I must have lost my flip-flops somewhere in the sea. From now on, I’ll only wear shoes with straps. Just as the blisters and tender skin were starting to heal, I had to go and lose my shoes.
The instructor from the tour group came jogging over to them. “You all right, Sabrina? We saw that Lorenzo come to your rescue.”
She gave the man a thumbs-up. “Still in one piece.”
“Good to hear. Lorenzo’s one of the most competent people on the water. We knew you’d be in good hands.” He removed his baseball hat and scratched his head. “We caught your kayak when it came near the shore. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get your equipment signed back in with the rest of the group.”
Sabrina’s gaze returned to Lorenzo. “Go with him and I’ll meet you at the marina entrance in fifteen minutes,” he said. “I just need to put my boat away and change.”
He unbuckled his life jacket and unzipped the top of his wet suit, peeling it down to his waist and revealing a set of bulging pectoral muscles and a finely defined six-pack of abs.
Not wanting to be caught staring, she quickly averted her eyes. “I’ll see you there.” She took a few steps and found walking on her toes was the least painful method.
I really have to watch for those shells. Those broken pieces are the worst.
“Sabrina,” Lorenzo called after her. She paused in her tracks. “Where are your shoes?”
She glanced over her shoulder, attempting to look past Lorenzo and failing. “Somewhere out there.”
Lorenzo pulled his kayak out of the water and situated it a few feet away from the water’s edge. “In that case?.?.?.” He walked over and tenderly picked her up. His skin was slippery. “I’m just going to have to carry you over the beach.”
Sabrina wanted to object, but in his arms, she felt so safe and secure. His body was warm and smelled of traces of lemon, reminding her of the fried anchovies they had shared in Monterosso.
Why is it every time we run into one another, it involves me making a scene of sorts? Am I a danger magnet? Or is it the other way around?
He put her down at the foot of the trail leading away from the beach, toward the boat rental. “Thanks,” she chirped out. “I’ll, um, see you in a few.”
Lorenzo tilted his head to the side. “Have you hit your head? You seem a little flustered.”
Her cheeks warmed. “No. Nothing to concern yourself over.”
He crossed his arms. His muscles contracted, showing off the impressive definition. “If you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or hear a ringing in your ears, let me know immediately.”
What if I feel all the above from staring at you?
“I promise.” She crossed her heart and power walked over to the kayak rental area, leaving Lorenzo alone.
One fact remained certain: Lorenzo unpeeling the wet suit from his body by far surpassed Colin Firth climbing out of Pemberly’s lake.
Nine
Cooking Class
Sabrina sat atop the wooden pier leading out to the boat launch and dangled her legs over the edge. Her hair, tied back into a low ponytail, dripped onto the wood. She’d thrown a blue tank top and pair of jean shorts on over her bikini.
In theory, when Lorenzo appears less scantily clad, I should be able to think more coherently. I knew his body was powerful, but who would have thought that was what lay underneath?
She fanned herself and swung her legs back and forth, staring into the tide pools. There were orange starfish, purple spiky sea urchins, and some type of small crabs scuttling side to side. It was as if they were performing a delicate dance with one another.
I do believe my dear Jane would declare this a “most perfect sort of refreshment.” These crabs display the perfect country dance skillset.
She leaned forward, attempting to catch a better glimpse of the sea life below her.
“Be careful not to fall in. I think we’ve both had enough of an adventure for one day.” She glanced over her shoulder. Lorenzo stood with a goofy grin on his face. He wore a half-buttoned powder-blue dress shirt, a pair of fitted khaki shorts, and loafers. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to the elbows.
He handed her a pair of blue flip-flops. “My sister always leaves a pair aboard the boat. She won’t mind if you borrow them.”
Sabrina scooted away from the edge of the pier. “Thank you again.” Slipping the shoes on, she found they were about two sizes too big, but she was grateful to have something to walk in, even though the hotel was only a short distance away. “I owe you another one. My debt to you is never going to be repaid at this rate.”
