“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.
A man stopped him. “Hey, Tris, everyone okay?”
“Everyone is fine. All good, thanks, Jim.” Without pausing for conversation, he propelled her up the stairs and into her room.
Closing the door behind them he strode to the bathroom and turned on the shower.
“You need to warm up.”
She waited for him to leave and when he didn’t, she sighed. “I’m not undressing in front of you.”
“That’s not what you said last night.” There was humour in his eyes, and she gave him a look.
“You could have ignored that. You could have not mentioned it. That would have been the kind thing to do.” Past caring what he thought, she slid off her shoes. “Obviously I will never be drinking again.”
“Why not? It was a fun evening. You’re a great piano player. And a sexy dancer. And, it turns out, a strong swimmer. Which is something we are all grateful for, Chrissy most of all.”
“You knew the family?” She was halfway through removing her sweatshirt, and paused. “Chrissy. Holly.” She nodded. “Of course. I thought she looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her. I met her the first day I arrived at the hotel. Evie was talking to her. How do you know her?”
