Page 94 of Strum Me

Chapter Thirty

Emily

There’s a beeping from the kitchen and the sound of ice falling in the machine.

It wakes me and then I realize it’s not the only foreign sound.

Seagulls, or some seafaring birds, are hungry and calling out their food orders. Others reply. I can’t help but giggle at my translation. “Get it yourself, Norm. I’m tired.”

The soft wish-wash sounds like waves crashing onto shore and I wonder how far away they are. I roll across the bed, and there’s no warm body to stop me. The dip in the mattress is cold and I wonder how long he’s been gone.

Pulling myself up onto my elbows, for the first time since we arrived last night I see sky. Sky and sea. The sun is just rising and the view out of the ceiling-to-floor window is divine. Literally divined by God.

The sky spreads out in front of me, a soft pink hue blending with light blue, blending right into the ocean, as if they were but one.

It’s so seamless it takes me a while to realize we’re on a cliff. I sit up higher, but I can’t quite see where land drops into the sea.

I scan the horizon, and see him. Sitting on a bench, staring out at the same marvel I am.

Picking up his shirt from the ground, I pull it around me, and then add the blanket for good measure.

The sliding door is still cracked and I push it open, shivering as the cold, winter morning air hits me. I wander over to the bench and stand behind it, leaning over him, sliding my arms down his chest and pressing a gentle kiss to his neck.

“Mornin’.”

“Hmm, mornin’ angel.”

“You’re going to have to stop calling me that or else I’ll start to think I am one.”

“One what?”

“An angel.”

“But you are.”

“Of mercy?”

“Hell no, you weren’t very merciful last night,” he whispers into my ear, then presses a kiss to my jaw.

“I didn’t hear you complaining.”

“Oh, but I wouldn’t. I like the little evil you have in you.”

I stand up straight and walk around the bench. He pulls me onto his lap, the blanket enveloping us both. Nuzzling against his neck, I wonder how I could become so addicted to his scent so quickly.

“Evil. Dirty. What happened to all the compliments?”

“Fine, you’re also nefarious and a total nymphet.”

“Don’t forget ‘bossy.’”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I giggle, stupidly content. We’re quiet as we watch the sun rise from its lazy perch on the horizon and up in the sky. I can’t remember the last time I watched the sunrise.

“Can we stay here forever?” I sigh.

“I didn’t have any plans of leaving.”