Page 24 of The Chemistry of Us

“Excuse me?”

“Did I stutter?”

“On that note.” I went to stand, but he grabbed my arm.

“Let’s go somewhere quiet and talk.”

“Not a chance in hell.”

“Please.”

My eyes widened. “Did you really just beg me?”

“I wouldn’t consider that begging, but if you want me on my knees, all you have to do is ask.”

“Ugh! Is sex all you think about?”

He shot me a grin. “You’re the one who thinks I was implying sex.”

“Aren’t you?”

He grinned in that delicious way. I’d be lying if I said I was shocked that he proceeded to actually get on his knees in front of me.

Grabbing my hand, he declared, “Make me the luckiest man alive, and please grant me the privilege of spending some alone time with you.”

I rolled my eyes, fighting back a smile.

“You know you want to. I can see it in your eyes. Just say yes. I promise you won’t regret it.”

I sighed deeply. “Fine. Don’t make me regret it.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Do you trust me?”

“Well, my name is Tru, short for trust, right?”

“The sun will be setting, and you don’t want to be alone with me in the dark.”

I jerked back. “What? Why?”

“Because.” He shrugged. “I’m trying to be honest, and you’re really sexy, and darkness brings about sin…”

“Sin?”

“All the sinning.”

Minutes later, he led me toward a private part of the beach where we would be alone. We sat on the rocks, watching the sunset over the horizon for I don’t know how long. The silence was nice, comfortable even.

The sky always made a scenic panoramic view over the water. All the beautiful colors blended, preparing to shift into the night. It was Mother Nature’s private work of art. We sat there and listened to the soft lull of the waves dragging us into its calming rhythm, bringing me a sense of peace.

The ocean had always been my happy place.

Despite living in home after home, the water was one of the things I could count on. Now, I was living within walking distance of one, and the irony was not lost on me.

The familiarity of it all.

The comfort.

Most of all, it was the only time I didn’t feel alone.

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