She let her gaze rove over him while he slept. He lay on his stomach too, one arm folded under his head, turned her way. Sand dotted his back, and freckles spotted his shoulders. His forearms were covered with a smattering of golden hair.
His face was peaceful, his long lashes sweeping down over sun-kissed cheeks. His lips were parted in sleep. He had a nice mouth. His lower lip was full, his upper lip dipping in a distinct cupid’s bow just about the right size for her index finger. Hidden in the golden stubble on his chin was a subtle cleft she hadn’t noticed before.
There was something boyish about him in sleep, all that virility at rest. He’d been through so much. Her heart gave a tug. He’d lost a dear friend and the wife he’d obviously loved very much—both suddenly. He must be strong to get through all that. Her own troubles were nothing in comparison.
The wind blew a damp strand of hair over his face, and before she could stop herself she reached out and brushed it away.
His eyes snapped open, connecting with hers.
Maddy’s pulse skittered as she drew her hand away. She’d been caught staring, caught touching him.
His eyes softened on hers as he stared back. “How long was I asleep?”
“Not long. Fifteen or twenty minutes.”
He propped his head up with an elbow, and his eyes roved over her face, taking his time.
Turnabout was fair play, she supposed. Though she was conscious of the fact that the ocean had washed away the bit of makeup she’d applied that morning. Her hair lay in damp tangles down her back, and her cheeks were probably blotchy from the sun’s heat. But the way he was looking at her made her feel beautiful.
“You have freckles on your nose,” he said with a little grin.
She made a face, wishing he’d noticed her thick eyelashes or high cheekbones instead.
“They’re cute,” he said, and she could tell he meant it. “They make you seem more approachable.”
She huffed as though affronted. “Are you saying I’m aloof?”
He quietly continued his visual observation. “Your other features are strong and beautiful. Wide-set, serious eyes... high cheekbones... perfect mouth.”
Her breath hitched at his lazy perusal. Every inch of her skin felt hypersensitive, especially her lips as his gaze lingered there.
“But those freckles... They soften the whole effect.” His voice was like warm honey. “I like them.”
He seemed content to lie there and stare at her, so she stared right back. She wasn’t sure she could stop herself. There was something so quiet and steady about him. He took care of her grandmother and obviously doted on his sisters. He was the kind of man people depended on, the kind who came through without making a fuss.
“I had fun today, Maddy.” There was a rough texture to his voice.
“Me too.”
His eyes searched hers. “I can’t tell you the last time I enjoyed someone’s company so much. I know we agreed this wasn’t a date, but... I’d really like to see you again.”
Her heart thumped heavily against the packed sand beneath her. No fair, she thought. He’d caught her off guard, on her hiatus from life, when she’d decided to leave her worries and fears behind.
“I like you,” he continued. “I know you’re just out of a bad relationship. But we could take it slow. Casual, even, if you want.”
This didn’t feel casual. This felt serious and real and like the kind of thing that could swell up and swallow her whole. She took a deep breath, her ribs pressing into the ground.
“You’re too quiet,” he said. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
Her thoughts spun for traction. “I won’t be here much longer, Connor. My life’s in Charlotte.” It wasn’t the real reason, but it was easier, more tangible.
He tipped a smile. “That’s not so far away.”
She expected more of a rebuttal. Long-distance relationships weren’t easy. Especially one that was only just starting. And it wasn’t as if she had much of a life left there anyway, but he didn’t point that out.
“Why don’t you tell me what’s really on your mind.”
He’d read her so easily. She stared at him a moment longer, remembering the heartache in her not-too-distant past. Attraction could lead to love and love led to... nothing good. The familiar fear bubbled up inside, a low boil, roiling beneath the surface. Her chest tightened until her breaths felt restrained. She kept all of it from her face.
