Beach

"Let me put these away, and we can go!" Her face lit up, scrambling into the kitchen with the berries. Reign was left standing there with a red face, flustered.

June reappeared with two water bottles in hand.

"I bet we both could use a break." She handed him a bottle.

“You have no idea.”

The two climbed into his truck and sped down the road with the windows rolled down.

"Is there anywhere you want to see in particular?"

"How about the beach? I haven't gone down there since I came. It looked so nice from the cafe the other day."

"You'll arrive at your destination shortly." Reign sped up driving towards the beach.

The truck rolled to a stop. The barren parking lot carried their voices and the muffled sound of the water.

The two figures bounded down to the beach. A pair of footprints trailed in their wake.

"Wow, the sand is so pretty. The only other beach I've visited was full of rocks, and the water was freezing cold." She shivered at the memory.

"The white sand is nice but you should see it paired with the sunsets. " Reign stared across the sparkling water.

"I guess you're the romantic type?" June swung her sandals in one hand.

"Just someone who appreciates beauty. Can't blame a guy for it can ya?" June shook her head in response.

"Then we’ll definitely have to come down here again to see the sunset."

June dipped her feet in the cool water that lapped along the shore.

"That feels amazing. Do you come down here to swim?"

"It's kinda rare now, but I'd come all the time with my mother when I was younger." Reign's face held a quiet smile thinking about his mother.

The sound of the waves crashing on the shore filled the momentary quiet.

"So when does the shop open?" He changed the subject.

"Soon I'm hoping by the end of this month. Tell all your friends to come by so we sell out."

"I'll be your first patron, I'm ashamed ta admit I didn't get to try any of your sweets at the event."

"We'll have to remedy that. Do you have a favorite dessert?"

"Not anything in particular so you can suggest your specialty."

"My specialty…Hmmm, I'll have to think about it." Her mind wandered trying to sort through all the recipes she had learned over her courses.

Maybe a cake, or something with caramel? She mulled over a few options.

The two started to loop back towards the parking lot. June's steps slowed.

"Since you run deliveries, I guess I'll be seeing more of you?" June's eyes sparkled with hope. Reign covered the back of his neck with his hand.

"For sure, but if you need any help with repairs or getting the shop running let me know." His face softened.

“I could definitely use the help.” she beamed.

The two listened to the radio on the drive back. A nostalgic track filled the cab creating a light-hearted atmosphere.

Reign parked, and the two sat in the car waiting for the song to end.

"I know you run deliveries and offered to help me…but I hope we can do something like this again." June's face was red with embarrassment trying to express herself.

I wanna kiss her, He thought. Her father and his entanglement with Kain came to mind, making him hesitate. He grabbed her hand and brushed his lips softly over her fingers instead.

"Sweetheart, it's a date." He said with a crooked smile. Reign watched June disappear into the shop before driving back to Cathy's. He replayed his goodbye in his head, cringing on the way back. Maybe I should have just kissed her- Wait. Her number! I tossed it. Reign huffed at his stupidity. Now I look dumb asking for it.

Thinking about her small shop, he let it go. He could just show up for deliveries, and the shop would eventually list a number if he needed. Pulling to a stop, Reign unloaded the empty crates into a shed. The paperwork in his pocket crinkled reminding him to leave it in the office.

The door swung shut, cutting off the sunlight. The dimly lit room was cramped. The large desk occupied the space. Reign tossed the paperwork onto an empty spot.

"Don't move tiger."

His spine stiffened at the unfamiliar voice. A cool metal object firmly jabbed into his back.