“Well, when you grow up by the seaside, you have no choice in the matter.”
Maya’s cheeks darken as I splay my hand flat against her lower back, holding her up. The warmth she immediately gives me is like a shot of adrenaline. It’s fucking freezing, and she still makes me feel like I’m on fire.
For a moment, neither of us says anything. I stare down at the woman in my arms and think how many times I’ve dreamt of doing this with her. Her heart thumps against my chest, and it nearly knocks me sideways, but I keep us above the water.
“Finn—” she murmurs, not taking her eyes off me for a second.
My blood rushes through my veins rapidly, and the desperation to lean down and claim her lips is dangerous. I can’t. I know I can’t, but fuck, I want to. More than anything.
Especially when she looks at me like that. Big brown eyes that could ask me for anything, and I’d get on my knees and obey.
I’m a pathetic man for this woman, but I’ll happily be pathetic for the rest of my life if that means I get to have her forever.
“You okay?”
She chews on her bottom lip, and my eyes gravitate to the action. “Yeah.”
I might be torturing myself after saying I was going to create some space between us, but it’s nearly impossible. Not after introducing her to my family. Bringing her home. Involving her in our Christmas traditions.
I don’t want to put space between us, even if it’ll hurt me in the long run.
After a few more minutes, we eventually come out of the sea, and I rush back to our bags before digging for our towels. As soon as Maya steps within touching distance, I wrap her towel around her and start to rub her arms furiously.
“Y-you’re al-also cold,” she murmurs as her breath makes a small white cloud.
I couldn’t give a fuck about the cold when she’s my priority.
“Don’t worry about me,” I murmur despite the temperature making my skin burn. “I’ve done this more times than I can count.”
Maya stares up at me with damp lashes as I dry her off and place her hair into a towel so it’s not dripping down her back. “T-thank you.”
“Let’s get changed in the beach hut,” Ivy says as she clutches her towel close to her body. “Then grab some lunch.”
I glance back down at Maya and raise an eyebrow.
“Sound good?”
She nods with a stiff, chattering grin, without taking her eyes off me. “Sounds great.”
CHAPTER 41
MAYA BROOKE
We leave Willows Bay tomorrow morning, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to go back to reality.
It’s been a wonderful few days, and I want nothing more than to move to the small beach town and see Finn’s family every day. They’re the most accommodating and welcoming people I’ve ever met, and they love Skye like they’ve known her since she was born.
All I’ve wanted for her is to grow up in an environment where people want to see her and not beg to be seen.
“Hey,” I hear from behind me as I glance up at Ivy.
I beam back at her. “Hey.”
She perches on the sofa beside me as Skye sleeps between my arms. Her eyes immediately fall on her niece as she leans in. “I’ll never get over how beautiful she is.”
Pride warms my chest. “Me neither.”
“Can I have one last cuddle?”
