My chest shakes with a silent laugh. “Was it my fast tongue that brought you to that conclusion?”
She lifts her head with a smile. “Well, it isn’t your ego.”
I hold her tight. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re my girl.” My lips kiss the top of her head. “My turtle girl.”
Looking up at the sky, a silhouette of a large bird flies overhead. I bring my hand to my eyes to block out the sun for a better look. “The eagle’s magnificent.” I point to the sky. “Look.”
Shelly tilts her head and squints at the sun. “White-tailed eagles are rare around here.”
“The white tails are native to the UK. He’s a long way from home.”
“It’s a sign.” She lifts, resting on my chest. “It’s your spirit animal.”
I hold back my laugh, not really believing in all that nonsense, but I’d sooner be an eagle than a peacock. “So, what does that mean?”
“The eagle symbolises freedom. You must believe you can soar to new heights.” Her fingers trace the feathers on my chest that I worked into the intricate design. “I believe you will with your art. The eagle is a symbol of hope. You just have to take a leap of faith.”
What she’s saying resonates with me. I’ve always wanted the freedom to choose my own path, but I’vealways wanted to please my family and make them proud. In this moment, I realise I can’t do the latter while I’m not given space to soar.
Thinking of my father, I’m reminded of his offer of dinner.
“My father invited you to dinner at the country club. I understand if it’s too soon to meet the parents. You don’t have to come, but I said I’d ask.”
“You told your father about me?”
This was a bad idea. I should have told her about my dad before things got this far, but she would’ve never given us a chance. It was too much of a risk. I just need to convince my dad to change his plans, and the only way to do that is for him to meet her. If anyone can convince him, it’s her.
Chapter Fifteen
SHELLY
Iwipe my brow under the straw hat. As I look up from excavating the turtle nest, Finn’s silhouette walks towards me. The heat rising from the sand makes him hazy, as if I’m dreaming.
Tingles fire off in my body and my stomach buzzes with a frenzy of fish darting in all directions. Our date was incredible, by far the best date I’ve ever had. Despite the few I’ve had, nothing can surpass this.
“What are you smiling at?” Tasha says.
“Nothing.” I can’t hide my happiness, even when I go back to my task, scooping out the sand in the nest.
“Oh, I see. Your date went well, then?”
“It was okay.”
“You got laid, didn’t you?” Tasha chuckles. “I wondered why you were in such a dreamy mood this week. You’ve been in a sex-induced haze since your date.”
“I have not.”
“Need a hand?” His shadow covers the nest and my heart skips a beat.
“Sure. We’re excavating the nest to check for any unhatched eggs.”
He rolls up his sleeves, showing his arm porn that makes me weak.
“I can see that. I watched David Attenborough remember.” He winks and my stomach flips.
Tasha stands and lifts the bucket. “I’m going to take the unhatched eggs to the lab.”
“The lab?” Finn looks up with confusion on his face.
