Nash picks up the speed and I sit next to Hanna at the back, holding her tight against my chest trying to cover her as much as possible because strangely enough, the hard torrent of rain hurts against bare skin.
No one said much after I came back from my call, and I could tell there was an argument or at the very least a heated discussion between the two of them. I’m just grateful I didn’t return to find them full-on brawling on the patio.
I have a feeling I know what was being said though. If I had to guess, it was Nash trying to convince her to pick him even though I’m not putting myself in this race. I won’t take Hanna from him. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s best if she just leaves. They are both too hot-headed to make it work, and I don’t think I’d feel comfortable leaving them alone.
But when I’m there to balance it out, they’re fine.
With her pressed tight against my chest, I try to enjoy these last few moments of having her close. It’s only been a week, but this girl got under my skin fast. I’ve even found myself imagining her in my life, and not just for short moments or quick fucks. Hanna is easy to be around. Flawless in her beauty, inside and out. She swallows her flaws, keeping them inside, and I want to know each and every one of them.
But I could never do that to him. So, when she leaves, I won’t contact her. As much as it pains me to do that.
Somehow, I don’t think he would believe me. He’s been giving me harsh glares ever since we paid the tab at lunch, as if I have a target on my back.
The rain somehow gets worse as we reach the dock. The wind picks up, and I hear Hanna screaming as we both try to stand to run up the dock.
“Take her to the hangar!” Nash yells through the tempest. “It’s unlocked.”
“What about you?” I reply.
“I have to tie it up. I’ll be fine, just go!”
Hanna’s scream spurs me into action, scooping her up into my arms as I run up the paved way to the hangar, which is unlocked like he said. Tearing the door open, I carry her through. Setting her down, I check to make sure she’s okay, and we’re both breathing heavy. The heavy clouds keep it pretty dark in here, but she seems fine. A little shaken up from the sudden hit of the storm. These things can come in so fast, it’s unsettling.
We both move to the door, looking for Nash. He should be coming up shortly after us, and the wind has only gotten worse. But he’s used to this. I know for a fact, he’s been driving and docking boats since he was a little kid. I shouldn’t be worried, but with every moment that passes without him running up the drive, I feel the panic settle into my bones.
“Where is he?” she cries.
“I’m going to check on him.” I feel her grab my arm, but I don’t stop. Leaving her in the hangar, I run down the path toward the dock. The rain slaps even harder against my skin as I run, and the feeling of panic suddenly turns into ice cold dread when I reach the dock and he’s nowhere to be found. The boat is tied, but it’s rocking violently from the wind and waves.
“Nash!” I shout in pure panic.
My eyes dash to the water, checking for any sign he might have fallen in, but if that were the case, I’d have no way of knowing. The water is dark and moving too fast.
I yell his name again, terror seizing my chest. Where the fuck is he? He better be okay. I keep repeating it to myself over and over again, scanning the area, but there are only a couple of other boats and jet-skis tied to the dock, and literally nowhere for him to be hiding.
After two minutes, I feel sick. No, no, no, no.
Finally, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and see him climbing out of one of the larger boats with a bundle of rope in his hands. He slips as he reaches the dock, barely making it out of the rocking boat without falling in. Rushing over, I grab him by the arm and drag him to shore.