Page 88 of Love Unwritten

Nico giggles in the distance, and Rafael frowns as he catches the group of kids helping the other parent dig a moat out to the ocean.

“You know, we could totally make a castle better than that,” I bait him, hoping to spark his competitive nature.

A lot of people in town talk about Julian and Dahlia’s competitive streaks, but many overlook Rafael. The man always wanted to be the best at everything. From sports to clubs, he always strived for greatness, which was one of the many reasons people flocked to him like they did.

Me. I’m people.

He just had no idea.

I speak again when he remains silent. “Our reputation is at stake here.”

His lips twitch. “Who knew you were so passionate about sandcastles?”

“Are you kidding? I placed first for three years in a row during our family trips to northern Michigan.”

He passes me a shovel. “My mistake then. I didn’t know I was in the presence of a champion.”

I laugh as I grab the plastic tool from him. Our fingers brush, sending sparks scattering across my skin.

I’m quick to add some space and take a stab at the sand. “By the time we’re done, those kids are going to be wishing they helped us instead.”

“You sure about that?”

I scan our tools before passing him one. “Yup. Now get to digging.”

After three hours laboring under the unrelenting sun, Rafael and I finally finish the sandcastle. Compared to the kids’ crumbling disaster fifty feet away, ours is a masterpiece. A few people even stop to take photos of our creation, which feeds my ego until my head threatens to explode.

My sunburnt cheeks stretch from my smile. “What do you think?”

Rafael doesn’t answer, so I turn to find him focused on me rather than the castle.

My stomach swoops as he looks away and clears his throat. “I thought you were bluffing about first place.”

I laugh. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Why would I do that?”

“To trick me into accepting your help?”

I stare at him. “There’s absolutely no good reason for me to lie about something like that.”

He scratches at his short beard. “I know.”

“But you assumed the worst anyway.”

“Unfortunately.” His flinch is nearly invisible, but I notice it.

“Well, then I take great pleasure in proving you wrong.”

“I’d expect nothing less.” He doesn’t smile, but his eyes glimmer like the ocean in front of us.

“Whoa!” Nico kicks up sand behind him as he runs toward us. “This is awesome.”

“Too bad you were too busy to help us,” I tease while shooting Rafael a look.

Just follow my lead, I try to convey.