Page 51 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Aunt Dawn,” Harper told her. “Look how well you’re doing.”
“Only because you’re holding my hand and keeping me balanced,” Dawn pointed out. “And I’ll pay for the x-rays and cast after we’re finished here.”
“Come on,” Harper smiled and picked up the pace. “Let’s join Liam and Lila.”
Dawn glanced around and watched Liam skate with Lila. She felt the breath catch in her throat once again at how well he skated. Even in hockey skates, he glided around the ice with Lila, jumping and spinning.
“He’s good,” the words escaped Dawn’s lips before she could stop them and came out in a breathless pur.
“He really is,” Harper agreed. “Come on. Let’s join them.”
“No.” Dawn shook her head. “Let them have some fun.”
But Liam looked up, and their eyes locked once again. He smiled, took Lila’s hand, and they skated over to where Dawn and Harper were standing against the side of the rink.
“Join us,” Liam held out his hand to Dawn, and she latched onto it. She was sure Harper breathed a sigh of relief when Dawn let go of her hand.
“You’re doing so well, Dawn,” Lila complimented Dawn.
Harper and Lila joined hands, and Harper took Dawn’s free hand to complete the circle. Much to Dawn’s horror, they started to move in a direction she had yet to master. Her feet began their slidey trick as Dawn started to wobble. Luckily, Harper had the foresight to let go of Dawn’s hand as she began to sway like a tree tossed about by a strong wind.
The next thing Dawn felt was her body starting to go one way while her feet continued in the other direction, but just before she fell, Liam grabbed her and pulled her against himself. Their faces were inches apart. Dawn could see the flecks of green inhis blue eyes, his breath mingling with hers. Her heart pounded against her ribs as the world around them seemed to fade, shrinking into a spotlight that only illuminated the two of them, lost in each other’s embrace.
Their lips were moving toward each other. “Dawn.” Liam’s voice was a hoarse whisper as his lips brushed hers.
Just as Dawn started to melt into him, someone knocked into them, nearly sending both crashing to the ice. They laughed as Liam’s quick reflexes saved them, but not before they were spun into a flurry of arms and legs flying in all directions as they skidded and slid across the ice.
After that, they decided it was time to leave and grab a bite to eat. Dawn and Liam kept the conversation light, carefully skirting around what happened between them on the ice. Two hours later, after they’d dropped Lila and Harper at Betty’s house, they made their way back to the hotel. Still, they skirted around the kiss as Liam asked her about her horses.
Liam walked her into the hotel. They were careful not to get too close or touch. Dawn got her card key, which she was glad to see her brother had remembered to drop off at the reception. Liam walked her to her room door.
Dawn opened her room and turned to look at Liam standing in the doorway. “Do you want to come in for some tea or hot chocolate?”
“Sure,” Liam said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
Dawn walked to the kitchenette on shaky legs, hoping Liam didn’t notice. She put her room card key on the kitchen counter and put the water on. “Take a seat.” She smiled as she picked up her tote and walked toward her bedroom. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Dawn disappeared into her room and closed the door, leaning against it while her heart raced, and she drew in a few breaths to get control of her emotions. She pushed herself away from the door and was about to kick off her sandals when an object on her nightstand caught her eye.
Her eyes widened. “What the…” She breathed, rushing over to it.
Waves of shock coursed through her, and a sick feeling sloshed around in her stomach as the implications of what she was looking at hit her.
“Oh, please, no!” Dawn breathed, hit by a mix of emotions. “Liam!” she yelled.
The door burst open, and Liam was by her side in a flash.
“Dawn!” Liam’s voice was laced with panicked concern. “What is it?” What happened?”
Dawn pointed to the nightstand.
“Is that?” Liam’s eyes widened as he stepped forward. “It looks bulky.” He looked at her. “May I open it?”
The shock had her floored, and her voice was stuck in her throat. All she could do was nod. Liam opened it and sucked in his breath.
“It’s my journal,” Dawn said as Liam picked up the items that were left on the front cover of the book.
“As well as your wristwatch and Lila’s locket.” Liam’s voice dropped as he turned to Dawn. “I have to tell you something.”
