Page 37 of Butter My Biscuit

And just like that, we’re walking away from the line, the one we never cross.

“Yep, let’s head back.” I stand.

As we walk, our hands brush against one another, but I don’t take his this time. When we do that, it’s only ever done in a friendly way anyway. Nothing romantic.

When we make it back to the street level, we take the sidewalk to the tourist parking area. I still feel the alcohol coursing through my system; honestly, it’s probably the only reason I kissed Landon. Liquid courage. I don’t typically make moves like that, but I’m trying to do better, be better, have more fun, take more risks.

“So, are ya gonna meet up with her?” I ask once we’re in the truck.

“Who?” Harrison cranks the truck, and we take off.

“Stephanie.”

He glances over at me. “Maybe. I’ll see how I feel once I take you back.”

“I can stay at a hotel on The Strand. I’m sure there are rooms available because it’s offseason.”

“Absolutely not. I’m not leavin’ you in Baymont when we have to be up early to leave tomorrow. Beckett already told me I couldn’t extend my vacation a single day.”

This makes me laugh. When I look out the window and pay attention to where we are, I’m a little confused why there’s so much traffic.

He smiles. “We have to ride the ferry while we’re here.”

“Seriously? For a second, I thought you’d forgotten.”

He glances at me. “Never.”

More cars fill in behind us, and there’s no escaping. We’re actually in line to load onto a ferry. I look outside at the seagulls flying overhead. By the water, there’s someone throwing pieces of bread for them.

The boat arrives, and soon, cars are flooding off of it. After the toot of a horn, we’re being directed to move. Traffic guards wave us forward, pointing for us to go in the outside lane. I turn around and look over my shoulder to see how many other vehicles are boarding.

“This thing might be full.”

Once we’re parked, he turns off the engine as the vessel gently rocks. There’s an announcement playing overhead, telling us to stay in our vehicles until the boat is loaded. I’m all smiles.

“We have to go upstairs so we can see from above,” Harrison says.

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

Eventually, the ferry is loaded and slowly starts moving across the water. We get out of the truck and walk to the edge, looking over. Then, Harrison follows me upstairs, and we step outside onto the balcony as the salty sea air kisses my cheeks.

We go to the front, and I look up at the moon. “This is incredible. I think this is one of the best nights I’ve had in a really long time.”

“So, the trip wasn’t a complete waste?”

I shake my head. “Not at all. You made it worthwhile.”

“Per usual,” he says.

“Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve saved the day.”

He’s standing right beside me, leaning against the railing, staring out at the dark sea that surrounds the boat.

I glance over at him. “Landon asked me if we were into each other.”

“Why?”

I shake my head. “I dunno. I had to explain our history.”

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