AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m not sure what to expect when Drew tells me his older brother is visiting Seaside. I couldn’t help but wonder if that news was what put such a concerned look on his face at dinner. Do they get along? Is there something about his brother that Drew doesn’t like?
It’s been difficult to pull Drew aside and pick his brain about what’s going on. He’s been weird ever since he found out his brother is coming into town. For the first time since he’s been here, it feels like he’s avoiding the beach like the plague.
Usually, he joins me when he sees I’m walking someone’s dog but instead, he keeps himself tucked away inside. I can sometimes catch a peek of his blond hair through the windows of the sunroom, but he disappears just as quickly.
I’d say he’s avoiding me. Why, I have no idea, but it’s really bugging me.
It’s not until evening that I meet Troy and see even more worry in Drew’s face. And none of this makes any sense. Troy is pleasant when he shakes my hand. He compliments how lovely the inn is before excusing himself to his room. Troy gives his brother a quick glance before disappearing behind the elevators, leaving just the two of us in the lobby.
“What is up with you two?” I finally ask. “You’ve been acting strange since before he got here.”
“I’m sorry,” he sighs. “I just wasn’t expecting him so soon.”
“What do you mean?” I ask. “Why is he here?”
“Can we talk somewhere more private?” he asks gently, nodding to the beach.
Finally. “Sure,” I say, as he takes my hand.
He guides me to one of the benches between the inn and the sand that overlooks the ocean as the sun begins to set.
As we walk, I notice how different he feels next to me. Even when he holds my hand, the usual flutter of excitement is gone. It’s like he’s been surrounded by gray clouds that he can’t get out of. His head is hanging lower, just slightly, and his brow is heavy with worry.
I notice him biting his bottom lip. I can almost hear the gears turning in his head, as if he is trying to come up with the exact right words to say. The longer the silence goes on, the more anxious I feel.
“Should I be worried?” I ask. “Does Troy showing up mean you’re leaving soon?”
“No, not exactly,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Then what is it?” I pry, gently squeezing his hand.
“I need to tell you something,” he says, letting out a deep breath. “It’s really hard for me to say it but you need to hear it from me.”
“Okay,” I say. Please don’t let this guy be married or something stupid like that.
“I need you to know that I never imagined coming here and having the experiences that I’ve had with you, Meg,” he says, gently caressing my cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I need you to know that.”
“Okay,” I repeat, trying to fake a steady smile. “What do you need to tell me?”
He holds my face in both his hands and softly presses his lips to mine. I can’t help but feel perfectly dizzy and entranced by his touch as the kiss deepens. I reach up, my hands resting on his chest where his heart is racing. I’d like to think it’s because he’s kissing me, but I know it has more to do with the news he keeps putting off telling me.
I pull away. “You’re leaving me on a cliffhanger, mister.”
His eyes lock with mine and I can see something there that I’ve never seen before. There is fear in his eyes.
“You’re married?” I guess. “And you’re wanting one last kiss before you tell me the truth?”
“What? No, nothing like that,” he says quickly, sounding startled by my guess.
Well, that’s a relief at least. “Then what is it?” I ask, almost demanding that he tell me.
“I know I told you my name was Drew Wyatt and that I’m just here on vacation, but that isn’t true.” He pauses, his eyes carefully gauging my reaction. “It’s a cover story. My name is Drew Bellamy and I came here to see about my family’s company buying Seaside Inn.”
“Excuse me?” I pull my hands away from his and take a step back.
“I didn’t think I would come here and find someone as incredible as you are, let alone fall for you in a way I didn’t think was possible,” he says. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“Why did you lie in the first place?” I ask.
