I raced upstairs, kissed Bubbles about a hundred times, fed her, then showered. Maggie was absolutely right. I was going to befriend Lukas Farren. I believed that was what he needed, someone to trust.
CHAPTER SIX
Lukas
Damn my lovefor ice cream.I’d known there would be stares when I’d gone to shore, maybe a “nice to meet you” here and there, but Samuel Karis was obnoxious. Like a rash that wouldn’t go away. All his questions, his need to get to know me…made me itch. If their ice cream wasn’t the best I’d tasted in more than seventy years, I’d never go to shore again.
Alas, there was no question I’d be back. Perhaps I’d be able to avoid the highly excited man next time. I moved to the library, where a roaring fire was casting the room in a pleasant glow. Winston had set out a goblet of blood for me, and the book I’d been reading earlier was on the side table. My idea of a perfect evening.
I sat there long after the sun had well and truly set and my blood was gone. The window in the library showed the left side of the island, and flickering lights caught my attention. I rose and moved closer. There were a bunch of boats—from bowriders to cabin cruisers and runabouts. I wasn’t sure right away whatwas going on until I saw the first lantern hit the water followed by others.
It was calm, very few ripples, so it was ideally a perfect night for it. I simply didn’t understand why it was happening.
“Sir, can I get you anything?” I’d heard Winston approaching before he spoke.
“Why are they floating lanterns?”
He moved beside me and regarded the spectacle. “Tradition here in Brookridge. While autumn has officially begun, this day every year, weather permitting, they float lanterns to celebrate the change of season.”
“Do they do something every season?”
He shook his head. “Not on the water. I mean, there are fireworks on the Fourth of July.”
“At least the lanterns are quiet. July fourth will be ghastly.”
“Indeed, sir.”
I wasn’t sure if Winston actually agreed with me or if he was just being respectful. I didn’t care to ask.
“I’m going to retire for the evening, Winston. You should as well.”
“Very good, sir.” He spun on his heel and left without another word.
I watched the lanterns for a while, wondering who would be cleaning up that mess or if the humans would have them float to the sea floor where fish and other creatures would suffocate and die. Their rudeness knew no bounds; I’d be sure not to go to shore for at least a week.
I moved up to my bedroom and dressed in a pair of pajamas. Sleep wasn’t necessary for me, but I enjoyed resting. I closed my eyes and let myself drift.
I madeit six days before I was on my speedboat again and heading for shore. Winston offered to go get it and bring it back, but the thought of it melting even a little bit set me on edge.
Once docked, I made my way toward the ice cream shop, ignoring anyone and everyone gawking at me.
Through the window I saw two teenagers behind the counter, neither of them the blond woman from last week, and I didn’t see Sam. I could get my ice cream and leave without fanfare; I was sure of it.
“Welcome to Cone Creations, what can I get for you today?” the teenager greeted, as though he actually liked his job.
“I will have strawberry swirl with strawberry sauce and chocolate chips in a large cup.”
“You got it.”
I scanned the shop, hoping the bubbly man wasn’t near, listening for someone calling him. Small towns were troublesome.
“Here you go, sir, that’ll be ten dollars.”
I tossed a twenty onto the counter. “Keep it.” I grabbed the sweet delight and made my way to the farthest booth from people.
I had looked forward to this for almost a week. I closed my lips around the spoon and my eyes shut, the flavors bursting on my tongue. It truly was the greatest ice cream. It made me wonder what the hell I’d been eating all this time until now.
When I opened my eyes, I silently cursed. Outside, peering in, was Sam. He had a smile on his face and…yep, he was waving at me. I ignored him in favor of my treat.
