“The way you talk.” Jack leaned against the tree, marveling at her.
“What, never heard a girl talk like me before?”
He shook his head, thinking that he wouldn’t find another girl like Ellie if he lived to a hundred. “Never.”
She smiled bashfully. “You’re just saying that.”
“No, I mean it. You’re different, Ellie. Different in the most amazing way. I knew it the day we met. Sometimes when I’m around you I pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
She was quiet for a moment, then said, “You know I like you too, right? I realize we haven’t known each other that long, but there’s something about you that feels right.”
“Must be the accent,” he joked.
“That’s part of it, no doubt.” She took a breath, her expression shifting from cheerful to thoughtful. “But it’s more than that. You’re kind and gentle. I knew it the first time I looked into your eyes.”
His brain fizzled. “Is that all?”
She took a step toward him, and he took a breath.
“And handsome,” she said, letting her gaze linger over him.
His heart pounded in his chest. “And if I haven’t said so before, I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
She blushed. “Now I know you’re joking.”
He took her by the arm and looked deep into her eyes. “Not many people know this, but every night I go home and write in my journal. It’s something I’ve done for years. And every night since we met, the only thing I write about is you. What I’m trying to say, Ellie, is that I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Her face registered a look of shock. “Jack,” she said breathlessly, “I—”
“It’s okay. I don’t expect you to feel the same way. I just know if I didn’t say it now, I might not have the courage later.”
“But that’s just it. I think I’m falling in love with you too. And honestly, it scares me a little.” She turned away.
“Don’t be scared.” He pulled her into a comforting embrace. “I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.” Seizing the opportunity, he pressed his lips to hers, covering her in a long, warm kiss that left her short of breath.
When the kiss ended, Jack led Ellie to a bluff that overlooked a hidden cove. After stripping down to their bathing suits, they jumped in and spent the rest of the afternoon swimming in the cool water of the lagoon.
* * *
With the last rays of daylight dwindling, they toweled off and hiked back to the beach.
“Will we make it back before dark?” Ellie shimmied into her shorts and T-shirt.
Jack cast an eye to the west, noting the sun’s position. “It’ll be close, but don’t worry. I know this lake like the back of my hand. Besides, if worse comes to worst, I’ll use the stars as my guide.”
As they pulled away from the island, Ellie looked back, reflecting on the afternoon. She’d gotten her arrowhead but also something far more precious. In Jack Bennett, she’d discovered her first true love.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Afterglow
The following morning, Ellie looked up at the clouds that were threatening to rain at any minute and sighed. With her afternoon plans in jeopardy, she stayed in after her math lesson and waited for a break in the weather. Ellie had invited Sara to stay for lunch, so while Clara went to visit a neighbor, Ellie and Sara sat around the table, talking over a plate of deviled eggs and ham sandwiches.
“Are you enjoying your summer?” Sara asked.
“So far,” said Ellie. “By the way, thank you for doing this. I’m sure there are a hundred things you’d rather be doing this summer besides helping me study.”
“Think nothing of it. Besides, Clara is paying me, so it isn’t all bad.” She flashed a wry smile. “How are you keeping yourself busy in the afternoons?”
