Page 72 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Let’s take another step together,” he said.

The encouragement in his eyes propelled her forward. She took two steps and then froze.

“You’re doing great,” he told her.

Another wave crashed, and the water reached her shins.

Cade leaned down. “Ready to go out a little bit farther?”

She studied the waves, and a memory swelled in her mind. She was back in the water with her brother and his friends, and the ocean was dragging her under. Her throat began to close, and she shook her head. “I-I can’t. I can’t do this anymore. I need to get out of the water.”

“It’s okay, darlin’.” Cade took her hands in his. “I got you.”

“I-I...”

A wave crashed, and she gripped his biceps and flung herself against him. She nestled her head against his chest and held on as the water moved around them. Her breath came in short bursts as she stared up at him.

Cade smiled. “You got this.”

She nodded and held on to him.

“Want to try to go a little farther?”

She turned back toward the water and felt a surge of confidence. “Maybe.”

“That’s the spirit.”

They slowly plodded out until the water was up to her thighs. Then she stopped and held on to Cade’s arms as the waves broke around them.

She took a deep breath. “I... I think I want to go in up to my waist.”

“What a daredevil.” He grinned, and she basked in his joy.

They moved out farther, and when the water was up to her waist, she stopped. They rode a wave up together, and when they came back down, she grabbed Cade as tightly as she could. He held her close against him, and the chill of air above the water raced across every inch of her bare skin. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he wound his around her waist. She rested her head on his shoulder while they rode out a few more waves. She felt her fear beginning to dissolve, as she silently enjoyed the warm, salty water and the sound of the ocean.

Everleigh relished the feeling of being in his arms. For a moment, she let herself wonder what it would be like to be more than Cade’s friend, to have him be someone special in her life. But it was a fleeting thought.

When the waters calmed, she released his neck and pulled slightly away from him. Her embarrassment crept in the moment she realized she’d been clinging to him for dear life. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He raked his hand through his wet hair and then reached for her, his brow pinching. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She started toward the shore. “But I’m ready to go.” The moment she said it, a wave pulled her backward, crashing over her and knocking her off-balance. She teetered, and a scream tore from her throat.

Cade grabbed her waist and pulled her upright. “Hey! It’s okay.” He held her close again. “I got you.”

She nodded and allowed him to steady her through another wave.

“Relax.” He inclined his face next to hers. “Just trust me, okay?” His voice was husky next to her ear, sending a tremor through her. “Close your eyes.”

She did as she was told.

“Take a deep breath and clear your mind,” he said. “Just breathe and let the water move over you. Try not to think about the past. Instead, try to feel the water in the moment.”

She breathed in deeply and cleared her mind. She concentrated on the feel of Cade’s body holding hers in place, and his hands resting on her hips. She allowed the waves to flow, gently lifting and surrounding her, and her body relaxed. Her fear seemed to dissolve, and the peacefulness of the water and the security of Cade’s strong presence combined to enfold her in a warm hug. For a moment, Everleigh was in control. She was confident.

A few more waves crashed around her, and she craned her neck over her shoulder and smiled up at Cade. “Oh my goodness.”

He lifted his eyebrows. “You good?”

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