Into Thin Air Read online

  “You brought it up.” I ball up the napkin and toss it back at her. She sticks her tongue out at me. “Let’s get back to your favorites. What’s the third?”

  She taps her fingers on her thighs like she’s playing the piano. “My mom.”

  My heart burns with admiration. Or envy? Is this possible? “That… that’s really sweet.”

  “She’s the best person I know and one of my best friends. It’s just her and me. My dad passed away five years ago from a heart attack, and I have no sisters or brothers. Well, I do have my cousin Gale.” She pauses a moment. “Mom had trouble getting pregnant, so I was a big surprise for my parents. She was forty years old when I was born. She’s the definition of what every mother should be. Strong, loving, supportive. Sadly, she’s gradually lost her sight. She’s blind now.”

  “I’m sorry about your dad and mom. Was she sick? Is that what caused it?”

  “The doctors don’t know for sure, but they think it’s because of a job she had a long time ago. She worked for a chemical company and may have been exposed to something. Safety procedures weren’t as strict as they are today. But we could never prove anything.”

  “Hmm. Is there a family history of blindness?”

  “No. There’s no history in our family of any eye disease. She never had an illness that could affect the eyes later on. But anyway, I moved her into assisted living where she’s closer to people who can take care of her. I work a lot, so it’s not easy for me to be there all the time. I feel at ease that she isn’t home alone. We sold the little house I grew up in to pay for her place now. I have a good job, so I help pay for any extras she needs and whatever isn’t covered under her insurance.”

  My mom is nothing like Ellie’s mom. My parents left just as my career was taking off, for a business deal. I will never understand why they had to move so far away. My sister and I could’ve gone with them, but we stayed behind.

  “You’re lucky. My parents live in another country. My sister and I hardly see them. My job keeps me in the States, and they don’t visit often. My sister and her husband are my best friends.”

  “At least you have her. I wish I had a sibling. It’s lonely being an only child. Gale is the closest I have to a brother. He’s a couple of years younger than me. Being an only child probably also explains why I’m so close to them.”

  “But you came here without anyone. It sounds like you’re already kind of alone. Or… really, we’re both alone.”

  We’re confiding in each other. She said she didn’t want to get personal, and I don’t want to either. Well, I thought I didn’t. But I can’t help it—I want to know everything about her. She’s easygoing and seems like a genuine person. And her first two things weren’t fame and fortune. I’m not used to that anymore.

  She smacks her hands together like a lightbulb went off in her head. “Can I add another favorite?”

  I nod as I gulp half my water bottle. The chips were too salty. There’s a slight throbbing on my forehead where the lemon hit. I touch the spot to see if there’s a lump.

  She notices, and her shoulders rise. “Is it sore? I feel horrible.”

  “I’m fine. I probably wouldn’t be sitting here with you right now if that didn’t happen. The only thing that gets me is how big the lemons are here. I don’t even want to know how they grow them.”

  She wrinkles her nose. “Yeah, I don’t either, so let’s not talk about that. Anyway, back to my favorite things. I love to write. It’s therapy for me. I can disappear into a story when I want to forget what’s going on around me. I haven’t been able to do it lately, though. Work has been sucking up most of my time, but it might get better in the near future.”

  “You should write about this place, the handsome guy you met—that’s me, by the way.” I point at myself with my thumb. “And of course, our parrot, Polly. No, you called him Petie, right? You have a lot of time on your hands here.” But I’d rather you spend the time with me. “I think you could come up with some interesting stuff.”

  She crosses her arms. “Our parrot? I didn’t realize he belongs to us. He hangs out mostly at my place. We’ll see when he shows up next.

  “It’s funny, though, that you say I should write about this resort. I started a journal the first morning I was here. I haven’t written much, but I should so I don’t forget any details about this magical place. I want to remember the perfection and beauty of it.”

  She pauses, then looks at me from under her eyelashes. “Including your beautiful blue eyes. They’re such a unique color I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. They’re one detail I’ll never forget.”

