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“Maybe he finally sees that you’re serious.”
“Hmm. Maybe.”
Something tells me that isn’t the case, and that I haven’t seen the last of Eugene Campbell.
ELEVEN
CASPIAN
There’s a man on my beach. He’s standing on the water’s edge, gentle waves lapping at his ankles. As I get closer, I note he’s wearing grey cargo trousers, which he’s rolled up to his calves, and a tight green shirt that hugs his broad back. He’s barefoot, but there’s a pair of dark brown hiking boots on the sand behind him.
Though I’m certain he must hear me as I head down the beach in his direction, he doesn’t move other than to put his hands in his pockets.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, my voice hard. “This is private property.”
He turns slowly on the spot, his lips tipping into a smile as his eyes rake over me, his gaze intense and I get this strange thought that he’s looking at me like I’m prey and he’s an apex predator. I shiver, crossing my arms over my chest to hide my reaction.
“I apologise for trespassing.” His voice is warm. Confident. And I’m pretty sure he’s not sorry at all. He opens his hands in front of him and I take a quick moment to assess him. There’s something familiar about him, but I can’t put my finger on what it is. I don’t think I’ve met him before and I think I’d remember if I had.
He’s incredibly good looking. At least six four, with salt and pepper hair tied in a bun, a well-kept beard and thick, corded forearms. And his eyes – they’re familiar, yet a shade of green I’m sure I’ve never seen before. They’re hypnotic, and I have this urge to step closer so I can get a better look at them, but I resist on account of the fact that he’s a literal stranger.
“You have a beautiful place here,” he continues. “I was just admiring how peaceful it is.” He smiles, and while it is charming, I don’t like that he’s here and I have no idea who he is.
I grit my teeth, then angle my body to the side.
“I know,” I reply. “It’s even more peaceful when there aren’t uninvited guests here. So time to wander back that way-” I point behind me, “and off my property. Please and thank you.”
The guy’s smile widens, and he ignores my comments, choosing instead to point at the speckled grey and blue sea lions on the other side of the nearest rocky outcropping.
“Those are fascinating. I’ve seen a lot of marine animals in my life and I’m well versed in the sea life around these parts, but I’ve never encountered this breed before.” He shifts on his feet. “Fascinating,” he repeats, but he’s not looking at the sea lions now. His eyes are once again locked on me.
Ignoring the way his stare makes my skin prickle, I replay his words, frowning at a memory that snaps into my mind. It’s something Pops said to me while we were standing a few feet away from the sea lions one cool spring day.
“There’s this man I’ve reached out to. Works at the university,” he’d said. “Expert in identifying rare breeds of marine animals. Highly respected. I’ve invited him down to the beach. I think it’s time we learn more about our little friends.”
“Is that why you’re here?” I ask. “To study the sea lions?” I shake my head. “I’m sorry, my grandfather passed away recently and I’m a little behind on, well, everything.”
The guy’s features soften and he bites his bottom lip before rubbing a hand over his beard.
“I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather. But, yes, that’s why I’m here.” He hesitates for a moment, then takes a step forward. “If that’s alright with you?”
Pursing my lips, I consider his question. Pops was exceptionally protective of this part of the beach and of the sea lions. Even when he opened the lighthouse to visitors, he never allowed them down here. I always thought it a little strange, given it’s just a beach, but he was adamant about it. Which means if he invited this guy, I guess he trusted him and the least I can do is allow him access for a few days.
Nodding, I say, “Yes. Okay.”
“Great.” His grin widens, his eyes doing that thing again, where they rake over me like a physical touch. “I appreciate your hospitality.” He takes a step forward and holds out a hand to me.
“Um…just to be clear,” I start, taking in his huge outstretched hand. “My hospitality only goes as far as you coming down to the beach for a few hours a day. Nothing more. Don’t go wandering around my farm or the lighthouse.”
“Understood. Nothing more.” He looks down at his open hand, and I finally reach out and place my palm in his. The moment our skin connects, it’s like an electrical current surges through me and I feel this strange thud in my chest, as though my heart is suddenly beating in two spots. His grip on me tightens, and my breathing quickens.
“I’m Sterling, by the way. Sterling Ward.”
Is his voice deeper than it was before?
“Cas…” My voice breaks, and I cough to clear my throat, heat creeping up my neck with such intensity that I know my cheeks are flaming. What the actual fuck is happening to me? “Caspian Brody,” I croak out, dropping his hand and then fiddling with the hem of my shirt.
“Caspian. Like the sea,” he muses, and the way he says my name makes butterflies flutter in my stomach. A breeze blows off the water, bringing with it the scent of salt, moss and something citrusy. It’s a pleasant smell, comforting in a way I wouldn’t be able to explain.
