Page 122 of The Pass Protection
With a kiss on my temple, he shakes his head. “No, right now. Come with me.”
“We need to be at your mom’s in a couple of hours.”
“There’s time, I promise.”
Glancing down, I take in my exposed tan legs peeking out from the oversized tee I slept in. “I need to change.”
“You go do that, and I’ll hook up the boat for one last ride before we leave.” With a smack to my ass and a kiss to my temple, I watch hischiseled shirtless back retreat into the master suite. He reaches for a T-shirt and with a wink, he disappears into the hallway.
Since we’ve been staying on the lake, Crew moved the Jon boat he used to ride on with his dad to the garage of the townhouse. It made the most sense to keep it here rather than running out to the farm whenever we wanted to go for a ride. Every day, whether it be the start or the end of our day, the two of us load up the boat and meander down the channel where Crew sketches and I read. Thanks to Chloe, I’ve become a reader and enjoy getting lost in the pages of a good story while the melodies of the bugs and Crew’s scratching as he draws fill the silence.
Drinking the rest of my coffee, I bring the mug inside, where I shuffle through my clothes. Slipping on a black sleeveless dress, I slide my feet into sandals. Yes, I’ve become a summer dress kind of girl because we are onvacation. Don’t worry. My sneakers and band tees are boxed and waiting to be unpacked at the new house. Twisting my hair into a messy bun, I apply a coat of mascara before jogging down the stairs.
Crew is waiting in the driver’s side, his hand out the window as Creedence Clearwater Revival plays softly from the open window. The trailer is hooked up to the truck for the one-mile drive to the boat ramp.
Climbing into the cab, Crew’s hand lands on my bare thigh as I get situated in a silent gesture of comfort. Shifting the truck into drive, we slowly climb the hill in the parking lot. We turn onto the road separating the businesses from the lake. Driving past Sunset Shores Grill, I remember the bus parking here for the surprise visit. Of meeting Crew’s mom and sister for the first time and feeling the urge to call this place my home.
The metal gates surrounding Sunset Shores Resort come into view and I stare up at the pistachio green townhouse. Our first home together, just the two of us. A place where we’ve spent almost four months learning more about each other. Figuring out each other’s quirks and how to coexist in the same place without roommates. The four walls. I knew my love for Crew would never change.
As we drive further down the road, I turn in my seat to stare past Crew’s perfect profile—the tight set of his chiseled jaw. Disheveled blond hair from last night’sfeaston the dinner table is hidden beneath a backward hat. Since being back in Silo Bay, Crew has worn a rotation of Riggs Cattle and Silo Bay Hawks hats. The worn-out hats, especially backward, give my kitty all kinds of flutters.
If I thought I couldn’t resist this man in college, it’s only gotten worse. I’m insatiable.
“You’re staring at me.”
His voice startled me from my daydream, where Iwasstaring at him. I’m not sure what has me so on edge today. Maybe it’s the impending goodbye breakfast at the farm or the move we are embarking on later today. There’s a feeling coursing through my body, and I can’t quite explain it.
“I wasn’t staring at you. I was saying goodbye to the lake.”
“Liar.” A slight smirk tips the corners of his lips as he squeezes my thigh.
Looking around the cab, I don’t see the bag Crew always brings when we go out on the boat. “You forgot the bag with your sketching supplies.”
“I thought we could enjoy the morning together.”
A few moments later, Crew reverses the truck as he backs the trailer down the boat ramp. I watch from the passenger side as he hops into the Jon boat and moves it to a ramp where he ties it off before returningto the truck. Even after these weeks on the water, I haven’t gained enough confidence to help unload the boat.
Once the truck is parked, the two of us make our way to the aluminum chariot, hand in hand. Extending his hand out, Crew helps me navigate to the front of the boat. Glancing over my shoulder, I watch as he confidently moves, steps onto the boat, and reaches for the starter cord.
The way he positions himself, you can tell he’s done this hundreds of times—no hesitation, no second-guessing, no stress if it’ll start. Wrapping his large hand around the cord, he pulls sharply, and I watch his sinewy muscles flex with the movement.
Spluttering to life, the engine roars, vibrating the aluminum body underneath us. A now familiar smell of gasoline and the exhaust mixes with the fresh, aquatic scent of the lake.
Crew’s eyes flick to mine as he shoots a wink in my direction before taking the bench seat in front of the engine. A spark of admiration flits through me as I stare at the man sitting behind me. With his size, people think he’s gruff at first, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Deep down, Crew Riggsby is a teddy bear who enjoys the simple moments in life.
Crew reaches for the rope and slips it from the cleat as he navigates us away from the wooden dock. The greenish-blue water parts as we glide through, disrupting its glass-like state. Birds chirp and locusts call to us as we putt down the channel. Leaves transition to a golden color as their green slips away, welcoming the telltale signs of fall approaching.
Halfway down the channel, Crew shuts the engine off, allowing us to float with the current. The boat gently rocks as he moves up a row until he’s at my back.
“I love you, Rebel.” His words are soft as he helps turn me around so that I’m facing him. There’s a new glint in his eyes, and I’m squinting, trying to decipher his mood.
“I love you, too. Are you ready for Indy?”
His face breaks out into a beaming smile as he nods excitedly. “I can’t believe this is my life.”
Reaching out, I rub his thick forearm. “You deserve every second of it. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey.”
“You deserve it, too, Rebel.” I tuck my chin as an onslaught of emotions hit me. But it’s Crew tipping my chin up so our eyes meet. “You’ve been through hell and back in a short time. Through pain and fear, you’ve come out on top. Bret, you’re brave and stronger than you give yourself credit for. Your heart is so big, and I’m grateful you chose to love me.”
