I feel a little self-conscious, but thinking he needs the comfort, I push my own feelings aside.
After a few minutes, Easton lets go of my fingers so he can take a turn, but the moment I start to pull my hand back, he shakes his head. “Don’t.”
Leaving my hand on his thigh, I shoot a glance over my shoulder only to see a smile on Rachel’s face as her eyes move between Easton and me. I shake my head so she won’t get any ideas, but it only makes her chuckle.
His hand settles over mine again, and he lets out a slow breath as if he finds my touch soothing.
I glance out of the window at the passing scenery, but I don’t focus on anything around me except for the way Easton’s hand feels on mine.
All the little touches and hugs he’s given me have helped so much, and they mean the world to me. I just have to keep reminding myself not to read too much into it because he sees me as a sister or maybe a friend.
But that’s all it will ever be.
Seeing how those women lost their minds at the school made it very clear that Easton can have any woman in the world, and little old me doesn’t stand a chance.
I’m okay with that. I get to love him every day, and that’s enough for me.
Besides, I promised Rachel I’d see a therapist. I’ll have to heal from the trauma I’ve suffered before I can think of ever having another relationship.
When Easton brings the SUV to a stop, I see a gazebo has been erected on the beach. There are also lounge chairs and a table, and a grill stands to the side. A spacious area has been taped off around everything, and Sylvia walks toward us.
Easton gives my hand a squeeze before he lets go so he can climb out of the car.
While I watch as Harlow and Lainey get out, Easton glances at Sylvia. “Thanks for getting everything ready.”
“You’re welcome.”
She waits while Easton picks up Rachel, then she steps forward to give Rachel’s arm a squeeze. Unable to say anything, she quickly rushes away to where her car is parked.
We all head down to the beach, and after Easton sets Rachel down on a lounge chair, Harlow covers her with a blanket.
For a moment, I stare at the waves rolling in, then I say, “Come, Lainey. Let’s build the castle.”
I kick off my shoes and put my handbag down before pulling my dress over my head, revealing my only one-piece swimsuit. After I fold my clothes neatly, I dig the camera out of my bag and glance at where Harlow and Easton are sitting with Rachel.
Today is for her.
Walking to where buckets and shovels are lying on the sand, I sink down to my knees and ask Lainey, “Where do we start?”
“The foundation. We have to make the sand smooth and hard.”
I watch for a moment as Lainey pats the sand, and I do the same until we have a big square ready.
“You can load sand into the buckets while I build a wall,” Lainey orders.
I glance at Rachel and notice all her attention is focused on her daughter. Taking hold of the camera, I press record and focus thelens on Rachel. I zoom in to capture the look of pure love in her eyes before recording Lainey for a little bit as she concentrates on constructing the wall.
When I point the camera at Rachel again, she notices, and weakly lifting her left hand, she gives me a wave.
She actually looks happy right now, and I’m glad I captured this moment for Lainey. I press stop and glance at the waves again, appreciating the beautiful day we get to spend with Rachel.
Suddenly, the camera’s grabbed from my hand and dropped on the sand before I’m hauled into the air by Easton.
Hanging over his shoulder, I let out a shriek, but then I realize he’s running toward the waves and quickly say, “I can’t swim.”
“Don’t worry.” As he plows into the waves, he brings me down the front of him, and all I feel is warm skin and hard muscle.
Holy hotness.
