Page 28 of Baring All
So focused on Bear and the development on the drive over, I stopped paying attention to our route, and now I have no idea where we are exactly. It’s pretty, wherever it is though.
“At the risk of getting a smart-ass answer, where exactly is here?”
“Coronation Bay. It’s the beach our team uses to train.” Pointing a finger out his window, he continues, “Just over that small rise there is the base.
“Sit tight. I’ll come around.” Before I can react or reply, he hops out.
Opening my door, he offers me a hand to help me. Once he’s locked the truck, he guides me toward a path with a hand at the small of my back. It’s the second time he’s done it today, and I love it. That and the door opening. The only other man I know who does these little things is my dad. It’s something he’s done for my mom for as long as I can remember.
There’s a bit of a climb up a dune to reach the beach area. As we crest it, I catch my breath at the beauty before me. For as far as the eye can see is the most exquisite vista of the coastline. The beach is pretty quiet too. I can see why Bear loves to come here.
“Come on, legs. Let’s take a walk. There’s one more surprise.”
Huffing out a breath, I grimace at him. “Not the biggest fan of surprises. I like to know what’s coming.”
“Have you always been such a spoilsport, or is it just with me?” His grin is the only thing that saves him from a punch to the gut.
“Smartass.” I can’t help but laugh back at him. The broody, melancholy Bear appears to be gone, and in his place, fun, happy Bear.
“Come on, woman. Shake those tail feathers.”
We strike out across the beach, Bear pointing out a million cool things to see while filling me in on the rich, colorful history of this little slice of heaven. And told in his deep baritone, I’m entranced. Who knew history could be so entertaining?
Rounding a boulder, he stops beside it, gesturing to it. Into the rock, someone’s carved a seascape, complete with mermaid and an old sailing ship. The work is flawless and whimsical. Beautiful. And now I’m glad he kept it a secret, allowing me to appreciate the incredible talent for what it is.
“Wow. That’s – just, wow.”
“Yeah.” That single word tells me I’m not alone in my admiration for this unknown artist’s work.
“Is this the only one?”
“On this beach, yeah. I’ve heard there’s supposed to be another one somewhere farther up the coast, but I’ve not yet found it. This is where I come when I’m feeling low or need somewhere quiet to figure shit out. Sunrise from this spot is otherworldly.”
“I can see why. It’s so peaceful. But why’s it empty? I mean, other than those four guys, we’re the only other people here.”
“It’s private property. I’m guessing you missed the signs back there.”
“Yeah, I did.”
Bear lowers himself to the sand, tugging me down beside him. We sit like that for a long time, simply savoring the quiet and each other’s company. As the day’s progressed, I’ve realized that I really enjoy his company. He’s witty, charming, and has a quirky sense of fun. The man is also comfortable with silence, not feeling pressed to fill a lull in conversation with empty words.
In fact, I reallylikehim.
Me. The one sworn off relationships and messy feelings. And isn’t that a kicker. Never having found a man who suits me just so, I figured it would be easy swearing off marriage, kids, and the clichéd happy ever after.
And here I am, sitting on a beach, hidden from the world, only to have the foundation of my conviction rocked bythisgiant of a man with a marshmallow heart he wants no one to know about.Damn it.
“Eloise?”
Being pulled from my thoughts by Bear’s deep voice, I realize it’s not the first time he’s called me. “Sorry, got lost in appreciation for this view. Not to mention this fabulous art.” I point over at the carving in the rock.
“I get that. It’s some of the reasons I come here.”
“Did you want to ask me something?”
“Yeah, just wanted to check if you were ready to head back. I remember you saying you’ve got some laundry you want to do, and I need to go get some things for this evening. So, I was thinking – we head back to your place, you get your laundry going, and then maybe head out to the store for supplies for this evening. Yeah?”
“Yeah. Let’s do that.”
