CHAPTER THREE #2
Now, it was a gorgeous home with a light, contemporary feel inside.
Collister Construction had done the renovation work, and Whitney and Taylor had coordinated the décor.
With Dani living with Brad at the Meadows and Whitney sharing Nick’s house in town, Taylor was given the task of living in the cottage for the designated time.
When she and Cooper were in New York City, where they lived, Whitney and Dani often used the cottage as a retreat.
Misty helped herself to a bottle of cold water and held it to her forehead. “It’s hot. I’m ready for a swim.”
“Go ahead. I’ll join you shortly,” said Taylor. “David, why don’t you grab something to drink and go on down to the rock with Misty? I’ll get things organized here.”
David gave her a little salute. “Are you sure I can’t help with something?”
Taylor shook her head. “There’s little to do at the moment. Later, you can help Cooper with the grilling. It’s going to be an easy picnic.”
Misty held up the beach bag she’d brought. “I’ve got an extra towel for you, David.”
“Thanks. I’m wearing my swim trunks beneath my shorts. So, I’m all set.” He took hold of the beach bag, grabbed a bottle of water, and left the house with Misty.
The green lawn rolled down to the edge of the lake, where a huge granite rock sat half in the water.
For as long as she could remember, the kids in town had used it for sunning after a swim in the lake.
It had been far enough away from the ghost-inhabited cottage to feel safe during the years the cottage was neglected.
As they got closer, Misty noticed some ducks paddling among the reeds at the end of the lake. They moved listlessly as if they, too, were weighed down by the heat and humidity.
Misty climbed onto the rock and sat, keeping her cover-up on.
She dreaded the moment she’d have to remove it before getting into the water.
Vince had picked apart her figure, finding her flaws and using them to make her feel she was ugly.
In her heart, she knew that wasn’t true, but he’d been so cruel and convincing, and she’d never felt the same about her body.
“C’mon, let’s go in,” said David. He stood and took off his shorts, exposing a pair of red swim trunks.
Misty studied his trim, muscular body and was relieved it didn’t have the shape of someone who worked out daily to bulk up. Vince had done that and sometimes flexed his muscles to intimidate her.
David held out his hand to her.
Misty caught her lip and slipped out of the cover-up, holding her breath.
When she glanced at him, she noticed his look of admiration and told herself to relax.
David stopped and faced her with a look of concern. “You’re trembling. What’s wrong?”
Misty closed her eyes to hold in the sting of tears. “Nothing. Old memories.”
“Look at me,” said David softly.
Misty opened her eyes and found herself drawn into David’s blue-eyed gaze. “Whatever it is, I want you to know I’m here for you.”
“Thanks. I’m not ready to talk about it. But, someday, I hope I will be.”
They walked down to the water’s edge and dove in, bodies outstretched as they headed for depth.
“Ah, that feels good,” said David, re-emerging and shaking a lock of blond-streaked hair out of his face. He dove beneath the surface and swam away from her.
She swam after him and laughed when he sprang up at her and caught her in his arms before quickly letting her go.
“Race you back,” he said and took off.
Misty followed, and they reached the rock at the same time.
He offered her a hand, and she took it, allowing him to pull her up to the flat surface.
She handed him a towel and quickly dried off so she could put on her cover-up. She’d just lifted it when David said, “Don’t you want to enjoy the sun?”
Not knowing what to say, she shrugged.
He frowned. “I hope this has nothing to do with how you look. My sister always worried about that, and, like her, you’re beautiful.”
Misty’s cheeks felt hot as she let the cover-up fall. Silently, she laid her beach towel out on the rock’s surface and sat down. Staring out at the water, she remained quiet.
David put a hand on her shoulder. “Anytime you want to talk about it, I’m here. I’m a good listener.”
She turned to him. “Thanks. I thought I was doing okay until something happened recently.”
Taylor’s arrival ended their conversation, but Misty felt as if David’s comforting words had wrapped around her like a protective embrace.
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Throughout the morning, more and more people arrived. Only Dirk with his dental patients, Emmett with his medical practice, and Nick as sheriff were tied to their jobs. Most everyone else had enough time to stop by for lunch or to stay awhile.
Misty appreciated that Mike had picked up Hazel and brought her for lunch.
After lunch, David offered her a ride home, and Misty took it. As nice as it was to swim and sun, she’d had enough.
David was quiet as he drove to her cabin. But after he pulled into the driveway, he said quietly, “Do you feel safe here?”
Misty studied the cabin. “Yes. Thank you for asking.”
He waited for her to say something more, but she couldn’t mention Vince’s name. It would bring back all her past bad memories, and once she started telling him about them, she wouldn’t be able to stop. And she didn’t want to seem weak in David’s eyes.