Page 21 of When We Are Falling

“Hey, if you angle the shovel more, you’ll avoid spilling any,” I suggest to Blake, stepping in closer. I use my own shovel to demonstrate. “See, like this.”

Her eyes flash. “I’ve got it.”

“Okay, okay.” I take a step back, hands up by my face.

“You don’t need to hover over everyone. We’re not children.”

“I just want to make sure it’s done right.” I hand her a fresh pair of gloves, noticing hers are torn. “The more efficient we are, the sooner this will be done.”

She takes the gloves, eyes locking with mine, and she laughs. “Thanks. You can’t help yourself, can you?”

I shrug.

She switches gloves, looking at me sideways, her tanned skin and the smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks catching the light. Bandit barks excitedly as he runs down the beach, while the other volunteers continue to work methodically, their tools glinting in the sunlight, the air thick with the smell of soap and seawater as Joy leads a small group cleaning the seabirds.

“So, Mr. Boss Man, how many gallons of oil do you think we’ve scooped up already?” She pushes a stray lock of hair back under her bandana.

“More than you’d manage without me,” I shoot back with a grin.

I love the way the green of her eyes light up at my words, the way she never backs down from a challenge.

“Oh please, you’d be lost without my motivational skills. Admit it, I keep everyone going.”

“Yeah, maybe you do,” I concede. Her tenacity, the way she throws herself into everything with her whole heart, is something I’ve always loved about her, even back when we were kids.

She raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my admission. “Wait, did you just admit I’m right?”

“Don’t get used to it.”

“Fair enough,” she replies with a satisfied smirk. “But seriously. This would be a lot harder without you. Even if you’re already driving people crazy with your micromanaging.”

“They’re not going crazy. They appreciate a strong leader.”

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the world around us fades away, and longing for her makes me hyper aware of my body, of Blake’s, the rise and fall of her chest, the glowing skin that dips between the perfect swell of her breasts.

I love everything she does, even when we clash. Especially when we clash. That’s when I see the fire in her, the spark that makes her so irresistible.

She breaks the gaze first, clearing her throat. “Well, we’d better get back to it. This oil isn’t going to clean itself.”

“Right behind you.”

By mid-afternoon, it’s time to stop for the day, the other volunteers already packing up and heading home. The rhythmic sound of shovels and brushes soon fades away, replaced by the gentle lapping of the waves. It’s just Blake and me left on the beach as we work to fill the last couple of bags with filthy sand.

“Thanks for today.” My voice is quiet, breaking the silence. “I know I can be... intense.”

Blake’s lips curl into a teasing smile. “You think?” But there’s warmth in her eyes that puts me at ease. “I appreciate your drive, you don’t need to worry.”

Bandit, exhausted from the day, lays at my feet, tongue lolling, breathing heavy. I look down at him, then back at Blake. It’s now or never. “So, do you have plans for dinner?”

She looks taken aback, clearly not expecting the question. “Dinner?” she echoes, as if testing the word.

“Yeah.” I try to keep my tone casual. “You’ve got to eat, right? It’s not a date, just dinner.”

She hesitates, glancing out at the horizon, then back at me. “I don’t know...”

“Come on,” I coax. “You’ve worked hard today. You deserve a good meal. And besides, I know the Tidal Tavern is closed today. You don’t need to work, and Bandit and I could use the company. Come on, you don’t want to disappoint Bandit.”

Blake studies me for a moment, weighing her options. “Alright, but just dinner. No funny business.”

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