Page 98 of Wood Riddance
I grasped her upper arms to still her. “Stop stressing. I don’t care if I have to sleep outside on the ground. It would be worth it just to see that look on your face.”
She kissed me again and rested her head on my chest. “You knew I’d love it, then?”
I held her tight and rested my chin on the top of her head. “Yup. You love all the vintage girlie stuff. Yeah, you’re a badass lady mechanic, but you have a softer side too, and you haven’t done a very good job hiding it from me.”
She pulled back. “Oh really? So you think you know everything I like now, huh?”
“I most certainly do. Aside from my dick, you like pretty, charming things. Like this fancy floral wallpaper and the walnut countertops.” I waved a hand toward the kitchen space. “Those copper pots hanging from the ceiling too. And the wildflowers surrounding the property.”
She giggled.
“This is one of your Pinterest boards come to life.” I tugged on her arm and pulled her back outside.
“You’ve got me there,” she said, following me down the steps of the deck. “How’d you find it?”
“One of my Navy buddies. He’s from this area. His family bought some property, and they have been restoring Airstreams to rent to tourists. They’re eco-friendly, and they’re perfect for people who want to experience the outdoors in a more authentic way.”
“I love it.” She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed me again. Here, far away from Lovewell and all the responsibilities and expectations, she was happier, lighter.
And I was going to soak up as many of her rare smiles as I could before we headed back to reality.
Reaching into the bed of my truck, I pulled out the small cooler and the backpack I had prepared. “You good to walk for a bit in those shoes?” I asked, looking at her blue Chuck Taylors.
She nodded.
“Okay. We’ve gotta leave now if we wanna make it on time.” I started up the path that wound behind the Airstream and headed for the tree line and shot a glance over my shoulder.
She wore a puzzled frown, and she hadn’t moved from her spot beside my truck.
“Come on, She-Ra. Adventure awaits.”
* * *
The walk to the secret beach was a mile, and the view was spectacular the entire way. Since returning to Lovewell, I’d had my fill of pine forests. The crisp, salty ocean air was just what I needed.
“Is this real?” she asked, looping her arm through mine.
At the edge of the clearing, we were situated on the top of a rock face with the Atlantic Ocean spread out before us. Up ahead, there was a large wooden staircase. It led down to the small beach area framed by massive boulders that kept the ocean at bay.
Adele flashed me a big smile and skipped down the steps. I stopped at the top to admire the excitement radiating from her and to pinch myself. Because she was really here with me.
A few people were scattered along the beach, but it was far from crowded. It was one of the many advantages of the hidden beach on the far side of the island—very few tourists knew of its existence. I owed Sam for telling me about this place.
Near the tree line, I spread out the blanket I’d brought and went to work setting up.
“Did you pack a picnic?” she asked, looming above me.
“Yup.” I reached into the cooler. “And champagne.”
“Cheesy, but I like it.” She waggled her brows.
I popped the cork and poured champagne into my stainless-steel camping mug. “I told you. You’re my woman now, and I’m treating you like a queen.”
With wide eyes and a smile, she dropped to the blanket beside me and snuggled close.
“To National Parks,” she said, taking the mug from me and bringing it to her lips.
“To the first of many adventures together,” I replied when she passed the champagne to me.
