Genesis

CHAPTER 12 Life in the Fast Lane (Everything, All the Time)

We stayed at the SeaIsland cottage for the next two nights, spending our days taking advantage of such nearby activities as horseback riding along the south end of the beach, marsh kayaking, a sea turtle walk, even skeet shooting. Ty used the evenings to introduce me to a couple of his favorite nearby restaurants, where we didn't have to wait for a table, although the places were obviously working off a wait list. He simply walked up to the hostess, confidently, and said something in a low voice that I was unable to hear. We were always seated immediately. Wherever we went, we were treated like royalty, and I was beginning to relax and enjoy the many perks available to those who could afford such an indulgent lifestyle.

After dinner, on our last night at the beach, we walked for what seemed like hours, hand in hand, at the ocean's edge. When I was so tired that I could barely stand, Ty walked me to the guest room and kissed my forehead, saying, "Good night, sweet Essie." To my relief, he remained a total gentleman, honoring his promise to keep his hands to himself. As my head hit the pillow, I wondered why he never seemed to get tired. Maybe he was a vampire. That would certainly explain some things. I had about two seconds to ponder that before I was fast asleep. But instead of dreaming of vampires who required no sleep, I dreamt of the beautiful guy with the picnic lunch.

Feeling happy, but still groggy, when I awoke, it took me a few seconds to remember where I was, and who I was with. I was grateful that Ty had allowed me to sleep in this morning. I was worn out from too much fun and too little sleep, and I didn't want to be grouchy or sleepy on our last day. I ventured through the house, finding him on the patio, drinking coffee.

"What time is it?" I asked, my voice gravelly, my eyes squinting in the bright light. The sun was well above the horizon, indicating that it was probably embarrassingly late.

"Good morning," he said cheerfully.

"Sorry. Good morning. So, it's still morning?"

"Sure. It's only 11:45. Would you like some coffee?" he offered as he reached for the carafe that held the promise of reanimation.

"Please." I watched him pour the steaming coffee into a large ceramic mug that looked like it had been handmade by some local artisan. "I'm so sorry that I slept so late. I hope you ate breakfast without me."

"Hours and hours ago. And I went for a run on the beach, too."

"I'm so sorry."

"I'm kidding. I just got up myself," he said with a wink.

I picked up the mug and took a seat across the table from him. He looked at me for a moment, then got up and dragged his chair right next to mine. I smiled and proceeded with fixing my coffee.

"I missed you last night," he said sincerely.

I laughed uneasily, not sure if I should read anything into his comment. As usual, he picked up on that and clarified, "I only meant that I really like being with you and wished we didn't have to waste any time sleeping."

"Funny you should say that. I remember thinking before I fell asleep last night that you might be a vampire because you didn't appear to require any sleep."

Now it was his turn to laugh. "Vampire, huh? And how would you feel about that?"

"I guess it would depend on whether or not I was breakfast."

"Not today."

"Then I'm okay with it for now."

We lounged around for a long while, enjoying our coffee. Upon hearing my stomach growl, Ty ran out to get some breakfast. I used the time alone to go swimming, something we hadn't done during our time on the island. The water was so warm here, quite unlike the frigid waters off the coasts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I swam out a ways, beyond the breaking waves, occasionally allowing one of the small swells to carry me gently to the shore. On one of my rides in, I saw Ty watching me from the patio. I didn't want to leave the serenity of the ocean, but my stomach insisted.