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The living room and couch loomed. Hanging out with Drew was too much temptation. The last thing I wanted after Vi’s spat with him was for her to find us entwined on the couch. But I wasn’t sure I could keep my hands to myself.

Getting fresh air would help me sleep.

“Want to go for a walk?” I asked.

“Sure.” He seemed pleased by my suggestion.

It was overcast but not rainy. Drew ushered me outside, careful to lock the door behind us. A gust of wind cut south, and I shivered, huddling into my jacket.

“Was this a bad idea?” Drew asked. “Is it too cold?”

“No. We’ll warm up as we walk.”

“To town or along the lane toward Turn Point?”

“Let’s head to Turn Point.” That route had views of the water and wound through a quiet neighborhood.

We walked in silence, the trees swaying in the breeze. I could hear the ferry announcements in the distance. Custom homes lined the lane, cars parked tightly along the one-way street. We passed another couple huddled into jackets. They nodded in greeting, and I smiled.

Walking with Drew, it was easy to believe that my past, my family, was of no consequence. Life was simpler on the island. Beautiful. I didn’t want them to intrude and ruin my sanctuary. But the text message I received from the anonymous number worried me.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Drew said.

“Just a lot on my mind.”

“Like what?”

Did I tell him? Part of me wanted to. But I’d made it this far on my own.

“Any news from the sheriff?” I asked.

Drew shook his head, his brow furrowed. “No official statements.”

“You haven’t found more washed-up treasures at the beach?”

Drew smiled, just a tiny twitch at the corner of his mouth.

“Nah. It still bothers me that I let that case get stolen.” He grunted. “Foolish.”

“You didn’tletanything happen. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“I wish I’d busted the lock now. I’m curious about what was in there, if anything. It’ll serve the thief right if all they got for their trouble was an empty case.”

“You’d think it would be odd, someone carrying a case like that through town. I can’t believe no one remembered seeing someone with it.”

“The case probably just looked like luggage for the ferry unless you’re a boater. They’re mostly used for carrying things you need to keep waterproof. Documents. Firearms. That kind of thing.”

I shivered, a gust of wind whipping my hair around my shoulders. We paused at the landing above the private marina, watching the boats bob at the dock.

“C’mere,” Drew offered, opening his arms.

I stepped into them without hesitation. He was warm at my back. Solid. I sighed, relaxing into his embrace. He dropped his chin on top of my head, wrapping his arms more tightly around me until I was wrapped in a Drew cocoon.

“This is nice,” I murmured.

“Mhmh.” He hugged me.

We watched the boats nod in the breeze. It was the most peaceful I’d felt in forever. Drew was solid and steady. He made me feel safe. Something about his strength bolstered mine. Giving me courage.