“I just need to get ahead of this,” I say softly. “If I don’t get control of the board, I will lose everything.”
His jaw tightens, and something shifts in his eyes. “Okay.”
That surprises me. I thought he would fight me on this. “Okay?”
“I don’t like it. But I understand why you feel you need to go. I just hate that you’ll be in New York and I’ll be here and not able to protect you from...them,” he says as he glances at the direction of the front door where the paparazzi was camping out.
He kisses me softly, pulling me to him, and murmurs, “I have an idea.”
A small smile tugs at my mouth. “What are you suggesting?”
He leans in close, voice low. “We take the back path through the dunes. They won’t know.”
I glance out the blinds and notice that the paparazzi SUV is still idling at the end of the street. I can see a silhouette inside.
We slip out the back door quietly, Cal carrying my suitcase as if it weighs nothing. We carry our shoes and run barefoot through the cool sand under our feet. The ocean is loud, and the waves are the only sound.
We move through the dunes, my hand in Cal’s. “Cal.”
He turns, and I step toward him, pulling him down to me and kissing him. I glance at him in the moonlight and want to remember this moment. His face and how he looks at me.
“I hate that you’re leaving,” he murmurs against my mouth.
“Me, too.”
“I don’t want to lose you, Silvie.”
“You won’t,” I promise, but I hesitate for a fraction of a second.
He tips his forehead to mine.
“I’m coming back,” I say.
He searches my face as if he’s looking for honesty, and he nods once.
“Then go win your war,” he says. “I’ll be here waiting.”
We reach the airport, and Wilby pulls up, Birdie at the wheel. He nods, grabs his bag, and heads to the plane.
I hug Birdie, and she pulls me to her. “Travel safe, sugar. I’ll be here when you want to come back.”
I glance around and realize the paparazzi hadn’t seen us leave, and we outsmarted them, something I love to do.Once they realize I’m gone, they’ll flock after me, eager to chase the story. Coconut Beach will be safe from the vultures.
Cal waits, his hands in his pockets. I go to him kiss him softly. His hands come around me, and he pulls me close. He looks like he wants to say something, but he doesn’t. He just looks sad.
I get on the plane and prepare for New York. And I have to decide whether I’m fighting for a company or fighting for us.
30
Cal
The first thingI see when I unlock Cocktails & Chaos late the next morning is a tripod in the sand directed right at the front of the bar.It’s out of place. Not a beach umbrella, abandoned beach chair, or a tent for a family to set up, reserving their spot. No, a freaking camera on a tripod with a long black lens pointed directly at the bar.
I stand there for a second with my keys still in the door. A guy in sunglasses hovers near the tripod and nods at me like we’re acquaintances, as if he’s not here to ruin our lives.
“Morning, Cal.” He waves.
I shake my head and don’t answer. I step inside and begin the inventory and paperwork.