  Something passes between us. I’m not sure what it is. Wind blows through the gazebo, swirling around us. I want to spend as much time together as we can before this vacation ends. I don’t know what’ll happen once we have to leave, but I don’t care. I usually date with no strings attached, but I want every single string attached to her.

  “Now it’s your turn,” she says as she gathers our dirty dishes and piles them on top of the empty nacho plate. Out of nowhere, the waiter appears and takes the dishes away. What service. Was he watching us from behind a tree, waiting for us to finish?

  I don’t answer right away because I’m in a battle with myself. I need to spread out the time spent with her. I don’t want this day to end. Oh! She loves sea turtles, and the hotel announced this morning that they’re expecting some baby sea turtles to hatch and migrate from the resort’s beach to the water tonight. Maybe I can surprise her.

  She interrupts my thoughts. “Is it that hard to think of your favorite things? That’s pretty bleak.”

  “Have dinner with me tonight,” I blurt. “I’ll tell you then. We can watch the sunset from the beach, not your balcony. Then we can go to dinner. I thought being here alone is what I wanted, but you’re changing my mind.”

  She rubs her hands together between her knees. “Are you asking me on a date?” She flutters her eyelashes.

  “Would you like it to be one?” I don’t hide the hope oozing from my voice.

  “Yes,” she responds softly and without hesitation.

  Relief rushes through me. “A date it is then. Hopefully, Polly, sorry, Petie won’t show up.”

  “I don’t know. I have a feeling he’ll make an appearance. Ya know, to keep us from doing something we’ll regret.”

  “What happens on vacation, stays on vacation.”

  She squeezes her legs together, and her eyes flash with playful mischief. “You have read my mind.”

  Chapter 8

  Ellie

  Sam will be here in ten minutes. I haven’t been this excited about anything in a long time, if ever. I’m not even nervous. I’ve pulled up my hair on the sides and let it cascade down my back. At home, I usually keep it up in a bun to match my tough business exterior, but here? I love the water and the weather. My hair has never looked healthier or more beautiful. I’m wearing a full-length sundress in my favorite mint green color.

  A sudden knock on the door startles me. He’s early. I check myself one more time in the mirror and smile. It’s nice to have a hint of a tan. I’m probably the only one who’ll notice it. It’s funny—with the number of hours I spent in the sun today, I should be burnt to a crisp.

  I count down to five and then open the door. My breath hitches. Sam is breathtaking. His jet-black waves are slightly damp, hanging just above the brow line. The light blue, button-down linen shirt makes his eye color pop. His beige linen pants flutter with the breeze.

  “Sorry, I’m early.” His gaze caresses every curve of my body. “You’ve proved me wrong.”

  “What happened? What did I do?” I smooth my dress, then run my fingers through my hair.

  He walks through the door and envelops my hand sweetly with his own. “I didn’t think you could look more beautiful than you did a couple of hours ago, but you do. I won’t be watching the sunset tonight. My eyes will only be on you.” He raises my hand to his soft lips.

&nb
sp; I’m falling fast. Warmth swims through my veins. This is a moment I’ll never forget. One to write in my journal. How sincere he sounded, how I melted from those simple words… this will stay with me like a heart tattoo. I’m surprised by a tear that trickles down my flushed cheek.

  He brushes it away. “This is our first date. There shouldn’t be any tears.”

  I chuckle. “These are good tears. When you talk to me like that, I know in my heart you’re being honest, and they aren’t empty words. I haven’t gotten that from other guys. Something tells me you’re different.”

  He skims my cheek with the back of his hand. “You have battles to fight, and so do I. I can be the real me when I’m with you. We’re just two people trying to find some peace in our hectic lives.”

  “See. There you go again. This is already the best date, and we haven’t even left my suite yet.” I wipe under my eyes.

  “Let’s go then. I have something special to show you. Are you up for a quick walk on the beach?”

  “Sure. You said I should explore the beach and the resort more. Lead the way.”

  He takes my hand again and pulls me gently out the door.

