At First Hate (Coastal Chronicles)

Christmas had cost a small fortune. I couldn’t expect her to do this. I’d have to use up the rest of my savings for the flight.

“I can do it, Gran.”

She gave me some more reassurances over the phone, and then we ended the call. The minute Derek’s arms came around me, I burst into tears. I sobbed until I had no more tears and was practically hyperventilating. Still, he kept me tight to him, running his fingers through my hair and being the constant presence that I needed.

“How much did you hear?”

“Enough,” he told me gently.

“I… I have to get back to Savannah. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, don’t apologize to me. This is way more important.”

I broke away from him and swiped at the tears on my cheeks. “I need to look up flights and…”

“Hey,” he said, catching a stray tear as his thumb brushed across my cheek. “Let me handle it. You don’t need to do anything. Just get back into bed for a bit or take a shower.”

“Derek… I can’t… I can’t let you do that.”

He kissed my forehead again. “Let me take care of you, Mars. This is something that I can do.”

I wanted to object. Derek had more money than God, but that didn’t mean I was okay with him using any of it on me. But there was something so sincere in his eyes. Something so commanding in that touch. Something I’d never seen in him as he tucked me back into the bed and went for his laptop.

A half hour later, I had a flight back to Savannah the next morning. He didn’t tell me how much it cost, only that he’d booked one for himself too.

“You’re coming with me?”

He grinned as he sat on the bed next to me. “You think I’m letting you go down there to deal with it all alone?”

“I don’t know.”

“I will be there as much or as little as you want, Minivan,” he said endearingly. “But either way, I’ll be there.”

I nestled against him as the tears fell again. It was exactly what I needed. I’d never known I could get it from Derek, and I fell for him all the more in that moment.

23

Savannah

Present

Sailing couldn’t happen right away. Something had come up with Derek’s cousins in Charleston, and he’d driven up there to help Daron, Marina, and Tye out. I didn’t ask specifics, but it hadn’t sounded good. Something about someone trying to purchase their company. His cousins owned Hartage Boating, and it was their entire life. Anything that threatened the company would be cause for great emotional turmoil.

He’d gotten back in last night and already messaged me to see if I was free this weekend. Enough time had passed that I was definitely second-guessing whether or not I should go out with him. What good would come out of this?

I needed a professional opinion before I decided.

“You’re doing what with Derek?” Josie gasped.

I laughed as I walked through Forsyth Park. It was empty for the middle of the day on a weekday.

“He asked me to go sailing with him.”

“And you said?”

“Well, I said yes, but we had to push it back, and now, I’m not sure.”

Josie’s huff was evident. “You girls and these Holy Cross boys.”

“It’s been a long time since he was a Holy Cross boy, Josie.”

“Yeah, yeah. I just love you and don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

“Me neither.” I kicked a small rock off into the grass.

“But do you like him?”

“Of course I like him.”

“He hurt you.”

I headed off down a path that led back to Gran’s house. I’d never get used to calling it mine. “I remember.”

“So, do you want to go through that again?”

“No. I don’t want to be stupid about this, but I’ve dated around. It’s not like I’ve been alone. I just haven’t found the right guy.”

“And that makes Derek the right guy?”

“Probably not,” I said with a laugh. “What do you think?”

Josie sighed dramatically. “Go sailing.”

“Really?” I gasped. “I for sure thought you would tell me to skip it.”

“I’m not saying you should marry the guy. But some good sex might help.”

I cackled, drawing attention from a passing jogger. I waved apologetically. “We did always have good sex.”

“Be careful with your heart. Second chances aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be.”

Didn’t I know it?

“Love you, Josie. When are you coming into town?”

“Hopefully for your birthday! Pencil me in for around Halloween.”

“Sounds good. And, Josie? Thanks.”

“Always here for you, Mars.”

We said our good-byes by the time I made it back to the house. I had my phone out, preparing a text to Derek when I froze in place. The front door was wide open. I’d closed it. And locked it. I knew that I had.

Fear gripped me. What the hell did I do? Did I call the police to report a break-in? Go inside?