I had a cleaning crew to come by before we arrived, and when I crack open the door, I see they did a great job. The place looks pristine.
Inside, the entryway is bathed in natural sunlight streaming through large windows that offer a panoramic view of the shimmering Atlantic.
That view is why I bought this house. The first time I saw it, it tugged on something deep inside me.
I didn’t renovate the place after I bought it five years ago—it was never a priority given how little use it got—so it bears the taste of the previous owner, who had a thing for whites and pastel hues.
Maybe Blake would like to change some things in here. The thought of her putting her own personal touch on the space spreads warmth through my chest.
Fuck. I want to build a life with her. I want everything that’s mine to be hers too.
I lead Blake farther inside. The soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore fills the open living space. A plush,white sofa faces the ocean. I’ve always found it easy to lose myself in the horizon.
I glance sideways at her. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful.”
There’s a hint of a smile on her face that makes me relax a little. I hadn’t even realized I was nervous to see her reaction.
We drift toward the wide deck that extends from the living area, and the wooden planks creak under our feet. The deck overlooks a stretch of pristine beach. I lean on the railing, taking in the expansive view. The beach is quiet and serene, dotted occasionally with walkers and playful dogs.
Blake leans on the railing beside me. “This is a world away from New York. It’s so peaceful.”
“Yeah. Perfect for an introvert like you.”
She arches a brow. “You think I’m an introvert?”
“Aren’t you? Back in Darkwater Hollow, your favorite hobby was to sit at home and read.”
“No need to call me out like that.”
“Just stating facts.”
She huffs a laugh. “You’re definitely an extrovert. You always light up around other people.”
“I’m not going to argue with that. I don’t like to be alone.”
“Have you always been that way?”
“I think so.” I can’t remember ever being comfortable being alone. If Rafe didn’t send Sandro with me to Darkwater Hollow, I wouldn’t have lasted a week.
Shit. Is that why he did it? Did he somehow understand that I really fucking needed someone with me to have a chance at making it?
An ache appears inside my chest. I miss thatstronzo.
I miss Sandro even more.
“Rafe’s an introvert too. I guess I’m drawn to you people.”
Blake crosses her feet at the ankles. “You said you’d come here together?”
I chuckle. “Yeah. He’s really not big on the sand, though. He refused to walk up to the water. We’d sit out here on the deck and watch the waves while smoking cigars.”
“Do you miss working with him?”
“I do. We spent a decade working side by side, and during that time, he was my closest friend. We were a good team.”
I don’t want to let my sudden nostalgia sour the mood, so I slide my arm around Blake and lead her back inside. “Let’s unpack and grab a snack. I want to take you on a walk.”
