Page 17 of For Every Letter

Part 3: Sadie

I roll over into Ben’s arms. I’m naked and sweaty and utterly satiated. I thought I’d had good sex before. I thought wrong. I didn’t know what good sex was before today.

“I’m getting why the mermaid jumped off the cliffs.”

Ben’s brow wrinkles. “I need an explanation.”

“I told you about the mermaid who jumped off the cliffs at Mermaid Mystical Gardens.”

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “You did but I don’t understand your statement.”

“Because silly.” I roll my eyes. “If I didn’t have you anymore, I wouldn’t want to live either. You’re my ride or die.”

His eyes flash and he clutches my hand. He places it against his heart, which is beating out of control. “Don’t say that, darling. I don’t want to imagine a world without you in it.”

“Okay.” I give in.

I don’t want to talk about death now anyway. I never want to imagine Ben not being in this world either.

“We need to discuss our next steps. I have a gazillion ideas for renovations of the motel. I have a list on my phone.” I start to roll away but Ben captures my hand and brings me back.

“Tell me what you remember. I’m not ready for you to leave this bed.”

I shiver. “I need some recovery time or I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.”

He smirks. “Mission accomplished.”

I giggle. “You’re trouble.”

“The best kind.”

I can’t deny it. Moving on.

“Ideas for the motel. I want to fix the swimming pool. People can swim in the ocean but it’s not the same. When I was a kid, the pool at the motel was a happening place. We could add a swim up bar and make the pool a destination.”

“Sounds good. What else?”

“The rooms obviously need to be updated. I’m thinking retro 50s style to match the sign, which I think we should keep.”

“Have you worked up a cost analysis?”

I flinch. “I have. It’s expensive.”

“We’ll figure it out. I have some money saved. If worse comes to worst, we’ll raise the funds with a second mortgage.”

“But you bought the motel. I can’t ask you to spend more money on it.”

He frowns. “You’re not asking. I’m telling.”

“You’re not asking. I’m telling,” I imitate his deep voice.

He smiles. “We’ll make a business plan and take it to the bank. Maybe they’ll give us a business loan.”

“How did you get this smart?”

“There’s more to me than my good looks.” He winks.

I rake my gaze up and down him. His chest is naked but a sheet lays over his hips hiding the rest of him. “Good looks, talent in the bedroom, and smart. Cha-ching! Jackpot for Sadie.”