Chapter 70

“Here, Emma.” I turn back, and he hands me his shades again now that the sun has moved higher in the sky. I had been shielding my eyes without even realizing it. I smile and put them on. They have a crazy rubber band thing across the back that holds them on when swimming; that’s how he kept them on for the swim over here. I give him a grateful smile as I accept them.

“Thanks,” I say as he throws another pebble into the water, looking at me oddly. I can’t help noticing the expression, but I can’t decipher it.

“What is it?” I tilt my head to watch him.

“You seem a bit more relaxed now we’re over here.” That’s an understatement; being away from over-sexed women with lusty gazes certainly takes the edge off the atmosphere. I regret not coming on this trip as just the two of us. I think I would have preferred it.

“I feel more relaxed,” I answer lightly without explanation.

“You look it.” He skims another stone like an expert. I watch him, catch his smile and