Page 88 of Just Friends

They all agreed.

“It’s so crazy to think something like that can happen here,” Gwen said.

“How long have you been here?” Rebecca asked.

“Almost three years.”

“You like it?”

“Very much,” she nodded, “It’s been a great place. I’m so lucky to have found Llewellyn’s, where I can sell my pieces and make a living.”

“Are you married?” Hannah asked.

“Nope, it’s just me, my sister Avery, and our mom.”

“What does Avery do?”

“She works at The Enchanted Path, on the square.”

“I love that store,” Hannah said.

Rebecca nodded, she knew the store from working on the other side of the town square.

“Did you hear that,” Hannah nudged Justin, “She makes jewelry at that gallery…hint, hint.”

Everyone laughed, including Justin. Hannah eyed him. He kissed her hand; she shook her head, smiling.

“Just come on in and ask for me,” Gwen laughed. “I better get going…”

“Let me walk with you,” Rebecca grabbed her jacket. “I was about to head home for a bit and get cleaned up.”

Thirty-One

Spring

The rhythm of the waves lapping against the shore lulled Rebecca to sleep every time they cuddled on the oversized chaise lounge outside the little yellow beachfront cottage. The one-bedroom house on the coast was the perfect getaway. A white sandy beach stretched out in front, ending in an expanse of blue water as far as the eye could see. The ocean breeze wafted over them; he lazily stroked his fingers along her arm. His gaze lingered over the curve of her hip. A strip of sunlight striped his feet.

Rebecca slept snuggled against his left side, one leg thrown over his, and her hand laying on his chest as if she needed to make sure his heart beat. With his injuries almost healed, Rebecca taped him up with bandages because she was paranoid it’d become infected. He was confident it had mended enough, but he submitted to the taping because doing so brought her peace. They scheduled him to report to duty next week.

It’d been nine long weeks since the shooting. At first, Weasel had been chomping at the bit to get back to it. But at that moment, there was nowhere else he’d rather be—turning thirty, curled up with the woman he loved, watching the tide roll. Rebecca had been a strict nurse making him follow his recovery and rehab instructions to the letter. Including the no sex for six weeks rule. To add to his torture, he had Rebecca in his bed every night and couldn’t touch her; he tried.

The doctor also cleared him to travel. Since he’d gone his whole life and never been to the ocean, Rebecca found them this rental online, and he splurged. It turned out that a break was advantageous for both of them. And her smiling, wearing little flowy sundresses, and her sun-kissed skin did him a world of wonderful. They lounged on the beach, and walked hand in hand through town, stopping in small shops, sightseeing, and eating. And he’d made one other little splurge since having a hole put in him. It’d taken cunning to get out without Rebecca; he hadn’t been able to drive either, until recently. So, he enlisted the help of Dalton while Rebecca worked a catering job at Huntington Farms. He had planned to keep the contents of the little velvet box a secret until tonight.

Rebecca stirred against him, interrupting thoughts. Kissing the top of her head. “Good morning, Sunshine.”

Stretching, she peered up with those brilliant green eyes full of amusement. “You mean afternoon.” Rebecca yawned. “I’ve been so lazy on this trip.”

“That’s what a vacation is for, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Early dinner?”

“Sure.” Rebecca planted a kiss on his neck that sent all of his blood racing south.

“Keep that up, and it’ll be a late dinner.”

Rebecca giggled and kept at it until he carried her into the cottage, kicking the door closed behind them.

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