Page 63 of Turbulent Fires

I chuckle. “No, I haven’t run away from him, but I did tell him I needed a few days to process everything, and the only way for me to do that was with my best friend.”

“What do you need time to think about?” she asks. She knows me better than anyone else, so she’s not judging. She honestly wants to know.

I sigh as we move along the trail. “We were in this seriously high-adrenaline situation and finally said I love you to each other. It’s overwhelming. Part of me fears we rushed because of the near-death experience. What if we were wrong? What if, after the adrenaline is gone, we have regrets?”

“That could happen with or without danger, Aud. People fall in love, and sometimes they fall out of love. That shouldn’t make us too afraid to try. I know you’ll regret it forever if you walk away from him. This man really is good for you. I see a light in you I can’t ever remember seeing before. I love that you’re so independent. But you can keep that independence and still give your heart to someone.”

“Maybe what I actually fear is how real this is.”

“I think that’s pretty accurate,” she says.

I laugh. “You could try to argue with me a little more.”

“I don’t want to argue when you make perfect sense,” she says as she nudges my arm. There truly is nothing as great as a real friendship. “How long did you tell him you needed?”

“I told him I needed to see you. He said he’ll be here in a couple of days.”

She pauses for a moment. “Do you want to see him in a couple of days?”

“I want to see him right now.”

She beams. “Now, that’s a beautiful thing.”

“I agree.”

We continue walking, and I feel lighter. Sure, I’m scared about what’s happening with Wolf, but I don’t want to run. I needed to see my bestie; I’ve done that now, and I still want to be with the man I left in California. I’m going to go to him. I don’t want to wait. Maybe it’s really that simple. Maybe I don’t need to make it so complicated. Maybe it’s okay for me to entrust another person with my heart, to entrust another person to help carry the burdens of life with me.

I won’t change overnight. I can give myself a break. I’m okay with it. I can, however, make small changes. Someday, those changes might become a habit. My day gets a little brighter as Chloe and I switch topics and enjoy our time together. I have a feeling each day will be brighter from here on out.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Audrey

The words are supposed to flow as I sit at the table at The Brewhouse and look out at the water, sipping coffee and typing on my laptop. They aren’t flowing, though. The salt-laced breeze is teasing my hair and reminding me of everything I love about beach life.

I arrived on the island an hour ago, and my first stop was the coffee shop. I’m heading to Wolf soon but want to know exactly what to do and what to say. I want it to be perfect. Maybe that’s part of my problem. Maybe I don’t need to have all of the answers first. Is it okay to fly by the seat of my pants? It’s not something I’m used to doing, but haven’t I decided that change is exactly what I need in my life?

Wolf’s the first thing I think about in the morning, and the last thing I think about at night. That has to mean something. His laugh echoes in my mind, his eyes flash in my dreams, and his words soothe me when I feel myself spiraling. I’m in love with the man, and I don’t think anything can ever change this.

I haven’t finished my blog about Catalina Island yet, and it’s probably because I haven’t found the happy ending to my own story. I can’t finish my blog until my own story is complete. It’s such a weird feeling.

I’ve always lived my life with one foot outside the door. I’ve believed for most of my life that if I was standing still, I was slowly dying. I realize that standing still gives us time to organize our thoughts and plan the next adventure. There’s nothing wrong with that. Wolf’s helped me see this. Love is the ultimate freedom. Love is putting your trust and faith in another. I was able to do this with Chloe. I can do it with Wolf as well.

Wolf’s never made me feel small, or lesser. He’s made me soar, and feel like there’s nothing I can’t do. Sure, it’s messy and loud and chaotic. But it’s also calming and freeing, and he helps me keep my feet planted on the ground when they need to be, and to soar when it’s time to lift-off.

I put away my laptop. I’ll finish my blog, but I have to finish my own story first. It takes about ten minutes to walk up the hill to Wolf’s place. I didn’t tell him which ferry I was arriving on. He would’ve been there if I had, but this all has to be on my timeline. Why? Well, who knows, but he loves me with all of my faults anyway, which is why it’s so easy for me to love him.

I stop when I reach his place. I truly love it. I already have good memories here, and I’m looking forward to making a heck of a lot more. I smile as I pull out my cup. I’ve come prepared for action. He’ll either love this or think I’m crazy. I already know which it will be because I know him as well as he knows me.

He opens the door when I knock and immediately smiles, holding out an arm like he’s going to pull me against him. I back up a step, my smile making my eyes shine brighter. I love this man so much. We’re going to continue our epic love story. I have no doubt about it.

I look at him, hold out my cup, and dump it right down his lap. His smile fades as he looks at me with confusion. I fight not to laugh. His mouth hangs open. He’s not sure what’s happening.

I hold up my hand to my mouth. “Oops, I didn’t mean for that to happen. It must be the turbulence,” I tell him with a bat of my lashes.

He gazes at me for another moment, then laughs, realizing what I’m doing. “You’re trouble. I knew it the moment we met on that plane. Really? Your way of showing me you’ve decided not to run is to recreate our first meeting?”

I giggle. “I thought I was being pretty creative.”

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