Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
SHELLY
A fter we watched the turtles emerge, eventually they made their way towards the ocean. Finn’s arm around me kept me warm as the temperature dropped into the new day.
When the last turtle was safely in the water, we said our goodbyes to Sam and Oli.
“Do you need a lift home?” Finn asks as we step off the beach onto the boardwalk that leads to the resort.
“No, it’s not far. I’ll walk.”
“I’ll walk you then. It’s the middle of the night. You can’t be wandering the streets alone at this time, Shell.”
I smile and slide my hand in his at his side, wanting to be close to him again. “You don’t need to worry. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“But you don’t have to. I want to take care of you.” He interlaces his fingers with mine, causing tingles low in my belly. It’s been like this all night, as if I have a school of fish swimming around in there each time he touches me .
I want him to kiss me. He’s not like the other rich people in town. I’ve misjudged him, but to ask him to kiss me means I’m going to have to swallow my pride and admit I was wrong. Hopefully, I’ve given him enough hints tonight to show him I’m more than game if he wants to take the kiss I owe him.
“It’s so peaceful this time of night,” I whisper as we walk through the marina.
“Sometimes I come down here late at night and paint.”
“Your nighttime paintings are stunning.”
“I’ll get them mounted and framed and drop some off at the hut.” He points to the boats in the marina. “Do you enjoy being out on the water?”
“Yes, of course. I’m turtle girl. What do you think?” I giggle at using the name he gave me, which I’ve come to like when he calls me it.
“I’d like to take you out on my boat.”
I roll my eyes with a smile. “Is that another flex?”
He huffs out a laugh. “I just want another date with you after today’s disaster. A chance to get it right this time.”
“Oh, I think the day turned out well in the end. Don’t you?”
We turn onto the street that leads to the campsite.
“Yeah, all thanks to you and the turtles.”
“You don’t have to flex with me. Honestly, tonight was the perfect date. I don’t care for fine dining, or how much money you have or how big your yacht is. That stuff doesn’t impress me. Which, by the way, your fancy yacht is polluting our planet. Did you know yachts emit tonnes of carbon every year?”
He tucks his free hand inside his pocket and slows his walking as we approach the campsite. “It’s a sailboat.” He grins. “I can harness the power of the wind. I won’t use the motor unless I have to.”
“Okay.”
“But we don’t have to do that. Honestly, I just want to spend more time with you.”
“Sailing sounds good.” We reach my van and I turn to face him, hoping he’ll kiss me. I bite the inside of my cheek, wondering if it’s too soon to invite him in. I could offer him a drink, but he might get the wrong idea. If he tried something, I couldn’t refuse, which frightens me. I barely know this man, and yet I’m willing to sail away with him.
“Thank you for today, Shell.” He gazes into my eyes, fixed to the spot as if waiting for me to make a move.
Screw it. “You can kiss me now.” I close my eyes and lift my head slightly, waiting for the warmth of his lips against mine.
Rough hands grip my cheeks, and my heart beats faster. Lips press against my forehead. “Goodnight, turtle girl. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
My eyes flick open to a smug grin. He’s tormenting me. He walks away, looking back over his shoulder with a satisfied expression on his face as he leaves me standing here outside my van, simmering with anticipation.