ChapterTen
The last item they needed was a piece of sea glass, so they found themselves on a rapidly darkening beach, with only a few solitary walkers for company, using cell phones for light. Ethan pulled his key chain out and flicked on a small penlight that did little to illuminate the sand. After thirty minutes of searching, the sun had gone down, plunging the sand into darkness, the lights from the amusement park not extending far enough to the beach, and the moon not full enough to reflect light.
Delaney planted her hands on her hips and sighed in exasperation. “It’s hopeless. We should have done this first. Stupid.”
He shrugged. “I never thought we’d spend so much money trying to win a stupid prize. Maybe we can return the picture and buy the sea glass.”
She wrapped her arms around herself, warding off the evening chill, and gazed out at the water. “It’s hard to believe we’re expecting a big storm in two days.”
He stood next to her and draped an arm across her shoulders, hugging her close. “They say it could be a big one.”
She turned in his arms. “Are you worried about your vineyard?”
He nodded. “A little. I’d rather be there to make sure everything is ready, but honestly, my farm manager knows more about the vines than I ever will.”
The music drifted over the sand from the park, a live band that had just started playing a slow, romantic song. Ethan stepped to the side and held out his hand, a slight bow at the waist. “May I have this dance, madam?”
She smiled, suddenly feeling shy and self-conscious. She put her hand in his and curtsied. “Of course, sir.”
He drew her close, folding her hand against his chest and moving in a slow shuffle of feet, swaying to the music, unicorn and art piece forgotten on the ground. She rested her head under his chin, his heart beating against her cheek. She allowed her muscles to relax, allowed him to lead the dance, and allowed herself to feel safe and protected. The warmth from his body seeped through her light sweater and tank top, heating her, not in a sexual way but in a comforting, friendship manner. She closed her eyes, reveling in the strength of his arms, enjoying the solitude of the night.
Several minutes passed, and the music wound down and shifted to a faster tune. With a sigh of regret, Ethan released her and they stepped apart. Delaney suddenly felt awkward and exposed, her emotions obvious to Ethan, standing as close as they were. Another couple walked by, holding hands, laughing softly and stopping to kiss periodically. Delaney flushed and pressed her hands to her cheeks. Ethan glanced at his watch.
“Crap. We have to get back or we’ll be late.” He held out his hand a second time. “Shall we?”
She placed her hand in his for the second time, this time feeling more intimate and personal. He tucked her hand against his side. He snagged the unicorn and art piece from the sand on the way. They walked back to the bikes and then back to the house, sea glass forgotten.
* * *
Ethan and Delaney walked into the house just as the cuckoo clock chimed ten. The rest of the group was already seated around the table, and the tension was thicker than fog over the harbor. Matthew and Caroline looked stressed and completely unlike an about-to-be married couple. Anna looked smug and satisfied, while Wyatt looked uncomfortable. Brigid and Grady kept stealing glances at each other, flushed, with a hint of excitement between them.
Ethan tried to catch Delaney’s gaze, but she ducked her head and slid into a seat next to Matthew, across from Anna, who smirked. Delaney squared and lifted her chin, and Ethan silently cheered her attitude.
Ethan tossed their items on the table and sat. Caroline arched her eyebrows. “All done, Ethan?”
“We missed one item,” Delaney softly replied.
“Really? The great Delaney Winters lost a game? When was the last time that happened?” Anna snidely remarked, a grin spreading.
“Shut it, Anna. Stop being a bitch,” Wyatt mildly interjected, a snap in his tone.
“I wasn’t speaking to you, Wyatt.” She growled but settled in her seat.
Caroline collected the lists and checked the items. Ethan tapped a finger on the table, feigning boredom, but he silently fumed. He and Delaney had been unbeatable in the past, never losing a game. Now they had lost this one and Anna was going to rub Delaney’s face in it, reminding her of her renewed position. Just as she was getting comfortable and not so skittish, she had to be reminded of the tension between the women. Delaney met Anna’s gaze squarely, not allowing Anna to back her down.
He silently applauded her gumption and hoped things worked out for them.
Caroline held out a hand to him. “Receipt for dinner?”
He reached into his pocket and felt a hard object within the paper. He pulled out the receipt and the object. It was the sea glass he had found that morning on the beach. Ice blue. Rare, like Delaney. Instead of leaving it in his room, he had brought it with him that evening, intending to give it to Delaney if the timing was right. But he had forgotten about it until now. Should he throw it in the mix and possibly win? Or hang onto it and give it to her later? Delaney turned, brows furrowed.
“Is everything okay?”
He fingered the glass, knowing he couldn’t prove he’d found it on the beach that night, wondering if Delaney would go along with his story.
Decision made, he tossed it on the table. “Last piece. Completely forgot about it. Found it on the beach.”
Her head whipped around and she stared. “I don’t...”