Page 168 of Play of Love
The sun was low and getting to that point where sunset was approaching but wasn't quite there yet. It looked beautiful out on the distant horizon, separating the auburn sky from the blues of the sea.
I heard and felt the music all around me, hearing it as the waves crashed against the rocks near where I sat, and as it kissed the shore. It was beautiful and gave me the inspiration I was hoping for. I wrote down a few notes as they came to me, thinking I'd test them out later when I went back in.
I marveled at how relaxed I felt here, even despite the tense situation we faced with trying to find Angelo. Being in Italy was good for me. It felt like it was good for my soul in ways and I'd love to come back to go to all the places I wouldn't see. Being here also made me look at the way my life had been for the last couple of years.
I'd worked hard to get to where I was, too hard maybe. While I'd achieved a lot I could be proud of, I felt I missed out on a lot too. It would be good to see my family and friends more. When I'd first moved to New York, I tried to make it back to see them every other week, but that hadn't happened since last year, and now it was practically the end of summer. I wanted to change that. There was nothing like doing what you love, but other things were important too.
I shuffled against the plaid blanket Lucy had brought out as I watched Gage and Lucy coming out of the water. They made their way back to me laughing.
"Sweetie, aren't you going to go in?" Lucy asked.
"No, it's more fun to watch you guys."
"How could it be more fun?" Gage smirked.
"I have a thing about the sea. It's safer if I stay here," I replied. "I can't swim very well either."
"I'll take you." Gage offered.
"Excellent." Lucy beamed.
"No, no. I'm fine." I tried to protest, but to my surprise, Gage leaned forward and took hold of both my hands to pull me up.
"You can't come to Tuscany and not go in the sea." He told me shaking his head.
Lucy shook her head too and smiled. "You can't dear. Go on with Gage he'll make sure that you're safe. I'll pack up here and get everything back in the house."
My stomach filled with nerves at the thought of Lucy leaving us alone, and I noticed that Gage still held onto my hand.
Before I could answer or protest he pulled my along, tugging me towards the shoreline. I was alright stepping in and allowing the warm water to wash over my feet, but as I went further and the water surrounded my knees, I stopped.
"I can't." I shook my head and gripped onto his arm.
"Hey, there's nothing to be scared of."
"There could be sharks." I winced, genuinely scared that there might be. I would have at least liked to read about what to expect here first before venturing into the water. There could be sharks in there and then I'd end up like my friend's cousin. Granted he was deep sea diving but still, it wasn't entirely impossible.
Gage smiled down at me. "Then you're with the right person." He tugged on my hand, but I pulled him back again.
"Gage I don't know if I can." I didn't. The sea was warm and felt nice against my skin, but I was too wary, and yes, scared.
"Hop on my back." He smiled.
"What?No. That's ridiculous."
"It's not, just do it." He gave me one of his cheeky smiles. "Come on it can't be worse than the other morning, and on the plus side this time you're wearing clothes."
I smacked his chest coming in contact with his rock hard abs that were indeed as rock hard as they looked.
"That is not funny. I was terrified. I could have died."
"Okay, I'll stop teasing." He smiled then lowered next to my so I could get on his back. "Come on, hop on."
I looked at him before me, looking strong and formidable as the wave washed over his shoulders unable to move him. When he looked up at me, his blue gaze took me in just like it did days ago and there was a twinkle in his eye that drew me to him. I found myself unable to say no.
I slipped my arms around his neck and secured myself to him while he held my legs. As soon as I was on, he stood up and walked in further and deeper until we were completely immersed. Because he was so tall, he could stand and not be fully covered, and I was at a height where I could just focus on enjoying myself.
"Oh my gosh." I breathed as a wave swept over us, sweeping over me with its melodious music.
