Between the Land and the Sea - By Derrolyn Anderson Page 0,111

it.

“Look at you,” he said, reaching out for me. He hugged me to him, and looked me in the eye, “You’re tall today.” I lifted up my boot to show him the four inch heel. His brow wrinkled,

“How are your feet feeling?”

I smiled with a shrug, “Evie loves the designer shoes. She says we must suffer for fashion.” He frowned, and I tried to placate him, “My feet are much better, plus I’m only walking in these from the car to the elevator.” I kissed him, running my hands across his broad shoulders and back. I whispered in his ear, “I wish I could be there to watch you surf.” He held me tighter and pressed his face into my hair.

“You’ll be safer in the city. Just stay away from the water.”

“In these boots?” I asked playfully.

He chuckled and kissed my neck, “Your skin is so soft,” he murmured, brushing his lips up and down my throat. I was having a hard time catching my breath.

I pulled away with considerable regret, “We have to get going,” I sighed, weak at the knees.

“Can I come by tonight?” he asked.

“How long can we keep this up?” I wondered aloud.

He drew me back towards him, enfolding me in a tight embrace as he whispered in my ear,

“As long as it takes.”

I kissed him and backed out of the room in a daze.

“I’ll miss you today,” he called softly after me.

I went down the hall to the kitchen to find Cruz sipping coffee. He was anxious to show Evie her gown and had gotten up and dressed early too.

“You look sharp,” Cruz said, and I took a bow.

“As do you. Where’s your mom?” I asked.

He snorted, “Out all night again,” he said with feigned outrage.

Abby was terrible at sneaking around, and Cruz had caught on right away. It was a good thing. Cruz had one foot out the door, metaphorically speaking, and had been feeling a little conflicted about moving to San Francisco and leaving her all alone. He was relieved that Abby had another man to fuss over.

It turned out to be convenient for me too, for smuggling Ethan in and out had been surprisingly easy due to Abby and Dutch’s rapidly developing relationship. Even when Abby was around she was floating around with her head in the clouds, and Ethan said his dad was the same way. They had thrown caution to the wind and gotten involved quickly; they were happy, and seemed to be a very good match.

I went to go tell Ethan the coast was clear.

We ate some breakfast together before I walked him out the door. This morning, the air felt different, as though it were supercharged with electricity. We touched and there was a spark of static. Ethan laughed and hugged me close. I wished him luck and sent him on his way after a long passionate kiss.

Cruz joined me on the porch, “I thought I was going to have to turn a hose on you guys,” he complained, “I mean, honestly! It’s like the two of you just suck up into each other when you’re together.”

“Let’s get going,” I said, ignoring him, too happy to care. I felt lighthearted despite the dark cloudy morning. We clambered into the Jaguar and drove to the city, full of optimism. It was going to be a wonderful day.

CHAPTER TWENTYFOUR

PREMONITION

We arrived at Evie’s to warm greetings all around. I settled down on the couch with a poodle on either side of me, mindful of staying off my feet as much as possible. Cruz nervously pulled the gown out of its garment bag and presented it to Evie. He needn’t have worried; the dress was an absolute showstopper and I could tell that Evie was pleased before she even tried it on.

“Told you so!” I smiled at Cruz as Evie rhapsodized over the lace and fine handwork. She excused herself, taking the gown to her dressing room, while Cruz paced nervously, toying with his eyebrow piercings.

“Relax,” I said, getting up to give him a reassuring hug, “It’s beautiful.”

“Do you really think she likes it?” he asked. Evie’s squeals of delight echoed in the background.

“I’m not sure...” I teased him, and he squeezed me tightly with relief.

“Ahk!” I gasped, “I don’t need a spinal adjustment!”

“Sorry,” Cruz smiled sheepishly, kissing both my cheeks, “I’m just so happy!” I beamed at him, for his joy was infectious, and delighted me as if it were my own.

Evie came floating out, looking beautiful. The cut of the