Page 105 of Saints & Sailors

Dreux gazed out at the lake as he rested back on his arms, shoulders sagging. “Not so much nervous, but more so dreading it.”

I was grateful things were better between my parents and me. But really, I wasn’t sure what it would be like to see them in the same room.

“I’m sorry, Dreux.”

He shrugged. “It is what it is.” He looked at me and gave a small smile. “I’m just glad I could do this with you first. Dinner’s for them, but this is for me.”

I couldn’t stop the vivid blush that spread across my face. Dreux made me feel special like no one had before.

“Well, let’s make the most of it.” I got into the water and Dreux was fast behind me.

The cool water against the warm day above was a perfect balance.

We swam a couple of laps, racing and just enjoying the lake. It was the freest I’d felt in a while. A side effect of Dreux St. Julien no less.

“Thank you for the playlist,” I said as we were floating on our backs. The sky had darkened some and the sun was now gone. “I really love that song by Summer Walker with Teddy Swims.”

The record was a blend of R&B with a hint of country. A ballad. It was raw and vulnerable. I had never related more than when I was looking at the boy floating beside me.

His eyes were closed, his handsome face relaxed yet smiling as he said, “You should cover it.”

Of course he knew I was already thinking about doing so. We hadn’t known each other long, but Dreux knew me so well. And what he didn’t know he patiently tried to understand.

For most of my life, I had a chip on my shoulder and was guarded. After Kevin, I was distrustful of everyone except my friends. With Dreux I was softer. I felt safe. Feeling unwanted for so long, I wasn’t sure I ever felt protected. Like I had to have my own back.

It was while talking things through with my mother that I did feel her fierce protection and all that she’d sacrificed for me. I recognized this feeling with Dreux and how he treated me and looked out for me.

I was falling for him. And with each stolen glance, tender touch, I was certain he’d catch me.

“Deal,” I said as I got back to Dreux. “Scott’s been working with me on the guitar. Let me learn the melody and we can do it.”

I loved that music was in my blood. Watching Scott play the guitar, piano, or even harmonica made my hands itch to move. To learn. I’d always loved classic rock, but it all made sense when I was with Scott listening to him play or telling me a story about his old band.

The words I’d been jotting down for song ideas of my own didn’t feel strong yet. And the genre didn’t feel like rock, but I kept going, hoping to someday have at least one song completed.

“Maybe you can look into music classes at a college,” Dreux suggested gently. “Just something to think about.”

It wasn’t a bad idea.

I decided I’d look into it later. For now, I came from my back and splashed Dreux, catching him off guard and throwing him off balance.

“Stop being so perfect!” I teased.

Water dripped from Dreux’s face as he came up to the surface and caught himself. The glare he was sporting told me I was in trouble. Big trouble.

“AHH!” I yelped as a strong hand captured my arm before I could take off.

There was no getting away as Dreux pulled me close. Our chests collided, leaving me breathless as I was left peering up into his dark eyes. His expression said he was annoyed, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

“Let me show you the perfect revenge for that,” Dreux said, his grip unrelenting.

I should’ve been afraid of his retaliation, but I was right where I wanted to be.

Boldly, I laughed in his face as we continued looking at each other. “If I give you a kiss are we even?”

Dreux lifted a brow. “Tempting.”

He didn’t loosen his hold and I didn’t want him to.