He sat on the sand, his arms looped around his knees, staring out over that broad expanse of endless water. She was certain he already knew she was there, but she called out as she approached.
He twisted around, giving her a smile. “Have a seat?”
She settled next to him in the sand, though it would have been much easier to do this while she was walking or moving. Her heart was so restless where he was concerned.
“You feeling okay?” His gaze skimmed over her. “I’ve been worried they released you from the hospital too soon.”
“You could have come by anytime.” She’d been waiting for him to do just that.
“That was my next stop when I got your text. Talking privately sounded like the better idea.”
“My sisters like you,” she reminded him.
He only smiled. “You have great sisters.”
She truly did. “Where are you headed next?” she asked, grateful her sisters were well out of earshot.
“Gamble and Swann took me off the rotation for a month.”
“What?” She couldn’t believe it. “You did everything right.”
“Hey, take it easy. It’s a reward, not a punishment.”
“Okay. Good.” She bit her lip. “But you love your work.”
“That’s true. And I’ll love it again after a good break. You know how it is.”
“Right, of course.” She licked her lips. “But here’s the thing. I’m in love with you, Trent.” He froze and she barreled on. “You don’t need to say anything, but I had to tell you.” She touched her hand to her heart. “It was just so heavy holding it back. You don’t?—”
He cut her off with a kiss. Before she realized that they had moved, she was sprawled over him, kissing him back with all the feelings swirling inside. Love, hope, magic, and joy.
And right back to hope. Did this reaction mean what she wanted it to mean? If she could read anything in his embrace, it was the feeling that he loved her too, but she knew she would need the words.
Eventually.
The frantic edge of their embrace smoothed out and the firm grip of his hands on her hips gentled. She ran her hands along his broad shoulders, as she eased back to study him.
“Natalie,” he ran his fingers through the soft waves of her hair. “You mean it?”
“I’ve never meant anything more. Please don’t feel obligated. Just take it.” She pressed her hands over his heart as if she could transfer her love for him to carry with him always. “Take it with you and wherever you go, you’ll know I love you.”
“Natalie. Sweetheart. You’re too much.”
A prickling chill set in around her heart. Maybe she’d misread everything and put too much hope and created impossible expectations.
“Yougivetoo much. So freely. And I love you.” He cradled her face. “You’re an inspiration. I knew you were tough just by your artwork. You’re so smart, working this business with your sisters in a way that empowers all of you. And your courage astounds me.”
That chill faded. He wasn’t criticizing or complaining. Gazing into his eyes, she felt completely accepted. She knew her heart would never be cold, brittle, or uncertain again. “You love me.”
He nodded. “I love you,” he repeated the words, his lips coasting over hers. Leaning back, he smiled. “Do you want to know when I fell for you?”
“Yes!” She wanted it all. She wanted to hear him tell her the moment he realized she meant something to him. Then she could gush all about when she knew he was it for her. The emotional security of it all astounded her. She’d been so afraid she’d come here and get rejected. So afraid she would hear he was leaving no matter how she felt or what she said.
“You’re a little mercenary.” His fingers tickled her ribs.
“Want me to guess?”
“You can try.”
