Chapter 33
Chapter Thirty-Three
JULES
The driftwood log beneath me creaked, its worn surface smooth and comfortable.
Firelight danced across Eli’s profile, catching the golden undertones of his skin.
Two weeks since Helen’s blessing, and the beach that had once felt like a battlefield now hummed with comfortable intimacy.
He wrapped an arm around me, his body a welcome shield against the unseasonably cool night air. I snuggled closer.
“You okay there?” Eli’s voice was low, meant only for me. “Getting cold?”
I shook my head, smiling up at him. “I’m perfect right where I am.”
The beach stretched out before us, bathed in oranges and yellows from the bonfire. It was strange how a place that had once felt so foreign now felt like home. Then again, a lot had changed in the past few months.
On Eli’s other side, Chase shifted on his log to toss a good-sized piece of driftwood on the fire. A cascade of sparks lifted and snapped into the night, and I smiled as they winked out one by one.
“Sure you want to sit next to me, Chase?” Eli’s voice rang out, loud enough for everyone to hear. “We wouldn’t want to tarnish your impeccable reputation.”
Amusement broke through Chase’s composed exterior. “You haven’t managed to wreck it yet. At least I’m not the one who thinks Casual Friday means board shorts and a surfing sweatshirt.” He gestured at Eli’s laid-back attire.
“Hey, I’m just keeping it real.”
“Don’t mind him, Chase,” I reassured, casting a sidelong glance at Eli. “He always dresses like he’s about to meet the ocean rather than a group of friends and family.”
“Well, if we’re being honest, I actually think he pulls it off,” Harper chimed in next to me, her laughter mingling with the crackle of the fire.
“Thank you, Harper. At least someone appreciates my fashion sense,” Eli said, puffing out his chest in mock pride.
“Fashion sense? More like nonsense.” I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head. The banter felt so easy, so right.
“At least I’m not overdressed for the occasion,” Eli added with a wave at Chase in his button-down shirt and slacks.
“Hey,” Chase replied. “I came straight from work. Didn’t realize there was a dress code for Coleridge bonfires. Should I have worn something more casual?”
“I’ll let it slide this time. Fortunately for you, we don’t bite—unless you’re a s’more,” Eli quipped as he roasted a marshmallow that was looking alarmingly incendiary. “Finn, tell him we only chew on marshmallows and chocolate here.”
Grinning, the boy placed his marshmallow-filled skewer into the flames. “Yep. Lots of it.”
Harper leaned in to look at Chase. “I imagine you’ll be coming to more bonfires now. Despite having been friends with Eli for ages, you haven’t joined us much until recently.”
He shrugged. “I guess I never wanted to intrude on family time. Plus, Eli is an ass.”
A murmur of agreement swept around the bonfire. Eli scowled at everyone.
A few moments later, Finn’s excited shout pierced the night as he triumphantly held up the perfectly toasted marshmallow, its golden-brown surface glistening in the firelight. “Look, Mom! I did it!”
Chase laughed, inspecting it from across the fire. “Now that’s what I call precision roasting. You could teach your uncle Eli a thing or two.”
Eli scoffed as he blew the flames out on his. “Hey now, some of us prefer our marshmallows with a bit of char. Adds character.”
“Is that what you’re calling those blackened lumps you’ve been eating?” Chase indicated Eli’s s’more, which I had to agree looked disgusting.
“You know,” Chase said, his tone shifting slightly, “I used to think having everything planned out was the key to success. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it?”
Eli leaned forward, interest piqued. “Oh? Is Mr. Perfectly Planned admitting to some spontaneity in his life?”
Chase’s lips lifted in a small smile. “Let’s just say my new business venture wasn’t exactly part of my five-year plan. But sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.”
I watched the dynamic between them—lifelong friends who spoke in a language of playful jabs and unspoken understanding. Eli’s world had always been about spontaneity, while Chase represented methodical precision. Yet here they were, comfortable in their differences.
I bumped his shoulder. “You’re definitely turning over a new leaf, Coleridge.”
His laugh was low, intimate. “Maybe. But some things never change.”
