Page 80 of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

‘I’m just kidding. You look cute in it.’

‘Oh. Well.’ Hazel shrugged even as her stomach swooped at Noah’s words.

‘Anyway, this isGinger.’ He gestured with a flourish to the boat docked next to them, its name scrawled on the side. It looked like most of the other boats parked in the marina, at least to Hazel it did. White, with navy-blue trim, a few cushioned seats, steering wheel, two engines in the back. Typical boat, in her mind, but Noah was looking at her like he was introducing her to his baby.

‘A little on the nose, isn’t it?’ she teased, glancing at his copper hair, glinting in the sunlight.

He ran his hand through the coarse strands, leaving one side sticking up. Hazel reached up and smoothed it down. Noah caught her by the wrist and tugged her closer.

‘I missed you.’

‘You could have stopped by.’ She hadn’t meant to say it, had nearly convinced herself that she didn’t care that he’d disappeared for a week, but apparently the not-lying-to-herself started now.

‘I should have. I just thought maybe you wanted some space.’

‘Nope.’

Noah smiled at her quick response and ran his nose along hers. ‘Good, me neither.’

‘Good.’ He stole the word from her lips and she smiled against him.

‘Now,’ he said, pulling away from their kiss. ‘Are you ready for your first voyage?’

Hazel eyed the boat where it bobbed menacingly in the water. It wasn’t very big. Hazel had been on exactly two boats in her entire life. One had been a cruise she went on with her dads and her mom for her mom’s sixtieth birthday. And the other had been the ferry out to Martha’s Vineyard with Annie for a girls’ weekend.

Those boats had been large. Large enough to feel ... sturdy. Safe. This boat looked like it could easily be tossed around.

‘Uh ... yes?’

‘You don’t sound very confident about that.’

‘Because I am not at all confident about it.’

He kissed her again, sure and swift. ‘Trust me, Haze. It’s going to be fun.’

‘Hmm.’

‘Come on.’ He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the boat. He was vibrating with excitement and it was almost contagious. If she wasn’t also a bit terrified she might have caught it.

‘Here, give me your bag.’ He took the large, straw bag from her hand and his eyes widened. ‘What’s in here? Rocks?’

‘No.’

He continued to study her with an amused expression, waiting for her to go on.

‘Mostly snacks and a water bottle and a couple of books.’

His eyebrows rose at that. ‘You brought books?’

‘Yes.’

‘Several?’

‘Of course.’

‘Of course. For what?’

Hazel sighed. ‘To read. You know, in case there is a lull in the ... excitement.’