Read Online Covering the Carolinas by Casey Peeler - Free Book Online

thought.
Brett and I finish our food, and as the band prepares to play, it
doesn’t take me long to realize exactly who it is. I can’t help but
wonder if Brett recognizes them. I look his way and he smiles. “You
don’t know who they are, do you?” I ask him.
    “ No clue.”
    “ Do you like beach music?”
    “ Yeah, but it’s not like I grew up around
it.”
    “ Well then, that is Chairmen of the Board, and
they are big dogs in beach music. They are my favorite!”
    When the band begins to play, I can’t help but
smile. I feel at home. This beach is my other home, now if only I
could dance. As couples begin to shag on the dance floor, I can’t
help but look at Brett’s reaction. He’s taking it all in and
watching their footsteps. I begin to giggle. “What?” he asks. I
stand and take him by the hand. “I have no clue how to do
this.”
    “ It’s easy. Just remember, one-two-three rock
back. I’ll help you, no worries.” I wink. After a few songs, he
becomes a natural and, we are laughing, smiling, and dancing like
we have been dance partners for years. When the song ends, they
slow things down and Brett never lets go of my hands. Instead, he
pulls me close to him as we sway back and forth and my lips meet
his.
    He takes me from the dance floor and leads me to the
marshwalk. We walk hand in hand from Wicked Tuna to Sisters Marina
while looking at all of the fishing boats and yachts. On our way
back, we walk a little slower and stop to watch the tide flow into
the marsh. Brett wraps his arms around me and I can’t help but look
into the clear Carolina night sky and pray this is real.
    “ Brett, please don’t say anything about
Gunner. I’ve worked hard to be where I am today, and I don’t want
any one’s pity. He’s my world and why I’m here.”
    Brett turns to face me. “I think you’re brave
raising a child on your own and pursuing your dream. That’s
amazing, Marleigh.” He takes his hand and guides it along my cheek
until his fingers intertwine with my long locks. “That’s why you
pushed away, wasn’t it?” Nodding yes, he brings his lips to mine
and I let go. For the first time in three years, I’m putting myself
first in this moment.
    “ Brett, I need to be home before Gunner calls
in the morning.”
    “ Okay.” He kisses me deeply once more and then
we walk to his car. As we arrive at his house, I notice how quiet
it is. “No one’s here but us. I stay here all the time, but it’s
only a full house when there’s a party.” He must sense my
nervousness as he takes my hand in his, and we walk up the steps to
the house. Walking into the kitchen, Brett tosses the keys on the
counter and then pulls me into his arms. He doesn’t pressure me,
instead he just holds me. As my phone rings, I pull myself from
him. Glancing at the screen, I see it’s just Tinleigh and silence
it. I quickly text her and then toss it back in my
purse.
    “ You want something to drink? I’ve got
anything from water to beer.”
    “ A beer would be great.”
    Brett and I take our beers and make our way to his
balcony. As we both lean against the railing, I take a sip of beer
to calm my nerves and ask myself once more if this is what I want.
I need this and need to move forward.
    “ It’s beautiful up here. I don’t think looking
at this view will ever get old.”
    “ You’re exactly right, Marleigh. Looking at
this view will never get old.” Suddenly I realize he’s not talking
about the ocean. He turns and takes my beer from my hand and sets
it on the table, then turns back to me and I say a little prayer.
He places his hand on the base of my neck as I look into his eyes.
I take a step toward him and he bends down to meet my lips. As our
lips dance together, it doesn’t take long for a fire to ignite
within me. Wrapping my arms around his neck, he lifts me off the
ground and places me on the railing as we continue to heat things
up. As his hands begin to roam, I break away. He pauses and