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She relished the rhythmic sound of the waves, the sand between her toes, and the feeling of Carter walking by her side. The remnant of the spectacular sunset reflected off the water as darkness began to close in around them. A few other couples remained on the beach while others walked along the shoreline.
“I hope my parents aren’t too much,” Darcy said.
“Are you kidding? They’re great.” His gaze toggled toward the beach homes behind the dunes. “I can’t get over this place. You must love coming here.”
“When I was a kid, we came a few times a year, and my parents rented it out when we weren’t here. They stopped renting it out when they retired.” She looked up at him. “Do you like the beach?”
“I do, but I haven’t had the chance to enjoy it as much as you have.” He pushed his hair back from his forehead. “I remember my grandparents bringing Shauna and me to Coral Cove once after my mom died. Someone let us stay at a condo for free. My grandparents were working-class. My grandfather was a mechanic in a little shop like Barton’s, and my nana was a housekeeper at a country club. They rented the same house for probably forty years or so. We didn’t really go on vacations, so being at the beach that one time was a treat.” He smiled. “We didn’t have much, but we had love.”
Darcy nodded, and thoughts of her biological mother spun in her mind. What would life have been like if she’d been raised by her instead of by the Larsens? What would her family have looked like?
Carter’s smile was sheepish. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“No, no,” she said quickly. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable. I’m glad to learn more about you.”
The boardwalk appeared ahead of them, and Darcy picked up the pace. “Would you like to sit and watch the waves?”
“Definitely.”
They found a bench on the boardwalk and sat down to look out toward the waves crashing on the beach. The delicious scents of pretzels, nachos, and popcorn from nearby vendors wafted over Darcy, and she peered down the boardwalk toward where people moved in and out of the small shops.
“I could get used to being here,” Carter said softly.
“You’ll have to come down here with me more often.”
“You won’t have to twist my arm.”
They sat in a comfortable silence for several moments, taking in the sounds of the waves.
Then Carter sat up and turned toward her. His gaze roved over her features and lingered on her lips before returning to her eyes.
Her body began to tremble with anticipation as she stared up at him. Her lips ached for his touch. Please kiss me, Carter. Please!
“Darcy,” he began, his voice sounding strained. “I really like you. I mean, I like you a lot.”
“I’m glad it’s mutual.”
His dark eyes became intense. His fingers moved over her cheeks before cupping them. Then he leaned down, and his mouth covered hers.
Desire plunged through her as she lost herself in the feel and taste of his mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he rested his hands on her shoulders.
Carter’s lips began a slow exploration, and she lost track of everything as the world around them fell away. Her hands moved to the nape of his neck, and her fingertips combed through his soft hair. When he broke the kiss, she pulled in air, working to slow the shockwaves still rocking her body.
His eyes studied hers as if searching for an answer. “I’ve been wanting to ask you something.”
“What?” she asked, her voice sounding throaty.
“I would like to make things official between us.” He paused and took a breath. “What I mean is, I would be honored to be your boyfriend. How would you feel about that?”
Relief skittered through her. “I thought you’d never ask.”
“Good.” He smiled and then his lips were caressing hers again, and she felt as if she were gliding above the ocean, like a kite that had been released on the wind.
He gently pulled away, then turned back toward the water. She rested her head on his shoulder. When Carter kissed the top of her head, Darcy’s toes curled in the sand.
***
Later Carter and Darcy walked hand in hand back to the house. Stars sparkled in the dark sky and the steady cadence of the waves continued to serenade them as they approached the stairs leading to the Larsens’ gorgeous home. A strange light glowed on the deck as they approached the dark house.
