Page 86 of Between the Lines

“As it turns out,” I say, looking out at the blue rippling water, “I don’t actually have a sweet tooth, but strawberry Pop-Tarts are my one kryptonite. I can’t even keep them in the house because I will demolish the entire box in one sitting.”

“I don’t even know what to say to that,” Fia chuckles.

I stand up, extending my hand down to her. “On that note, there’s something I want to show you. If you’re up for a little exploring.”

Fia shields her eyes from the sun and places a hand in mine.

“Always.”

34

Fia

Icheck my phone out of habit while Caden secures the boat. Nothing from Luanne, which is a good sign. Halle, however, is a different story.

Halle: What do you mean you’ll be gone for HOURS? What kind of work meeting is this?

Halle: I need details ;) ;) ;) God my life is so boring.

Halle: But also, text me if you’ve been taken somewhere against your will.

Fia: Promise everything is good. I’ll tell you everything later. Facetime tonight?

“Ready?” Caden offers a hand, and I grab it, jumping off the back of the boat into the shallow water. It’s cool around my legs, and I squeal with joy as he points to a trailhead. It’s barely visible between the dunes and tall grasses blowing in the summer breeze. “That trail up there leads to a small private beach. I think you’ll like it.”

I twirl my hair up, securing it with a clip, as we wade through the water to shore. Caden doesn’t try to hide his eyes roaming over my lavender bikini top, and for once I don’t shy away from the attention. It’s not like I’ve kept my gaze from his impeccably sculpted chest and abs.

“How did you find this?” I ask as we start trekking up the sandy trail, tiny birds flitting around in the willowy plants. The sand squishes between my toes, and with nothing but my phone in my shorts pockets, I feel light as a bird.

He’s a few paces ahead of me, the sun shining off the muscles spanning his tanned back. Caden glances over his shoulder.

“I grew up exploring the islands with my friends every summer.”

“I have a feeling we had very different childhoods,” I reply, thinking about the turkey sandwiches Nan packed for our public beach days.

Though, I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face as we continue along the trail, surrounded by the sound of waves gently lapping the sand.

When we reach the top of the dune, I’m slightly out of breath.

“Almost there,” Caden says, but I’m only half listening.

With my arms stretched wide at my side, I tilt my face up to the blue sky, filled with puffy white clouds.

The perfect summer day.

“This is the life,” I whisper, somewhere between a prayer and a moan.

I open my eyes to see Caden watching me behind his dark sunglasses.

“I’m glad this feels like a break to you.” He takes a step back towards me, wrapping his arms around my sun-warmed skin.

“Are you kidding? This is the best surprise ever. Don’t get me wrong . . . I love my job, I love being a mom, but this—” I look out at the ocean on the horizon. There’s not a person in sight, just us. We’re on our own little adventure.

“This is my happy place.” I swallow, gratitude swelling my chest. “Thank you.”

He kisses me softly, and everything inside of me turns to jelly.

Holding my hand, Caden pulls us along, right down the dune. That’s when I see the private beach, with an enormous piece of driftwood washed ashore, like it was placed there just to lounge on.