Page 55 of Unconventionally, Elle
"Here she is." I followed his gaze and saw a breathtaking sailboat floating in the water. It looked like a scene straight from a Nantucket postcard. With intricate craftsmanship and a polished shine, she was timeless, moving with the waves and the tide of the harbor.
"Look at this." Barrett pointed toward the back of the vessel. My gaze followed his finger:Elizabeth.
"Oh my God!" I yelled. "Barrett, you did it!" I was ecstatic. I grabbed his arm. "You're going to start your business?" I wanted, no, needed all the details.
He shook his head with a sheepish grin. "Not quite. But I did buy myself a sailboat so that I'm one step closer. I also named her after the person who inspired me to start following my dreams, even if I have to modify them for a bit." His eyes sparkled as he smiled down at me.
I started crying. I couldn't help it. This whole evening was incredible.
"Barrett, I'm so honored. I'm so happy for you, that you did this for yourself!"
"I may have to run Dad's company, and I may be stuck in the family business for now, but at least I can get away on the weekends and be on the water." He laughed. "I've always been able to buy my own sailboat, but I never thought to actually do it. I never thought I could dream and make any of it a reality. Thank you, Elle. You've brought so much light to my life, and I seriously don't know--just, God, I'm so glad I found you."
I jumped up and hugged him. My heart was so incredibly happy that he was trying to be happy.
"Wanna see her up close?" he asked while holding me snug in his arms, my body pressed up against his chest.
"Is that even a question?" I pulled away to grab his hand. "Take me to your ship, Captain." I winked and he chuckled.
From our point of view on the harbor, we looked out over the side ofElizabeth's hull at Main Street, where the king of Christmas trees was glistening. Snow fell gently as Barrett stood behind me and rested his chin on the top of my head. I leaned back into him and continued to stare at the Christmas tree and the beautiful sight of Nantucket.
The next morning, light trickled through the curtains, and snow was falling as we opened our eyes. Barrett's arm was lying heavily across my body, possessive and strong. I was holding his hand by my side and turned my face toward his. His espresso-brown hair was tousled, and his cheeky grin was half hidden by the oversized duvet.
"I'm so comfortable, I don't want to get up, ever," I mumbled, curling closer to his body.
He pulled me into him and rolled onto his side, our bodies flush against each other. "Me either, but you've got writing to do today, and I'm going to drink coffee and watch Netflix while you slave over your bestseller." His husky whisper made goose bumps erupt down my neck.
"I mean, I might reward myself with a little Netflix and chill with you too." I pursed my lips together and flirtatiously pouted.
He rolled onto his back but kept his arm around me. With my head nestled on his shoulder, he negotiated with me. "Every thousand words, you get a kiss. Every two thousand, a kiss and an episode of any show you'd like."
"Fifteen hundred and you have a deal, sir."
He bent his head and kissed my forehead. "Deal."
When we got out of bed, I started toward the kitchen out of habit. I needed coffee, and I planned to make Barrett a cup as well. I was surprised when he interrupted me as I went to grab the coffeepot.
"I've got it, Elle. Here, go ahead and sit down so you can write. I'll be the barista today," he insisted with a cheesy smile and a proud puff of his chest.
"You're sure?" I asked, skeptical. "You know I'm very particular."
"Yep, I've got almond milk for you and everything." His eyes caught the sunlight and glistened in the morning glow.
"Perfect, you know just how I like it, then."
"Oh, do I?" His voice became deep and mischievous.
I groaned and rolled my eyes. "Oh, shut up. I totally set myself up for that." I smirked and sat down on the couch. "Hurry over here. This couch is too big without you."
While writing, I kept gazing up at Barrett, at this charming home. It was open and bright, with large windows and weathered wooden floors. A massive stone fireplace anchored the living room, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while pops of navy and sandy beige echoed the nautical essence of Nantucket. I thought about what his childhood must have been like. Lonely, I assumed. With my legs crisscrossed on the couch and my laptop in my lap, I sat up straight and figured I'd find out.
"What was it like coming here as a child? Did Harold come with you guys?" I asked as I made sure my manuscript autosaved.
Barrett grabbed his coffee from the side table and then slightly pursed his lips in thought. "Yeah, he was always with Em and me." He readjusted his seat and turned toward me; Imotioned for him to put his legs across my lap. He smiled as I closed my laptop and put it on the coffee table, then I helped place his long muscular legs over my thighs. Without thinking, I began to massage his calves while he continued talking.
"My mom asked him to watch us a lot, and she would go off and do social events with the ladies on the island. She was actually really involved with the museum. Harold would take us to go see the tree every year, and we'd get hot chocolate from the local booths, because of course we were just kids." He chortled to himself, then continued with a wistful smile. "He really treated us like his own."
"Did he ever have any children?"
