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I watch out the passenger window as the city fades and we’re surrounded by more trees, more wilderness.
“So, let’s just say no love was lost when she finally left him. It was a messy divorce. Then he contested it, so even though she’d been legally divorced, they reversed it, and she had to go through more mediation and court.”
“That sounds horrifying,” he says.
“It was awful. She met Wyatt, and they fell in love. But when he discovered that she wasn’t legally divorced, he lost his shit. It was horrible for both of them.”
“But they came out the other side of it just fine.”
“They did.” I nod, and we grow quiet as Kane drives us on the freeway, headed toward Portland.
I raise a brow when he takes the exit headed toward the ocean beaches, then ventures off the main freeway and onto a smaller highway.
“I enjoy the beach.”
His lips twitch in humor. “As do I. Have you been to the coast of Oregon?”
“A couple of times when we were young,” I confirm. “But it’s been a long time.”
“I found an amazing hotel in Cannon Beach,” Kane says. “You’re going to love it.”* * *He’s not wrong.
The Stephanie Inn is breathtaking. At only three stories tall, I would consider it a boutique hotel, nestled between the coastline mountains and the rolling waves of the Pacific. The lobby features a tall, rock fireplace, and a table is set up all day with fresh muffins, scones, and coffee.
We’re welcomed and escorted to our room on the third floor. The first thing I do is hurry to the ocean-view deck, open the door, and step out onto the spacious balcony.
Once the bellman has delivered the bags, and Kane bids him farewell, Kane joins me, wraps his arms around me from behind, and buries his lips against my neck.
“This is incredible.”
“Told you.”
I smile and watch as couples walk on the sand, hand in hand toward the enormous rock down the beach.
“That’s Haystack Rock,” Kane says, pointing. “We’ll walk down later.”
“Murphy would love this.”
“Unfortunately, the hotel doesn’t allow pets.”
“Hmm. Shame.” I turn in his arms and hug him close. “Thank you for this.”
“Thank you for joining me.” He kisses the top of my head. “I thought we could use a couple of days away. Since I met you, it’s been one thing after another with my family, and your injury. I wanted some time to just enjoy you. Learn you.”
I smile and take a deep breath, enjoying the combination of Kane’s cologne and the sea air.
“That’s a great idea. Maybe the best idea you’ve ever had.”
“Look.”
I turn and look where he’s pointing, out into the ocean. Water sprays up into the air, and I gasp in delight.
“Whales!”
“It’s a good time of year to see them,” he says. “We don’t get many where we are up amidst the islands. We should get to see our share while we’re here.”
“I already feel relaxed,” I admit. “And not in the lazy way I was when I was recovering from my shoulder.”
“That wasn’t relaxing,” he says with a frown. “That was healing. There’s a difference.”
“You’re right.”
He checks the time. “It’s about six. Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
I change into fresh clothes, brush my hair, and swipe on a fresh coat of mascara, then consider that good enough.
Lia would be mortified that I don’t have a full face on, but I’ve never been the makeup lover that my sister is.
When I walk out of the massive bathroom that happens to boast a separate tub and a walk-in shower, double sinks, and a vanity area—all bigger than the master bathroom in my apartment—I see that Kane’s also changed into a pair of khaki slacks and a blue button-down shirt.
“You look nice. Are we going out somewhere fancy? Should I change?”
I glance down at my simple black skinny jeans and green V-neck sweater.
“No, you look amazing. We’re just going downstairs.”
He takes my hand and leads me down to the library, just off the foyer, where the hotel has set up a wine tasting with a cheese and cracker spread that looks beautiful and delicious.
“Welcome,” the employee manning the wine says. She tells us about the six local Oregon wines they’re offering tonight, pours us each a glass, and then invites us to come eat and enjoy the sunset from the comfort of cozy chairs by the fire.
“This could become addicting,” I confess as I settle in with a plate of food and my wine. “Do they do this all the time, or is it a special occasion?”
“This is an everyday thing,” Kane confirms. “Don’t get too full. We’re headed to dinner after this.”
“There’s more?” I sip my sweet white wine and watch the sun kiss the water beyond the windows of the inn, enjoying this quiet time with Kane. “I feel spoiled.”
“It’s spoiled you should feel every day of your life, my sweet,” Kane says, kicking up his accent just a bit for my benefit.
