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I slipped off my shoes and let my toes sink into the wet sand. Lark and Penny had practically lived on the beach this summer, and I couldn’t think of it without it mingling in my mind with her warm cinnamon-and-citrus scent. Even my hometown had become a place where I couldn’t escape her.
I didn’t want to.
Somewhere along the way I’d shed little bits of my controlling nature in order to let Lark in. She took the little slivers I’d offered and wedged herself so deeply into my core that I couldn’t imagine myself without her. Her smiles, her laugh, the way she loved life and everyone in it.
Lark had willingly given herself, and I had slowly, reluctantly done the same. I shared more with her than anyone before, and while it was vulnerable and frightening in a way I didn’t like, it was also safe. Comforting.
After I’d walked a long length of beach, I looked up to realize I was near the dune on which Lark had gotten herself stranded. When it happened, I had hid my attraction to her with a gruff indifference. Even then I knew getting close to Lark had the potential to change everything.
I thought back to her offhand comments about love languages and realized exactly what I needed to do.
* * *
My fist poundedon Tootie’s front door twice before I turned the handle and let myself in. “Hello?”
“Back here!” Tootie’s voice was filled with laughter as it floated down the hallway.
My boots stomped on the creaking wooden floors as I made my way through her house. In the large living room, Tootie, Penny, and Katie were sitting on blankets and pillows with something that looked like green mud smeared all over their faces.
“Hey, Daddy!” Penny’s crooked white teeth were stark against the mask. “We’re beautifying.”
I smiled. “I can see that. I didn’t mean to interrupt girls’ night, but I needed to talk with Tootie.”
My aunt unfolded herself and groaned as she rose from the floor. I motioned toward the kitchen, and she followed.
As soon as we were out of earshot, I turned. “Can you look after Penny for a few days?”
Worry crossed her face. “Of course. Is everything okay?”
I sighed and ran my hand across my face. “No. But it will be. I need to go to LA.”
A huge grin spread across her face when she realized what I was implying. Her hands planted on her hips. “Well, it’s about time. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be just fine. You bring our girl home.”
Affection for my aunt filled my chest. I hugged her and stomped toward the living room. Penny was delighted to hear she would get a few extra days of girl time, and I assured her that I would head home as soon as I could.
“Will Lark come home with you?”
Unease rippled through me. “I’m not sure, sweetie.” My plan was only half-formed, and I hoped to work out the details on the red-eye to LA.
“Okay, well, don’t screw it up.”
I laughed and tension eased from my shoulders. “Thanks, Pickle. I’ll do my best.”
36
WYATT
The summer sunfelt different in California. Sure, I’d been to LA before for games or the odd trip, but viewing it in the context of Lark’s home, it all felt wrong. LA was too loud. Too busy. It lacked the quaint, slow pace of a place like Outtatowner.
I had subtly been keeping tabs on Lark via text. The night before she was her typical chatty self, and I knew work for the week was wrapping today.
It was early, but at 7:00 a.m. West Coast time, I’d already sent agood morningtext. I followed it up quickly as I hauled my backpack over my shoulder and exited the plane.
I have a surprise for you.
Lark
You’re so sweet! I have a surprise for you too.