  ∞

  We walk lazily down the beach path, still holding hands. The sea breeze tickles my skin. I stop to remove my sandals, then dangle them from a pinkie. By instinct, we reach for each other’s hands again. If he only knew how happy that little gesture makes me.

  Ahead of us, a large group of people has gathered, watching something on the beach. Sam points in their direction. “This is what I wanted to show you. It might be hard to see since there are so many people.”

  We approach, and Sam maneuvers us to the front of the crowd. I gasp and lose all train of thought. Sea turtle babies are making their way to the ocean. There’s a protective barrier between us so no one can disturb them, but it’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. How is it possible that these babies can pull themselves all the way to the water? I know it’s instinct, but it looks exhausting.

  Some of them are struggling; others seem confident in their journey. I want to go and help them, but they’ll get there somehow. We all have to work for what we want. It sometimes takes longer for others. I kneel to observe one that’s close to us.

  Sam kneels next to me and puts his hand on my shoulder. “It’s great, isn’t it? As soon as you said you loved sea turtles, I knew I had to bring you here. The way you’ve been keeping to yourself, I had a feeling you wouldn’t know.”

  “You’re right. I didn’t. Thank you so much. This is the best surprise ever.” I kiss his cheek.

  We stay awhile as the last bitsy ones make their way in as the sun starts to set. It’s such an amazing sight to see.

  He strokes my arm. “Are you ready to go? I thought we could walk for a little while and watch the sunset.”

  I stand up with a perma grin on my face. “I don’t think a sunset is going to beat the turtles, though.”

  He holds out his hand, and I slide mine into it. “We’ll have to see about that.”

  We stroll along the wet sand but stay within the boundaries of the resort. I can’t believe this is the first time I’m enjoying the ocean water. Waves splash and break on the shoreline, and the bottom of my dress gets damp. But I don’t care. I pick up a pure white shell and admire its beauty. Sam offers to put it in his pocket since I have none.

  “Let’s sit over there.” He points to several wide wicker swinging chairs, lined up near a beach bar that’s closed for the day.

  He has to pull me up the sandbank. I didn’t realize how low we were. I’m not the most graceful woman. As he helps me to the top, I step on the hem of my dress and fall to my knees.

  “Are you okay?” He keeps a firm grip on my elbow.

  I stand up and wipe the sand off my dress. “Yes. Are you sure you want to hang out with me? I’m known to be a bit clumsy. I might embarrass you.” I’m mortified but laugh anyway.

  “You’re fun to be around. I wish everyone could laugh at themselves and not worry about what other people think.”

  I nudge him. “I don’t believe that, but I’ll take it.”

  We reach the swings and sit down. He tucks me to his side. Why are we like this? We’ve only known each other for a short while, but we act like we’re a couple. How can something be so easy and automatic? I’ve been in relationships, but none of the guys ever showed much affection. I think back, and I don’t even know why I was with some of them. Gale always tells me I’m a train wreck when it comes to relationships.

  “Hi. Would you like your picture taken?” A photographer appears, seemingly out of nowhere. He looks like a professional by the size of the camera he’s carrying. It must weigh a ton.

  “I work for the hotel. I take pictures, and then you can look at them on a computer in the lobby tomorrow. If you like them, you can order as many as you want.”

  Sam and I look at each other. We both nod at the same time. “Sure. Should we take them here?”

  “The sunset is beautiful tonight. Walk with me toward the water, and I’ll tell you when to stop.”

  This is awkward. We aren’t a couple, but we’re taking pictures like we are. When will we draw the line?

  “Okay, this is a good spot,” the photographer says. “Let’s stop here.” We turn toward him and both of us toss our shoes aside.

  “Stand a little closer together,” he directs. “Wrap your arms around each other’s backs. Perfect.” The camera clicks several times.

  He points to me. “Now, you scoot closer to his side and lay your hand on his chest. Lean your heads together.”

  I stand closer to Sam, and his lips brush my forehead. I become familiar with the rhythm of his heartbeats, the curves of his body, and how enticing he smells. I wish his shirt were my pillowcase. My dreams would be full of him.

