Page 100 of Until Then

She shrugs. “I’m not sure, to be honest. I haven’t posted in a long while. The last time I did, I got chewed out, so I haven’t been eager to try again. People will move on eventually if they haven’t already. It’s inevitable.” Picking at the hem of her skirt, she keeps her head lowered, her shoulders slumped, like despite her words, this all still weighs on her. “That’s the funny thing about cancel culture. No one ever truly stays canceled.”

I place my hand over hers on her thigh and squeeze, hoping to imbue her with a little of my affection. Izzy is a people pleaser, feeling like she’s hated hasn’t been easy for her.

“You should try to post again.”

She twists her lips back and forth in thought. “Maybe I will.”

“You shouldn’t give up on what you love just because people are assholes.”

“I don’t plan on it.” She tugs on the bottom of her skirt. “I’ve just needed time.” Squinting up at the lighthouse, she says, “We better get started. It might take me an hour to get to the top.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” I tease with a pat to her leg. “I’d carry you before it comes to that, and this one isn’t all that tall.”

I hop out, then jog around the front of the truck to get her door. She takes my hand, her sandaled feet slipping on the gravel when she touches the ground.

With my hands on her waist, I steady her, though I can’t help but simultaneously pull her into my chest. “I’ve got you.”

Fingers tracing the collar of my shirt, she looks up at me through her lashes. “Do you?”

It’s an easy answer. “Always.”

As I release her so I can shut the door and lock the truck, she scans the lot.

“Is it even open to the public? There’s no one here.”

I step up to her and grasp her chin. “They do tours sometimes, but I know a guy.”

She laughs, smoothing her hands down her white top. “Why am I not surprised?”

Gripping her hand, I guide her toward the entrance. I pause only long enough to pull the key from my pocket and unlock the door. Then, once we’re inside, I lock up again.

“Wow.” She turns in a circle, taking in the small space downstairs and the spiral staircase that leads to the lantern room. “It’s not as big as I thought it would be.”

“This lighthouse is on the smaller side. But the view is worth the climb.”

She spins around, her skirt fluttering around her legs. “If you say so.”

Gripping the side of her orange skirt, I growl out, “I feel like you chose this specifically to drive me crazy.”

With a wink, she gives her shoulders a sassy little shimmy. “Maybe.” She spins around quickly, her hair flying behind her, then starts up the stairs. She only makes it up a few before she turns and looks down on me. “Make sure you stay behind foryourspecial view.”

I groan and bury my face in my hands. “Izzy.”

“What?” She looks over her shoulder, wearing an innocent smile. “I meant my cute outfit. What did you think I was talking about?”

I hop up the bottom few steps and pinch her hip, earning a giggle.

When we reach the top, she goes straight for the wall of windows encircling the small room and peers out at the ocean beyond. “Oh, wow.” Her gasp brings a smile to my face. “Look at that view.”

“It’s even better outside.”

She turns around and rests her butt against the window ledge. Behind her, the waves roll, and a boat cruises slowly by, painting a gorgeous image. “I have a confession to make.”

“And what’s that?”

“I’m awee”—she holds her thumb and index finger an inch apart—“bit afraid of heights.”

“I’ll hold on to you.” I tug on her wrist, and she comes willingly, letting me pull her in until there’s only a breath between us.

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