AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We paid and collected the steaming hot beverages, then made our way back over to the girls.
“Thanks, Nick,” Sydney said, taking the Styrofoam cup from me and blowing on it, the white wisps of steam floating into the inky night.
“No prob.”
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Annual Lighthouse Tour,” a guide dressed in a navy blue peacoat shouted out over the crowd. “Behind me stands the Starlight Bay Lighthouse, a landmark that’s stood and protected these shores for over one hundred and fifty years. It’s the town’s custom to decorate it every holiday season, just like the town square, as it serves as a beacon to travelers in our area. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to explore the inside of one of the northeast’s oldest operational lighthouses. Everyone will get a turn, so take your time roaming the grounds, walking on the beach, and enjoying the refreshments. And happy holidays to you all!”
The crowd broke into polite applause, then the docent began the first tour, with several large families practically stampeding the entrance.
We waited until the families cycled through, making small talk and enjoying our beverages. Finally, it was our turn to go in. Jackson and Harper led the way, directly behind the guide, then Sydney and I followed.
The air inside the lighthouse was at least twenty degrees warmer than outside, partly a function of the huge heat lamp sitting at the top of the building, guiding sailors through the night. Sweat cropped up on my neck as soon as I stepped inside and I unbuttoned my coat.
White twinkly lights decorated the black metal railing that flanked the gray stone steps, twisting and winding all the way up to the top. Golden orbs set at precise intervals hung on the stone walls, lighting our way. The guide prattled on about Starlight Bay history, but I tuned him out. I’d heard the spiel many times before and besides, I couldn’t concentrate with Sydney’s perfect round ass sashaying right in front of me.
How could I change her mind? Make things work between the two of us? Despite what I’d told her this morning, there had to be a way. I still believed we were meant for each other, otherwise why would I have been traded back to Boston? And what were the chances she’d be working for the team, my team? That had to be fate.
“And here we are, folks, the top of the lighthouse. I’ll give you a few minutes to take in the view. You got real lucky—it’s a clear night, no clouds. You may even be able to see the Vineyard from here tonight.”
The guide held the door open for us, then ducked back inside, leaving the four of us alone at the top. Cold, crisp air was a welcome relief after the heat inside, especially after climbing all the stairs. The white strobe streamed by every few minutes, bathing us all in a bright light. I leaned against the iron railing decorated to match the inside, with the same twinkling lights as well as fragrant evergreen garland.
“Oh, Jackson, this is absolutely stunning!” Harper breathed, her cheeks flushed pink with excitement.
Sydney smiled at me, a soft, wistful look. “It is magical.”
I linked my fingers with hers, drawing her close, nuzzling into her dark hair and inhaling her sweet scent. If this was one of the last moments we’d spend together as a couple, I at least wanted to make it count.
“I thought you’d like it,” I murmured, pushing down the wave of sadness threatening to roll into my perfect moment.
“I do.” Sydney and I stood there, looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean, listening to the pounding of the waves against the shore, oblivious to everything going on around us, for a long time. Longer than our allotted time, according to the tour guide, anyway, because several more couples spilled out onto the walkway, shattering the peace and quiet.
“Hey, you’re Nick Milton, right?” A tall, thin guy with dark hair and a goatee squinted at me in the dark.
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“Cool. Think you’re going to go to the playoffs?”
“Uh, I hope so. That’s the plan.”
“Mind if we get a picture with you?” The dude whipped out his cell phone and Sydney untangled herself from my arms.
Sometimes I hated fans.
“Sure, man.”
The dude threw his arms around me like we were old college buds and his girlfriend moved to the other side, wrapping her arm around my waist. I plastered on my best PR smile and Sydney took his cell, snapping several pics.
“Thanks, man. That’s really cool of you. Good luck!”
“Thanks. Happy holidays!” I smiled at the two of them as they moved away, chatting about football and our chances of making the playoffs.
“Oh, you’re Nick Milton, the football player! I thought I recognized you.” The guide nodded, then his eyes lit up. “Would you mind taking a few more pics for the Historical Society? It would be great for the town.”
Sydney shifted, her PR mind calculating the risk/return on this, then nodded at me, giving me the go-ahead.
“Sure, no problem.”
“Great. Stand here, yeah, perfect—and let’s get the friends in the picture, too.” He gripped Sydney’s shoulders, scooting her in towards me, nudging us together, then lined up Jackson and Harper as well.