  “Now, stand facing each other while holding hands. Just look at each other like you’re in your own little paradise.”

  That’s precisely what I do, because I am. I memorize the curve of his face, the crinkles around his eyes as he smiles and looks into my eyes. I admire the color of his lips and the glow of his skin where it’s reflecting the sunset.

  The photographer babbles on about where to find our pictures, but we don’t respond. We’re lost in our own little world, as if we’re the only ones on this beach.

  Sam pulls me closer, and I don’t resist. The distance between our lips decreases. He hesitates. Maybe he’s unsure, but I’m not. I want him to kiss me more than ever. Then common sense intrudes.

  “Wait. What are we doing? We’re strangers,” I whisper against his sweet lips. “I came to this place to be alone.”

  He cups my face with his hands. “So did I.” He pauses. “Let’s be alone together.”

  I nod. “Please kiss me. I can’t wait—”

  His lips are on mine. They’re hungry, then soft. Biting, then licking. I open up for him because I can’t wait another second to know what he tastes like—mmm. Salty from the ocean breeze with a splash of peppermint mixed in. I suck on his pouty lower lip that I’ve craved ever since we met.

  His hand moves down my back and pulls me against him. The other one rests at the nape of my neck. I grow weak in his arms, but he hugs me tighter. So this is what it feels like to be swept off your feet.

  His lips travel down my neck, giving me a chance to breathe.

  “Ellie, from the first time I saw you, I’ve wanted this. I tried to ignore it, but I couldn’t wait any longer to talk to you, to taste your lips, and to feel your body against mine. How am I so lucky to have found you?”

  I lay my head on his chest as we hug each other. Seconds pass and then he leans away from me. “You’re quiet. Please say something. Am I the only one who feels this?”

  I lose myself in his eyes. “When we were in your kitchen today and I kissed your forehead, I felt completely at home. It was a natural instinct to lean between your legs, to have your hands on my hips. The desire to kiss you was almost out of my control.
I wanted to do it because it felt like I always have. As if we’ve been together for years.”

  I turn away and watch the sun vanish into the ocean. “It’s so hard to explain, and here I thought I was creative with words. This probably sounds completely crazy.”

  He walks around to face me again. “Maybe to others it’d be because they’ve never experienced what we have right now. I would’ve been one of them a week ago. I’ve never fallen for any woman until you.”

  “Ooh, aren’t you the romantic one? Have you always been like this?” I wrap my finger around a loop of his pants.

  “Never. But for you, I want to be.”

  I stop short. “What? Never? I don’t believe that for a second.”

  “It’s true. I do a lot of things I’m expected to do, but with you— For the first time, I wanted to put that smile on your face. And I want to do it again tomorrow and the next day. For you, not because someone told me to.”

  “You’re such a mystery. I don’t know what you deal with at home, but I’m going to die if you don’t kiss me again. Let’s call it our appetizer.”

  He arches a brow. “I can’t wait to see what’s for dessert.”

  Chapter 9

  Ellie

  “I’d like to know who the hell Sam is. You don’t get to walk away from me. Let’s see if you feel this.”

  “Cooper, what are you doing here again?” Gale shouts. “Don’t touch her.”

  “Cooper?”

  My eyes dart around frantically, looking for any sign of him. Why do I keep hearing him? It smells like disinfectant in here. I turn over in bed and squeeze my eyes shut to avoid the bright sun shining through the windows. Ow, ow, ouch! I grasp my right hand. It looks fine, but whatever just happened felt like my hand was stuck in a vise, almost breaking the bones. I slowly wiggle my fingers to shake it off.

  I push the damp hair away from my face with my other hand and realize I’m sweating profusely. My pajama top is soaked. This is disgusting. Maybe the humidity kicked in, but something tells me that’s not why I’m sweating. Am I having night terrors? Because of Cooper? But whenever I drink alcohol here, something freaky like this happens. We had some champagne at dinner, but we weren’t drunk when we got back to our suites. I felt fine when I went to bed.