Page 52 of Brass Anchor Inn

“What?”

He took her hand in his, lacing his fingers with hers. “Come on.”

She shrugged. “Okay.”

They started walking north, away from Beachcomber Park—away from the flood lights of the inn. He knew they couldn’t walk far on the small island, but in the spirit of escaping they’d go to the most northern point of Bluestar.

The moonlight lit their way, but soon the sand turned into rocks. He wasn’t going to be deterred. He was high on freedom—something he hadn’t allowed himself—ever. And there was this other warm and fuzzy feeling that he wasn’t ready to define.

When the ground became too rocky, Jo stopped. “We can’t keep going.”

“Yes, we can. Come on.” He climbed up on a boulder as the ocean splashed against nearby rocks. He turned to her and held out his hand. “We can’t stop now.”

“Lane, what has gotten into you?”

“Freedom. Isn’t it awesome?”

She smiled and shook her head. “I’m starting to worry about you.”

“All the more reason for you to come with me.”

She hesitated, and he didn’t think she was going to continue this adventure with him. But then he felt her hand in his. He closed his fingers around hers and pulled her up. Once they were standing on the large rock, he leaned forward and kissed her.

“I can’t remember ever feeling this free.” A feeling of euphoria came over him. He let go of his worries about cleaning out the bungalow, running his business, and selling the inn. He gave himself permission to live in the moment.

Jo gazed at him. “You’re really happy, aren’t you?”

“I really am. I wish we could keep going and going.”

“What about your business?”

“My assistant can run it. She’s excellent at her job.”

She laughed. “I think someone spiked your cola.”

“Come on.” He turned, but it was hard to see the boulders. There were long shadows and crevices between the rocks. And the waves were battering the outer rocks. “Be careful.”

He pulled out his phone and used the flashlight app. It made their progress so much easier. The moonlight illuminated a patch of sand up ahead. It was his goal.

“There’s a beach not far from here.”

Jo stopped following him. “Lane, I don’t think this is a good idea. The tide is coming in.”

“We’ll be fine.” He didn’t want this moment to end. Not yet. If they kept going, they could avoid the reality awaiting them back at the bungalow.

A wave hit him. It smacked his chest. It washed over his head. In an instant his feet came out from beneath him.

He lost his hold on Jo’s hand. His body slammed into the rocks. The air was forced from his lungs. It all happened so fast. There was no time to speak.

Pain radiated from his entire body. As quick as the water hit him, it rolled back out to sea. He was soaked head to toe.

“Jo!” There was no response. He yelled louder to be heard over the roar of the ocean. “Jo!”

He strained to hear her voice.Oh no!She couldn’t be hurt. He’d never forgive himself.

He struggled to move but couldn’t. He tried again. The wave had hammered him down between two boulders like he was a nail. And now he couldn’t move his legs. There was pressure on his left ankle. The incoming tide brushed against his toes.

He had to get free so he could help Jo. He pressed his arms down on the cold and rough rock. Ignoring the pain, he used all his upper body strength trying to free himself. It didn’t work.

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