Page 61 of When We Are Falling

She nods against my chest, but her tears tell a different story. “I don’t know what to do,” she admits, her voice breaking. “I don’t know how to help him.”

Rubbing small, comforting circles on her back, my resolve hardens to keep him as far away from her as possible. “We’ll figure it out together. You’re not alone in this.”

As I hold her, the weight of her body pressed against mine, a fierce determination surges through me. I’ll do anything to keep her safe.

She’s so strong, but even the strongest need someone. Because I’m not just here for the good times; I’m here to be her shield against any threat. Including David.

This is the woman I’m falling in love with, and I’ll be damned if I let anything or anyone harm her. No matter what, I’ll protect her with everything I have.

Chapter 27

Blake

A few days later,I’m still worried sick about David, but he’s done his usual trick of disappearing, and there’s not much I can do other than to get on with things and hope he calls or shows up again soon.

But no matter how hard I try, I can’t rid my mind of the image of him so strung out and lost. It drags up a storm of memories from my childhood, like old scars ripped open, ragged and painful. I think about my father, his glassy eyes and trembling hands, the nights I’d find him passed out, drug paraphernalia scattered around him.

The fear I felt, the uncertainty, never knowing if he’d be there the next day or if he’d disappear on another bender. And then when they took me from him, the string of foster homes that followed, where kids like me were left to navigate the shitty remnants the world offered us.

Seeing David like this again, falling into the same dark pit, brings it all rushing back. The sense of helplessness, the weightof other people’s choices crushing down on me. It’s like reliving it all over again, and the pain is just as raw.

But life doesn’t stop for anyone or anything, not for pain or grief or worry. Not for memories I’d rather forget. That’s another thing I learned early on: when life gives you lemons, you just have to keep showing up anyway.

So here I am, helping Ethan and the other volunteers on the beach. It’s just after noon, and the sun hangs high, casting a harsh glare over the yellow of the sand. Sweat trickles down my back, my shirt clinging uncomfortably to my skin, but the hard physical work actually feels pretty good, a way to take my mind off things.

After a couple more hours, a cool breeze finally sweeps in over Little Egg Harbor, offering a brief but welcome respite. Ethan wipes his brow with the back of his hand as he bags the last of the oil-streaked sand below the lighthouse.

Around us, the volunteers are all drenched in sweat, their faces flushed with effort. But they’re all grinning, even Carlos who hoists a heavy bag over his shoulder, muscles straining as he hauls it toward the collection point. Tom leans against a shovel, his shirt soaked through, panting as he catches his breath.

“Great job, everyone!” Ethan calls out, his voice full of pride and relief. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the beach is done!”

The team responds with cheers, laughter, and high-fives. I can see the exhaustion in their eyes, but it’s overshadowed by a sense of accomplishment.

Carlos returns empty handed, his shirt plastered to his back, and slaps Ethan on the shoulder. “We did it, man! Feels good to see this place looking clean again.”

I stand back for a moment, taking it all in. The cleanup has been grueling, but today feels like a real breakthrough. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come, that this beach isfinallyclean.

Ethan catches my eye, his face streaked with dirt and sweat. His navy blue T-shirt clings to the broad of his chest, his cargo shorts sitting snug on his narrow hips, and he’s never looked more gorgeous.

“Hey, think we’ve earned a drink or two?”

I hold his gaze, drinking in the sight of him. The two of us have been riding high ever since the event at the Tidal Tavern, and it’s like we’re invincible when we’re together. “Only if you promise not to make a mess of my bar again.”

“Hey, that was one time!” He feigns indignation, wiping his hands on a rag. “And for the record, I thought the beer shower was quite refreshing.”

The team gathers around, and we share a moment of collective pride. There’s still a little more oil to clean on other beaches, but most of the work is done, and getting Lighthouse Beach back to its beautiful self feels like a major victory.

Ethan puts one arm around Tom and the other around Carlos, a grin splitting the angular planes of his face. There’s coarse stubble on his jaw, but his mouth is so kissable.

“Here’s to saving the world, one tar-ball at a time. Well done, team! We’re heading to the Tavern, and the first round is on me.”

We break into applause and when it dies down, I share out the last of the coffee while Tom passes out pastries. I take a bite of a croissant, savoring the buttery goodness. “I have to admit, Tom, your pastries might just be the real MVPs of this operation.”

“Well, they do say an army marches on its stomach.”

Ethan walks over to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. His touch is warm and familiar, but butterflies take flight in my chest, and I lean into him, feeling the solid strength of his body against mine.

He leans in, too, his lips brushing my ear. “You know, I think we make a pretty great team, princess, don’t you?”

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