Chapter 12
Ryder
Nicole cared about what others had to say. It was in her every action. And we had both agreed to this marriage because we wanted our freedom from public scrutiny.
Whatever was happening between us was a bonus. But we couldn’t change the deal because I ached for her body with mine.
So I held her hand and pointed out the restaurants and stores on the main street, and some prominent people in the town. Then, I directed her to the water’s edge. Her gaze went to the pier, but I showed her where the ships were docked and said, “This is the wharf. Many of our townsfolk here are fishermen.”
As we stood there, a boat drew up to the nearest berth so we stepped away. She pressed her hand on my chest and said, “This is so enchanting.”
A fisherman with a weathered face called up
