Page 134 of Tender Heart
Gasping, I slam to a halt. Firefly is coasting toward the beach. From the east.
What on earth?
Cal never leaves her on that side. It’s too exposed.
I take a tentative step toward the fishing boat that’s crossing the water, heading straight for the sand. Maybe he’s hurt? Maybe he can’t wait long enough to sail around the northern tip and dock at the jetty.
“Oh no.” The words are no more than a whisper.
I take off, heading for the beach, and slip on the tufty grass where the dune meets grassy land. Stumbling, I falter to steady myself and push forward. Firefly slows, turning before drifting to a halt in the shallow water, and I stand rooted in the sand.
The engine dies.
He moves in the cabin. I see his dark figure...
The sun’s early light blurs everything in a gold hue. I squint, raising a hand to protect my eyes and see better.
He jumps from the boat and wades through the water.
Wha—
He makes the beach, slowing in the wet sand.
His clothes are?—
Fear slips into my veins, sickly and hot.
No.
I gasp for air, my hands trembling by my sides.
“No,” I choke.
He has Cal’s boat.
The distance between us seems to shrink at a rapid rate.
How did he get Firefly?
Does that mean . . .
The distance between us evaporates, the aroma of cedar shrouding me where I stand.
“No! Please, ju—sto—” I scream, crumpling as I step back, holding a hand up, palm out.
Icy blue eyes burn into me. His messy pale-brown hair is oily and slicked down. His mouth kicks up in a half smile as he reaches for me.
“Hello, Butterfly.”
