Page 105 of Spring Tide

“The girls and I have known for ages.”

“Sure you have.” My arms cross over my chest with a dramatic huff. “You guys know everything.”

“Thank you. We’re very smart.” She stacks our dishes together, giving them a quick rinse before loading them in the dishwasher. “They’re coming to relieve you in about an hour, by the way.”

“Oh my gosh, I don’t need relieving.” I frown. “I like being here with you.”

“Don’t worry, I know you have plans with Luca today. I’m not bothered.” She clicks her tongue, waving me off. “At least one of us should be living out our romantic fantasies.”

“You know I would stay here if you wanted me to, right?”

“I know you would, which is exactly why I want you to go. I love you too much to subject you to this—me crying about Grant all damn day.” She plops back down onto the barstool beside me, dropping her head onto my shoulder. “Lord knows he’s not worth it.”

“He really isn’t.” I stroke the top of her hair, “Not if he can let someone as incredible as you slip right through his fingers.”

“That’s it.” She closes her eyes, a watery smile lifting her cheeks. “Go on, say more nice things about me.”

I twirl a thick, dark strand between my fingers, admiring how soft and shiny it is. “Has anyone ever told you that you have amazing hair?”

* * *

Later that night,Luca and I cuddle up on a blanket together at the beach. We’re watching the sunset at my favorite spot, about thirty yards shy of the shoreline, the chilly November air sending a tiny shiver up my spine.

“You cold?” he asks, tucking me against his side. “I think I still have a sweatshirt in my car for you.”

“I’m okay.” I gesture toward the open water. “Actually, I was just wishing it was warm enough for us to go swimming right now.”

“Yeah, that’s not happening.” He chuckles, running his hands over the goose bumps lining my arms. “We’d definitely freeze our asses off.”

I give him a playful shrug. “Might be worth it. Seems like a good time for screaming underwater.”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you never done that?”

His brow quirks. “Can’t say I’ve ever had the inclination.”

“It’s a great stress reliever. I always find myself swimming out there during spring finals.” I can hear the wistful smile in my voice. “I just duck my head under the water and yell. It feels so good.”

“Maybe when the weather warms up again, we can try it together.”

I nudge him with an elbow, excitement buzzing around in my stomach. “Better yet, we could do it tonight in the bath.”

“Sounds romantic,” he deadpans.

“Oh, shush.” Laughter bubbles out of me. “Like you’re the authority on what’s romantic or not.”

He scratches at the back of his ear, his sudden nervousness apparent. “I think I’ve done a pretty okay job lately, haven’t I?”

“Yes, you have.” My eyes drop to his mouth. “Speaking of, you should probably be rewarded for it.”

He breathes in, slowly, eyes heavy-lidded. “What did you have in mind?”

I tilt my chin, and we both lean in for a kiss. His lips are warm and soft, a shudder running through me when our tongues touch. I roll my body closer, and then his hands are everywhere—my hips, my waist, the back of my neck, up and into my hair. I reach my own hand between us, fingers frantically searching for the zipper on his jeans.

“So that’s what you had in mind, huh?” He rasps the question, his answering smile pressed against my lips.

I manage to pop his button open with one hand. “I really want to.”

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