Page 37 of Sunrise

She doesn't take long and is back just as the coffee finishes. She pulls out to-go cups, and we make our coffee.

"If you don't want to wait until after sunrise to eat, I have Pop-Tarts or bananas." She looks at me.

"Nope, I'm good to wait. Let's go," I say, bouncing on the balls of my feet, trying to contain my energy.

She doesn't even crack a smile, just shakes her head. She disappears and comes back with a blanket over her arm. I take the blanket from her and follow her out to the beach.

"Any spot strike your fancy?" she asks me once we are on the sand.

"Not really. You pick," I tell her.

She heads up the beach some and stops in front of a large fallen tree.

"Let's set up here. We can at least lean on the tree." We spread out the blanket to sit on and get settled just as the light in the sky starts to change.

We don't say a word, and I don't think, I just wrap my arm around her and pull her into me. She doesn't stop me, but she rests her head on my shoulder as we watch the sky fill with brilliant reds, oranges, and pink with the sunrise.

"Wow, this really is beautiful," I whisper.

"The unobstructed views of the sunrise are one of the best parts of the island. You can see the sun meet the water. It's like it’s rising from the water itself," she says and snuggles in a bit more.

Even once the sun is above the water, we don't move. We watch the seagulls take flight and listen to the island come to life.

When movement starts around the inn, she finally sits up.

"Let's get some photos with the water in the background," I tell her.

I pull out my phone and snap a few. She gives me her approval on the one I like best. It's nothing special, but our shoulders are touching, and her smile reaches her eyes.

"Okay, now with your phone. You should post too. You know, like the excited girlfriend you are supposed to be," I tell her.

"I don't do social media unless it's for the inn," she says.

"Perfect. Post it on the inn's page about how today is perfect for a morning walk on the beach."

She grumbles but does as I ask.

"What's on the agenda for today?" I ask.

"I need to go check on our parents' houses today."

"Can I go with you?" I ask her.

There is no way I'm missing a chance to see where she grew up.

Chapter 17

Kade

After sunrise, we went our separate ways to get ready for the day and have breakfast. Today feels different. I'm not sure why, but I'm going with it.

I decide when in Rome and ditch the combat boots and jeans I've been wearing for flip-flops, shorts, and a comfortable T-shirt. A casual look to match the locals. It doesn't go unnoticed by Lin when I make my way downstairs and find her waiting for me in the Lobby.

"Looking good, Hollywood." She smirks.

"Thanks, Goldie. Nice to see you back in your uniform." I eye her cutoffs, T-shirt, and flip-flops. But the tennis shoes in her hand catch me off guard. "What are those for?" I nod at them.

"Neither of us has been to the houses since the storm. If there is any damage, I don't want to be walking around in these." She points at her flip-flops.

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