Hours later, Bryce and I make our way to the beach. Unlike the night we met, it’s much quieter. The beach near the villa is more secluded. I dig my toes into the sand and smile. “I’ve missed this. I never dreamed I’d get to come back so soon.”
His hand tights a little around mine. “Thanks for coming. I know your schedule is crazy.”
Gazing up at him, I almost blurt out that I’d drop everything and go anywhere with him. But I don’t. There hasn’t been any words of love yet. I’m afraid to spill my guts in the event he doesn’t feel the same way.
He glances at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just happy to be here with you.”
He leads me to a beach chair under a huge umbrella. Sitting, he pulls me between his legs. Settling back against his chest, I let out a sigh of pure contentment. My head rests on his shoulder as I look up at the sky. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met a man like Bryce. He makes me feel safe. I didn’t realize that’s what I was looking for until I found him.
“What are you thinking?” His chest vibrates against my back, and I lean closer.
“How glad I am that we met.”
He plants a kiss on my temple and wraps his arms tighter around me. “I’m the lucky one.”
“I wish we could do this more often. I love the beach. I just might move somewhere tropical.”
“Not without me, I hope.”
“Oh, you’re definitely coming with.”
We laugh but I can’t help wondering what it would be like to actually live with Bryce... anywhere. I suppose it’s too soon to think like that.
“My mother loved the beach too. All of her actions involved sand and palm trees.”
It’s the first time he’s ever mentioned his mother. Craning my neck to look at him, I say, “You never talk about your mother.” He’s only ever talked about his father, stepmother and stepsister. I frown when he tenses. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.”
“No, it’s okay.” I practically feel the tension seep from his body. “I don’t talk about her because it still hurts to mention her.”
“How did she die?”
He visibly gulps as he stares ahead. His hold on me tightens even more but I don’t protest. “She killed herself.”
My heart lurches. Why did I ask? “I...I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry I asked.”
“Don’t be. I don’t mind talking to you about it. I’ve dealt with it over time. She did it on my birthday.” His lips twist wryly, “Birthdays aren’t so great for me.”
Releasing a sigh, I mumble, “I can imagine.” Bryce’s story makes my heart ache. I can’t even imagine losing my mother so horribly. At least, I got the chance to say goodbye to mine. The only way I can think to comfort him is to turn around and throw my arms around his shoulders.
His chin rests on my head. “Losing a parent is the worst but you know that.”
“I do.”
“That’s why you should cherish the time you have with the one left.”
I go completely still in his arms. I know where this is going. We’ve had a few discussions about me going to see my father. Despite promising my sister that I’d visit him, I still haven’t gotten around to it.
Gazing up at with warning, I beg, “Bryce, let’s not start this again.”
His huff of breath, fans my face. “Not to sound like a broken record but you should go and see him.”
“You don’t understand?”
“I do. You’re angry with him but he’s your father.”
“You don’t like yours very much sometimes either.”