Page 49 of Follow Me Down

When we reach the sand, I slip off my shoes, smiling the instant the powdery texture slides between my toes. I close my eyes and inhale the sea air. Relish in the feeling of the sun hot on my face. And for a brief moment, I see my mom’s face.

Her long blonde curls that look so much like mine. Her blue eyes, almost the exact same color as the ocean. Her laughter. It’s been years since I’ve heard it, but when I really focus, I swear it’s like she’s still here, standing right next to me.

“You okay?” Titus’ voice snaps me from my thoughts and I blink up at him.

“Perfect, actually.” It feels so good to be here. Better than I ever imagined it would.

“Good.” He smiles and I swear my stomach does a full somersault at the sight.

We walk several yards before we come across the little shop Titus was talking about. I realize almost instantly why it’s calledThe Beach Shack. Because it’s literally a shack. A shack on the beach. Fitting.

We grab a few essentials from inside: two beach towels, sunscreen, a couple waters, and Titus even buys us each a pair of cheap sunglasses, before we make our way back out onto the sand.

We set up in a little spot a few feet back from the water. Titus lays out the towels while I work on spraying myself with sunscreen. Knowing how easily I burn; I make this the priority. Honestly, I probably already have sun on my arms and neck but haven’t realized it yet. When you’re as fair as I am, it doesn’t take much.

I feel Titus’ eyes on me the whole time, my body on full display in the all-white bikini I decided to wear. I ignore the way my skin prickles under his glare and try to focus on the task at hand.

“So what do you say?” Titus waits until I turn toward him, lifting his shirt over his head. I swear, no matter how many times I see his body and the incredible splashes of ink that paint his skin, every time is like the first time. My entire body warms and I have to lick the corners of my mouth to make sure I’m not drooling. “Feel up to risking a shark attack to swim with me?”

“Waist high, that’s my limit.”

“Come on, Fallon. What’s life without a little risk?”

I refrain from telling him just how much I’ve risked recently. How much I’ve risked to be here with him. How much I’ve risked by taking a leap of faith without knowing where I’ll end up once I land. But I refrain. This was never about him. It’s always been about me. He just happens to be a part of all of this now. Even if he doesn’t realize it.

“Waist high.” I drop my hands to my hips and give him a look that says this is non-negotiable.

“We’ll see.” He winks, grabbing my hand before tugging me toward the water.

——

Today has been thebest day. From wrestling in the water with Titus, to lounging in the sand next to him, it’s all been so perfect. Hell, almost too perfect really. I didn’t know people like him existed or that you could experience days like today.

Days when the rest of the world fades away and nothing matters except the present.

For the first time in a very long time I didn’t let myself get wrapped up in worrying about my situation or my future. Instead, I let Titus brush all of that away. With a kiss of his lips. With the touch of his hand. With the way he leans into me as we sit side by side, watching the last of the day’s sunlight fade.

“We should probably think about getting back.” Titus leans in and kisses my temple before climbing to his feet.

“Do we have to?” I look up at him, reluctant to have this incredible day come to an end.

Most of the beachgoers have cleared out, and only a few stragglers are left as the summer day winds down.

“It’s going to take a couple of hours to get home.” He reaches down and takes my hands, pulling me to my feet.

Slipping his jeans over his now dry board shorts, he tosses his shirt over his head while I slowly put my own clothes back on.

“What about the towels and stuff? How are we going to get those back?”

“Just leave them for now.”

“What do you mean for now?”

“Stay here,” he informs me as he heads back toward the parking lot.

“Huh?” I question.

“I’m going to pick you up.” He throws me a smile over his shoulder before continuing on.

---