“I don’t know,” I said. “Should I be worried you’ll start color-coding your dive schedules next?”
Eli’s eyes met mine, and in that moment, I saw a depth of emotion that took my breath away. It was as if all our shared history, all the battles and misunderstandings and eventual understanding, were reflected in that single look.
“Nah,” he murmured. “I think I’ll leave the spreadsheets to you. But maybe I’m starting to see the appeal of looking ahead a bit more.”
My heart swelled, and my eyes grew misty as I scooted closer. “Well, as long as that future includes plenty of poorly roasted marshmallows and private classroom sessions, I think we’ll be just fine.”
From the far side, Braden picked up a log and tossed it into the flames. The fire sent up an explosion of sparks, making me jump and ending the moment between Eli and me.
Lacing his fingers between his knees, Braden focused on Chase. “So when are you planning to start waving that magic wand of yours over our beloved resort?”
The architect laughed. “Magic wand? I think you’re confusing me with Harry Potter.”
“You know what I mean. The renovations.”
Helen, who’d been quietly observing our banter, leaned forward. “I have to admit, I’m rather eager to see what you have in store for us, Chase.”
My heart warmed at Helen’s words. Her presence as she sat between Finn and Braden, her genuine interest in the project, showed exactly how far we’d all come.
Chase straightened, his posture a perfect blend of confidence and professional precision. “I’m still looking at places to set up shop, but the Sunset Siesta renovation plans are already in development.”
“So what’s the timeline?” Austin asked from Chase’s other side. Always watchful and quiet, if not a little grumpy, the fishing captain doled out words like carefully tended lines, casting them only when the moment was right.
“Measured,” Chase emphasized, a hint of playful sarcasm threading through his professional demeanor. “Let’s not rush anything. We want to preserve the resort’s character while bringing it into the twenty-first century. It’s a delicate balance. But I promise we’ll be starting soon.”
I appreciated his deliberate approach. Numbers and strategy were my love language, after all.
“Look at you, all grown up and responsible,” Eli teased, but the respect in his voice came through clearly.
“I think that sounds perfectly reasonable, Chase,” Helen added. We’ve waited this long. A bit more patience won’t hurt us.”
Harper finished her s’more, then her gaze drifted to Chase. “We’re all looking forward to seeing you around more often. Just like old times, except you and Eli are all grown up now.”
Their eyes met—a lingering moment that made the firelight seem to shimmer differently. Curiosity pricked at the edges of my awareness, but I’d learned enough about family dynamics to know when not to pry.
Austin turned his attention to Eli and me, and a mischievous smile broke through his serious expression. “So, looks like the workplace romance thing is working out pretty well.”
Eli took a seated bow. “Remarkably well with the new policy in effect.”
Helen’s laugh was knowing, a sound that suggested she was several steps ahead of everyone else. “A new policy for a new age. Department heads now have full discretion in these matters.”
Eli’s chest rumbled with laughter. “The only problem is that I’m one of those department heads in question.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” I said as I bumped him with my elbow.
Helen raised a finger. “Now, Eli, I think you’re forgetting something important here.”
Eli cocked an eyebrow. “Oh? And what’s that?”
“Your authority extends to the dive operation.” Helen paused, her amused eyes darting between us. “You might be in charge there, but in personal matters, I have a feeling that might not be the case.”
Bursting into laughter, I held up my can of beer to her. “I’ll drink to that!”
As the conversation drifted to other topics, I soaked in the comfort of Eli’s presence. The crackling fire, the laughter of his family—our family—all faded into a pleasant background hum.
I leaned in close, my lips brushing his ear. “So your place or mine tonight?”
Eli’s arm tightened around me, a sly smile rising. “Wherever you want. I’ve just been reminded in no uncertain terms that I’m not the one in charge here.”
Ignoring that remark, I gazed up at him with warmth blooming in my chest. “Your bungalow. I’m starting to prefer it.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Really? I thought you said it was… What was it? A chaotic bachelor pad?”
I smiled, remembering my initial reaction to his laid-back living space. “Your bungalow has grown on me. It has more privacy than my townhouse and loads more character. It feels…” I paused, searching for the right word. “It feels like you.”
