Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1) by Brooke Page Page A

himself a pillow with his forearms. “I’m from Miami originally. I grew up with my grandparents. My dad died when I was seven, and my mother isn’t really around.”
    The awkward silence filled the space between us, causing my legs to draw to my chest, wrapping my arms protectively around them. “I’m sorry. Do you ever see your mom?”
    He sighed, moving so he was on his side. “Sometimes. She’s in an institution. My grandfather encourages me to visit but, it’s… hard.”
    My eyes scrunched. “Hard?”
    Rod pulled his glasses from his head, his blue eyes dull as they looked into mine. “Let’s just say she’s lived in a padded room most of her life.”
    I cocked my head, pity filling me for a boy who lost his family at such a young age.
    “Don’t look at me like that.” His voice was low and defensive.
    My eyes darted to my fidgety toes. “I can’t imagine not having my family. They mean everything to me.”
    “I thought I meant everything to you?”
    “I care about you a lot, you know that,” I whispered, feeling a flush run up my neck. “But I’m sure you’d feel lost if something happened to your grandfather. What about your grandmother?”
    “She died a few years back.” His arm reached for my wrist, pulling my attention from my feet to his stormy eyes. “I do care for my grandfather, but you’re my world, Jamie.”
    I gulped, feeling exposed by his stare. His words made me feel like a sappy teenage girl in love, but deep down they were frightening as well. My hand moved to his cheek, cradling his firm jaw as he clenched his teeth.
    “You’re intense.” I smiled, trying to lighten the mood with a joke.
    Rod sat up, both his hands reaching for my jaw, his thumbs brushing down my chin to my neck. It was uncomfortable, especially the way his eyes burned into mine. “I love you as much as the air we breathe. Don’t ever forget that.”
    His hands moved down my jaw to my neck, possessively massaging. I didn’t like it, so my hands found his wrists, gripping them so he’d release me.
     
    “I love you too, Rod. I just want to know more about you. We never talk … Please don’t be angry.” His eyes closed briefly, then his hands softened on my neck. I guided his hands into the sand, my nostrils inhaling a breath of ease.
    “Let’s go for a swim.”
    I watched him stand, all emotion dropping from his face in his movements. Hesitantly, I followed, hoping his mood would lift after the swim.
    By the time I caught up with him, I was waist deep, the cool water, startling me with each step I took. Rod turned with a smirk, his hand scooping the water and tossing it at me. I squealed from the sudden sting of the salty ocean water.
    “Rod!” I giggled, holding my hands over my face.
    His arms were around me now. “It’s best to just go under.”
    We dipped low, water taking over my senses and consuming me. I gasped when he brought us back above water, wiping my eyes and smiling at his playfulness.
    “Thanks for coming with me today,” he said softly, kissing my nose.
    My heart fluttered as my smile broadened from his gentleness, happy his mood had shifted.
     
     
     
    ***
     
    “I’m going to use the restroom before we leave.”
    Rod nodded as he watched me. “Put your tank top and skirt on before you go,” he commanded while packing our things.
    I squinted at him, unsure why it mattered. Quickly putting on my skirt, I grabbed my tank, carrying it with me as I walked toward the bathhouse.
    “Jamie Rae!”
    I froze, realizing someone recognized me when I didn’t want to be seen. The voice belonged to Kevin, my older brother’s friend. My eyes searched the group he was with, and thankfully Landon was nowhere to be seen.
    “Hey there, cutie pie, what are you doing at this beach?” he questioned, his eyes hazy from drinking, and most likely other substances. His arm moved around my neck, pulling me to his side as we walked to the bathhouse.
    “Just soaking up the sun,” I said as