Chapter 7

Early the next morning, the faint sound of clinking dishes woke me.

I had slept lightly, my dreams filled with the sound of waves and his desperate eyes.

When I finally supported myself down the stairs, William was already there—sleeves rolled up to his elbows, standing by the old gas stove, pretending everything was normal.

The aroma of slow-cooked beef stew filled the tiny kitchen.

Hearing my fo