Eli’s eyes softened, and he pulled me closer. “Well, I gotta admit, it feels a whole lot brighter with you in it. Maybe we can make it feel more like us. I want you there as often as possible, Jules.”
My heart skipped a beat. We’d come so far from where we started, and every day seemed to bring us closer. I leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, mindful of our family around us.
“Then take me home, Coleridge.”
Sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains of Eli’s bedroom, painting patterns across the rumpled sheets. I blinked awake, feeling Eli’s warmth against my back, his arm draped over my waist. I rolled over to face him, drinking in the sight of his messy hair and sleepy smile.
“Morning, beautiful,” he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep.
“Morning yourself, handsome. What’s on your schedule today?”
Eli stretched, his stomach muscles rippling in a way that momentarily distracted me. “Leading a morning dive trip. Should be a nice change of pace. I’ve been teaching a lot lately.”
“But you’re such a good teacher,” I said, tracing patterns on his chest. “Your students are lucky to have you.”
He caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. “You’re biased.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
Eli laughed, pulling me closer. “I love both, honestly. Teaching newbies, seeing that moment when it all clicks for them, is the best. But there’s something special about leading experienced divers too. Sharing the beauty down there with people who really get it.”
I nodded, understanding the passion in his voice. It was one of the things I loved most about him—his ability to find joy in his work, whether he was teaching or exploring.
“What about you?” His fingers played with a strand of my hair. “Big plans for the day?”
I propped myself up on one elbow, my tresses falling in a tumbled cascade over my shoulder.
“Actually, I’m kind of excited about today’s workload.
I know, I know”—I held up a hand as Eli’s eyebrows shot up—“but hear me out. I’m starting the new fiscal year quarterly budget projections, and for once, I get to incorporate some exciting figures. ”
“Exciting figures?” Eli’s lips rose in a teasing smile. “Hon, your idea of excitement never ceases to amaze me.”
“I’m serious! Chase’s renovation plans are going to breathe new life into the place. The potential change in the figures, not to mention the ROI…” I trailed off, catching the amused glint in Eli’s eye. “And I’ve lost you, haven’t I?”
Eli laughed, pulling me back down beside him. “Not at all. I love seeing you all fired up about spreadsheets and ROIs. It’s adorable.”
“Adorable?”
“Yes, and impressive too,” Eli said, his tone softening. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
Warmth spread through my chest at his words. “We make a good team, you and I. Your charm and my practicality.”
“More like your brilliance and my bumbling attempts to keep up.”
I tilted my head to look at him. “Hey. We complement each other perfectly. Our differences aren’t weaknesses, Eli. They’re what make us strong together.”
“Wow, now I’m getting all flustered over here.” He scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish smile breaking through. “I guess I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that you love me. You’re so far above my pay grade it’s not even funny.”
“Stop saying that and believe it,” I replied firmly. “You showed me how to embrace life instead of analyzing every little detail. That means more than you’ll ever know. I love you, board shorts, scuba tanks, and all.”
Eli’s lips curved into that devastating smile of his, the one that made my stomach flutter wildly. “Well, if you love my scuba tanks so much,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “how about we explore some… deeper waters?”
I screwed my eyes shut and groaned as I bit back a grin. “That was terrible, even for you.”
“Got you to smile, though, didn’t it?” His fingers trailed up my arm, leaving goose bumps in their wake. “Come on. Let me distract you from all those numbers swirling in that beautiful head of yours.”
His touch ignited an ember that had become beautifully familiar. I leaned into him, my body already responding. “Hmm, and how do you propose to do that?”
Eli’s answer came not in words, but in the gentle press of his lips against my neck, just below my ear. I shivered, my eyes fluttering closed.
“Like this,” he murmured against my skin. “And this.”
His lips traced a path down to my collarbone, and I found myself melting into his embrace.
I turned in his arms, capturing his lips with mine.
To hell with morning breath. As we lost ourselves in each other, I caught a glimpse of our future—mornings filled with laughter, evenings spent by the water, a lifetime of adventures both big and small.
And at the center of it all was this man who had stolen my heart and given me his in return.