Page 65 of Plotting Summer

I give a little wave.

“I remember Capri.” Gemma’s gaze settles on me. “I haven’t had a chance to thank you for offering to help move my grandma into Seaside Oasis. I obviously didn’t need to take you up on it, but I appreciate you being willing.”

“Of course.”

“Why don’t we continue your patrol of the beach?” Gemma looks at Beau and gestures in the direction they came from. “That way Tristan and Capri can enjoy their night together without any further interrogations or flashlights blinding them.”

“I’d like to, but they’re out past curfew.”

“Are you kidding me right now?” Tristan says, shaking his head.

“What kind of officer would I be if I look the other way every time my own brother breaks a law?”

“It’s like an hour after curfew.”

“Which is a ticketable offense, Tristan. And your casual attitude about law-breaking is honestly a bit concerning.” Laughter is brimming in Beau’s voice when he points at me. “I’m not sure my brother is the sort of guy you should be hanging out with, Capri.”

I can’t hide my smile. “I appreciate your concern, Beau.”

His gaze returns to Tristan and he heaves a heavy breath. “Because I like Capri so much, and because I’m feeling charitable, I’ll let you off with a warning. But this is the last time.”

Even Tristan’s fighting a smile now. “I can’t wait to repay you for your generosity.”

Beau’s laughter finally breaks free. “Threatening an officer?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Come on,” Gemma says, tugging him back the direction they came. “Enjoy the rest of your evening together,” she calls.

Beau takes a few backwards steps, allowing Gemma to keep hold of his arm. “You two better not dawdle too long. If I get a complaint from one of the neighbors about you being out here, my hands will be tied.”

Gemma gives one more tug that has him turning and walking away with her.

“Sorry about him,” Tristan says.

I give an absent smile, my gaze following Beau and Gemma. “Do you think they like each other?”

Tristan chuckles. “A Sawyer and a Palmer? There’s no way. She’s just helping him with a project, so she’s been tagging along with him while he’s on duty.”

“I don’t know. They have incredible star-crossed lover vibes.”

Even in the darkness, I can see humor shining in Tristan's eyes. “That imagination of yours is really something.”

Without warning, a yawn surfaces, and I put a hand over my mouth. “Sorry.”

He stands up, steps out of the pool, and holds out his hand for mine. “It’s late. Let’s get you home.”

A wave of disappointment settles over me, and I wonder if my lifelong desire to kiss Tristan will ever be actualized. Though with our little run-in with Beau, the opportunity definitely seems to have passed. I suppose I’ve waited this long; I can wait one more day. But I’m not sure I can be any more patient than that.

I put my hand in Tristan’s and allow him to pull me to my feet. “That’s probably best. I’d hate to mar my pristine record with a ticket.”

Wind tosses my hair and the whirring of the motor is loud in my ears as I steer the boat through the bright greenish-blue water. The sight of Tristan lounging against the bow of the old fishing boat with closed eyes and a contented grin sends a trill of excitement down my spine. “We’re here.”

“Where’s here?” he asks, sitting up. There’s still land in the distance to the east, but besides that and the small, sandy islet we’re moving toward, it’s only ocean as far as the eye can see. Thankfully, there are no other boats anchored nearby, which isn’t super common. People love this secret little spot. Though their absence probably has to do with how late in the day it is. So maybe it’s a good thing Tristan’s meeting went a little later than expected again.

“Winn Island.” I rev the motor a touch until the boat’s nose beaches, then cut the engine. “Technically it’s an islet, but Winn Islet doesn’t have the same ring to it.”

He’s still taking in the sandy strip of land that’s really just a long, narrow sandbar without vegetation. “So your Grandpa Winn discovered it?”