She wished she could melt into the sand, but there was no chance of that.
“Abby?” Surprise in his voice, Tristan dropped to his haunches. “What the—?”
“You know each other? Your friend is the hero of the hour. She’s definitely earned herself a free drink. Fortunately for that family she’s a strong swimmer,” the lifeguard said. “Hell of a strong swimmer. If you ever want a job, let us know.”
Abby thought about Evie and the rest of the team at The Alexandra, Cornwall. She thought about the conversation she still had to have with her mother.
She might well need another job very soon, but it was going to be a long way from here.
“As long as that little girl is okay, that’s all that matters.” She didn’t look at Tristan. She kept her attention on her leg as the lifeguard finished dressing it.
“It was clever of you to grab the board before going into the water. Most people plunge in and then they’re in trouble, too.” He straightened. “Given that you know each other, I’ll leave her in your capable hands, Tris.”
She didn’t want to be left with Tristan.
“I’m okay. I don’t need anyone’s help.” Determined to prove it, she scrambled to her feet but her legs gave way and Tristan grabbed her.
“You’re right. You don’t need my help at all.”
She ignored that. “My legs are tired, that’s all.”
“I can imagine. What were you doing on the beach this late anyway?”
“It’s not that late. And I was swimming. Swimming is a good way of getting rid of stress. What are you doing here?”
“I was behind the bar when someone said a child had drowned.”
Abby shook her head and stroked her hair out of her eyes. It was still wet and matted with seawater. Her eyes stung. “It was a little girl. She was paddling, but fell over and got swept out. I hope she’s going to be okay.”
“The lifeguards seemed to think she would be, thanks to you.” Tristan muttered something and pulled her against him, rubbing his hands down her back. “You’re shivering. You’re cold. We need to get you warmed up.”
She had a powerful urge to lean into him and let him hold her, but she resisted.
“I’m okay.” She pulled away and forced her limbs to walk the short distance to her things. She realised how far the tide had come in since the adventure had started. She tugged hersweatshirt out of her bag and pulled it over her head, welcoming the soft warmth. “You don’t need to do anything. I can sort myself out.”
He picked up her bag. “I don’t doubt that, but smart people know when to accept help.”
“Are you trying to scare me?”
“Just stating the truth.” He glanced at the ocean and then back at her. “I can’t believe you went into the water. Do you know how many people drown each year trying to rescue people in trouble in the water?”
“Not the exact figure, but I know it’s a thing. Which is why I grabbed the board from those teenagers. I was lucky they were there.”
“Still, you should have—”
“Should have what, Tristan?” She pulled up the hood of her sweatshirt. “Left a child to drown? I know you have a low opinion of me, but even I’m not that bad. And honestly after the day I’ve had, I don’t have the energy for this conversation. And before you ask, yes, I told Evie the truth. I have apologised to the people I needed to apologise to, so you can let it go.”
She forced her wobbly weak legs forward.
It wasn’t far. She could make it without leaning on him.
She could see a small crowd gathered at the harbour.
She tugged her hood further over her head. “What are they doing there?”
“They were watching the helicopter. It’s a change from watching seagulls.” He put his arm round her and urged her through the crowd. “Keep walking.”
“I’m doing my best.” She was shivering badly now, and he sent her a concerned look as they headed across the street to the pub.
