Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Caroline looked into Dune’s eyes—the deep, intense gazes penetrated the depths of her soul. She held his stare, and without warning, tilted her head ever so slightly. He responded in kind, and her heart skipped a beat as she felt his lips brush against hers. The kiss was soft and tentative at first, but as the seconds passed by, it became more passionate, more urgent. His arms encircled her waist, and she felt herself drawn against him, the softness of his lips against hers, begging for more.
She felt her heart swell with warmth and joy, the slow buildup of emotions slowly bubbling to the surface. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless, and she could feel the heat of his body against hers. He brushed away a strand of her hair and gave her a smile, one that seemed to convey both tenderness and longing.
“I love you,” she told him, among the sounds of nature. “As much as I didn’t want to fall for the local boat captain, I did.”
“Thank God,” he said with a heavy sigh. “I was wondering whether I should jump overboard or not.”
Caroline laughed. “I might be up for some skinny dipping.”
Dune’s eyes widened, and his grin turned flirtatious. He slipped his hand under her sweatshirt and began pulling it up, only to stop. “No bra?”
She bit her lower lip. “No panties either.”
dune
Dune tried not to let the little tidbit of information about Caroline not wearing panties affect him . . . too much. A week ago, he would’ve checked to see if she was telling the truth, or he would’ve laid her down on the bench and had his wicked way with her. Instead, he spun her slowly and continued to sway with her. As far as he was concerned, they had all night, and tomorrow, and the next day. If Caroline had no intention of leaving, he had nothing to worry about. Especially now that she confessed her love for him.
The song changed, and Caroline’s expression lit up. “I love this song.” A smile spread across her face and her body moved a bit faster as Jackson Browne’s voice played through the speaker. “This playlist, I think it’s my favorite.”
“I can send it to you.”
“Yes, please, and this way we can listen whenever we’re together.”
“I love that idea,” Dune said as he spun her around again.
Caroline giggled. “I’m wholly underdressed for this date.”
“You’re perfect. I love this version of you, and the one I saw when we first met, and the one that comes to work with her baseball cap on. I love everything about you, Caroline.”
“I love you too. I never thought I’d fall for a boat captain.”
“Hey, now,” Dune said, smiling. “I’m more than a boat captain.”
“Right.” She laughed. “You’re Captain Blue Balls.” Caroline snorted and stepped away to hide her laughter. Dune pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head.
“Come on, I have some champagne and I worked really hard on the charcuterie board.” Dune took her hand and led her over to the small table near the bar. He stepped behind the counter, grabbed the bottle from the cooler of ice, and two glasses.
“Have you done that before?” Caroline nodded toward the bottle.
“In fact, I have.” Dune slipped his thumbnail under the cork and sent it flying. Champagne spilled over the rim. “Whoa,” he said laughing. Dune filled her flute, but before he handed it to her, he reached under the counter and blindly grabbed the box he set there earlier. He set it on the counter and slid it toward her.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Her eyes gleamed as she picked the box up. Caroline lifted the lid and her mouth opened. “Dune, this is beautiful.” She took the necklace from the box and held it up. The twinkling lights behind her made it sparkle. “Help me?”
Caroline handed the necklace to Dune and then held her hair up. He came around the counter and masterfully clasped the chain around her neck. She looked down at the sea glass and then picked it up.
“I love this. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. As soon as I saw it, I wanted you to have it.”
She cupped his cheek and kissed him. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He reached over and grabbed her flute of champagne and handed it to her.
“Can I make the toast?”
“Of course.” Dune retrieved his glass.
Caroline held her flute up and smiled at Dune. “To the man who didn’t give up.”
Dune blushed. He didn’t particularly like being the center of attention, even though it was just the two of them. “I think that’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“It’s the truth. You’ve been my rock since the moment you saw me outside the Sea Shanty. You walked me home, didn’t take advantage of the situation, and stayed a constant presence. You’re probably my best friend and that’s saying a lot because there are ten or fifteen sorority sisters who all say they’re my best friend. But they’re not. It’s an obligation to them. To me. But you’re different, Dune. You made me a priority because you wanted to.” Caroline smiled and took a deep breath.