With my feet bare, I walk across the wet sand toward the water and take in a long, deep breath. I couldn’t sleep last night, and it had nothing to do with shenanigans with Tanner.
No, he was sacked out on the loveseat when I got home. But the kicker was, Petunia was curled up with him, and they were both snoring peacefully.
So, rather than wake them, I covered Tanner with the small quilt that usually sits on the back of the couch, and then I went home to sleep in my own bed.
Except, I didn’t sleep.
So, at one, I gave up trying and decided to paint. Last year, I painted a piece for Wolfe and Zeke to hang in their garage as a thank you for letting me rent the apartment above. Unfortunately, it was also lost in the fire.
It’s time to replace it, even if they won’t be able to hang it for a while yet.
I stop walking to check a rock left by the tide and feel a little thrill when I discover that it’s an agate. In my pocket it goes.
Oregon is famous for the agates that can be found along the coast. I discovered quite a few when I was a kid, but my mom threw them away.
Because she knew I enjoyed them. It was as simple as that.
Is my old baggage what kept me awake last night? I don’t think so. I’m just restless. And as grateful as I am for my job, it’s starting to lose its shine.
I’m standing at the water’s edge, with the waves tickling my toes as it ebbs and flows in and out. The water isfreezing,and despite the warmer spring weather, the water won’t warm up. The Pacific is always cold.
At least, this part of it is.
But there are the adventurous people who don their wetsuits and windsurf, boogie board, and swim.
Personally, I’m fine enjoying the water just like this.
I hear footsteps behind me and turn to find Tanner walking toward me.
He has that sexy as sin half smile on his lips. The one that makes me want to just eat him alive.
Then again, almost everything the man does makes me want to eat him alive.
His jeans are rolled up on his calves, and he’s in a light, gray jacket.
And when he reaches me, he immediately takes my hand in his and kisses it.
“Good morning,” he says. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”
“You probably needed it.” I walk into his arms and rest my face against his chest, taking another deep breath when he rocks me back and forth.
The beach is great, but combine it with Tanner, and it’s exactly what I needed.
He takes my hand once more, and we set off, walking along the shoreline, inches away from the water.
“What were you thinking so hard about?” he asks.
“How do you know I was thinking?”
“Well, I couldn’t see your face, but you were standing there, with your shoulders practically up around your ears, and tension in every line of your body. I know you, pretty girl. What’s up?”
I bite my lip and look out to the waves. For several minutes, we just walk on the sand, hand in hand.
“I think I’m being stupid,” I say at last.
“I highly doubt it.” He laughs and squeezes my hand. “You’re one of the smartest people I know.”
“Well, it’s silly. Because I have a really great life right now. My house is the cutest, my cat is thebest, and I have amazing friends. Not to mention, I haveyou, so it feels really petty and ungrateful to be unhappy about anything in my life right now.”