Page 4 of Taurus
“I wouldn’t say jumping into the ocean to save a stranger was nothing.”
He glances over at me, his square jaw ticking under the month-old scruff on his face. “I just did what anyone else would have done.”
I doubt that, but I don’t press the issue. It’s clear that any compliment, warranted or not, makes him feel uncomfortable, so I changed the subject.
“I’m guessing you are new to the island.” Since there is no way, I wouldn't have noticed this handsome stranger if we were to pass each other on the street in town.
“First day.”
“Well.” I chuckle. “Not sure how we can top tomorrow for you after your adventures this afternoon.”
"Anything would be a nice distraction," he says cryptically.
I want so much to press him further, but it’s not my place to ask. If he wanted to talk about it, he would. At least that’s what I have to tell myself. I love meeting new people and finding out everything I can about them, but I’ve learned that not everyone is as open as I am.
“Are you hungry?” I ask, pointing to the illuminated sign up ahead that reads—The Lighthouse Diner.
Jace doesn’t answer but puts on the blinker and turns into the parking lot. Curious faces appear in the window when they see my Jeep pull up. I don’t have to look at Jace to know that he is not interested in this new attention.
“You stay here,” I tell him. “I’ll run in and get the food.”
He nods, reaching into his back pocket for his wallet.
“Your money is no good here,” I say and jump out of the Jeep.
3
JACE
I watch as Cordelia walks into the diner. The sway of her ample hips makes my dick twitch with excitement. The memory of catching her on the beach and holding her in my arms flashes in my mind for the hundredth time since it happened. I came here for some time to rethink my life and what I wanted to do next, but almost immediately, the universe threw this beautiful woman in my path—my new neighbor, no less.
When I told Cordelia I was going to take her to the hospital, I realized I couldn’t take her on my bike, and I wished Lydia and her minivan hadn’t run off so quickly. But Cordelia informed me that she lived next door to my cottage, and her Jeep was parked out back.
How am I supposed to be able to focus on trying to start over when a beautiful curvy blonde is sleeping a hundred feet away from me?
My phone rings in my pocket, interrupting my thoughts from having to actually answer the question.
“Hello?”
“Jace? Are you okay?” Declan asks. “We got a call from Lydia.”
“I’m fine,” I assure him.
He lets out a breath in relief.
Declan has always been more than a big brother to me. He had to take on many roles when we were growing up—brother, protector, caregiver. Our mother did what she could on her own, but working multiple jobs to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table, meant that Declan had to step up and grow up faster than any kid should.
I give him my side of what happened this afternoon, careful to omit some of the more dangerous details. No harm was done, so there was no need for unnecessary worry on his part.
“You like her,” he says when I finish.
“What?” I scoff, but it’s so unbelievable that even I hear the lie in my voice.
“Who does he like?” I hear Franny ask in the background.
“The woman he saved.”
“Cordelia?” Franny asks. “Oh, she’s perfect for him. So sweet.”
