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It took another series of loops and dips before she realized Cole was coordinating his movements with the song.
When he performed one graceful swirl, Megan closed her eyes, letting the music and Cole carry her away. She didn’t open them when she felt Cole sweep her off her feet to carry her through the sky.
Who needed a hot air balloon when she had Cole?
Dreamily, she let go and just let him hold her, not wanting the ride to ever end as she listened to the haunting lyrics of “Shallow” by Lady Gaga.
She was at a loss for words when the ride ended, gazing wistfully at the Jet Ski as Cole removed first his helmet, then hers.
“We’ll do it again another day,” he promised, handing the helmets to the man on the Jet Ski.
She nodded, knowing it was unlikely. Cole would be leaving after Christmas, and she would probably never see him again.
Numerous times, she had promised herself once she accomplished what she needed to in Treepoint, she would be free to move on with her life, knowing she was lying to herself. She would die in Treepoint just as generations before her had.
“Ready?”
Dragging herself out the gloomy thoughts of Cole leaving Treepoint, she gave him a bright smile. “Sure. Are we going back to the airport?”
“Not yet. I thought we could go sightseeing on my boat, unless you’re anxious to get home?”
Home? She hadn’t had a home since she had left her parents to marry Curt.
“No, I’d love to go on your boat. Which one is it?”
“This one.” Cole nodded toward the boat next to them.
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope, this is mine,” he stated proudly.
“Wow.” The dark blue and white boat was sleek, nothing like what she had imagined it to look like. It was three times larger than expected, and its stunning beauty and sleek design stood out even with hundreds of boats in the marina.
“Uh, Cole …?”
“Yes? Is there something wrong?”
Hastily shaking her head, she embarrassedly looked away from the two people waiting for them to board. “What if I get seasick? I’ve never been on a boat before.”
“I got you covered. I have patches on board if you get sick. We’ll come right back if you’re not enjoying yourself. Okay?”
“Okay.”
Her enthusiasm returned. No woman wanted to get an upset stomach on their first date.
All her insecurities made her doubt herself as Curt’s voice played in the back of her mind like a broken recording, telling her that she would do something ignorant and humiliate herself. He had even given her a nickname, which had made her cringe every time he used it.
She’d had a wonderful day so far, and the more time spent with Cole, the more worried she became that she would likely do something that would gross him out. Then a new fear was unlocked of her having to hang over the side of the ship to puke her guts out while everyone watched.
When Cole helped her onto the boat, Megan stood, afraid to move. Never in a million years had she thought a girl like her would ever get the opportunity to be on a boat this size. She didn’t deserve being here, and if she were a better person, she would ask Cole to take her back to Treepoint without taking another step. You can be a better person tomorrow, Megan.
Her guilty conscience dwindled. Even death row prisoners were given a last meal to enjoy.
Looking around at the magnificent ship then to the beautiful man who was looking at her in a way no one had looked at her before, she fought the tears that desperately wanted to fall.
This must be what it felt like to be in a fairy tale, but she was no Cinderella. Happily ever afters weren’t meant for her; only exploding pumpkins.
“What is it?” he asked, sweetly wiping the tear that had finally escaped.
“I’m afraid of it turning midnight.”
Sixteen
Megan sat on the bench seat next to Cole as the boat slowly rocked on the soft waves. Cole had dropped anchor as the sun had gone down.
He left her alone to head below deck, then came back to take her hand and lead her downstairs.
“I planned for us to eat a romantic dinner on deck, but the wind is working against me tonight.”
Taking the seat Cole held out, she stared at the table appreciatively.
“I’ve never had a candlelit dinner before.”
“I wish they were real.”
“They’re real to me.” Placing the napkin on her lap, she almost held her arm out for Cole to pinch.
“What’s so funny?”
“I was just thinking, if the cat we saved hadn’t already been adopted, I would have adopted him when we got back.”
Cole laughed with her as he filled her plate with salmon from a small, wooden plank, several fancy potatoes that looked too pretty to eat, and a roll.
