must be scarlet by the thought that Kai wants to kiss me.

Turn your head.

If I turn my head and he backs away, my pride won’t be hurt. If he kisses me, I’ll have the most romantic moment of my life. Better act before the wheel comes back down.

Shit, I’m embarrassed.

I turn my head.

“Ah!” I scream when the Ferris wheel comes to a sudden stop.

My forehead collides with Kai’s head, who is thrown across the sweeping bench. Wonderful. I’m holding my forehead, dazed. Kai looks ready to kill someone. I’m going to have a bruise on my forehead.

By the time we regain our senses, the tour is done.

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