Fragile(8)
Author: M. Leighton

He watched her as she walked toward him. Her tiny body weaved around slower-moving ones. She smiled at and spoke to each person. It was as though she couldn’t come into contact with anyone or anything without imparting some of her goodness onto them. He’d never met anyone like her.

When she finally reached them, Hardy saw her look expectantly from him to Cheyenne and back again. It was then that Hardy noticed how quiet his surroundings had become. Cheyenne was no longer chattering. He glanced to his right to where she stood, and saw that she was quietly watching him. She held his gaze for several seconds before she turned to Miracle.

Much to Hardy’s relief, Cheyenne put on a fake, too-bright smile. He didn’t think Miracle would notice. He was just grateful Cheyenne was being pleasant. “Ready to go?”

“Whenever you are,” was Miracle’s response.

“We’ll all ride together. Everyone else has already left.”

“Where are we going?” Miracle asked as she climbed into the back seat of Cheyenne’s convertible.

“Be patient,” Cheyenne scolded lightly with a grin. “You’ll see.”

With that, Cheyenne started the engine and sped out of the parking lot. Ten minutes later, she was pulling into a private lot one street over from the beach.

Cutting the engine, Cheyenne jumped out of the car. Elise quickly followed suit, leaving Hardy to raise his seat and let Miracle out. He offered his hand and caught his breath when she took it. He would never get over how soft her skin was.

Once she was safely free of the back seat, Hardy released his hold on her hand. He knew Cheyenne was watching him; he could feel it. And he didn’t want to raise her ire. She could ruin the day if he wasn’t careful.

Cheyenne rounded the car to the trunk where she and Elise recovered two huge canvas bags. The foursome set off to cross the street.

As they were making their way between two hotels, the vast ocean came into view.

“We’re going to the beach?” Miracle asked. Hardy forgot she probably wasn’t familiar with Middleton yet and didn’t know where they were.

“We sure are,” Cheyenne answered happily.

“Um, I didn’t bring a suit.”

“I brought one for you,” Cheyenne informed with a smile. “See? I told you not to worry anything.”

“I appreciate it, but I think I’ll just sit this one out.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You have to get some sun. The weather is perfect this time of year.”

“I see that, but I can enjoy it without changing clothes.”

“Seriously, Miracle, you’ll hurt my feelings if you don’t at least get some sun and you’ll never be able to do that with those clothes on.”

Hardy saw Miracle’s cheeks pink up as she tugged self-consciously at the neckline of her lightweight, long-sleeved sweater. He saw the indecision on her face and was just about ready to step in when she agreed.

“All right.”

“Yay!” Cheyenne exclaimed, clapping her hands.

With that, they made their way onto the sand and to the cabana that Cheyenne’s family owned.

“Your trunks are still in your drawer,” Cheyenne advised Hardy. “After he changes, you can change, Miracle. I’ve got everything you’ll need in here.” Taking out a towel for herself, Cheyenne handed Miracle the canvas bag.

“Where’s your suit?” Miracle asked.

“I’m wearing mine,” Cheyenne said, taking the hem of her t-shirt and pulling it over her head to reveal a bright red bikini top. She proceeded to unbutton and shimmy out of the shorts she was wearing, standing proudly in front of the group. Hardy had to admit she certainly could fill out a bikini.

Hardy glanced at Miracle, who was watching Cheyenne with a troubled expression. Immediately, he saw Cheyenne’s display in a totally different light. And he didn’t like it. “I’m going to change,” he announced, irritated with Cheyenne’s exhibition. For some reason, he felt she’d done it as a dig to Miracle, even though she hadn’t said a single mean word.

Less than five minutes later, Hardy emerged wearing his swim trunks. His other clothes were balled up in a tight wad in his hand. Miracle was perched uncomfortably on the end of a chaise, staring out at Cheyenne, chewing her bottom lip.

“It’s all yours,” he said, indicating the small changing room.

With a tight smile, Miracle stood and walked past him, closing the door snugly behind her. Out on the sand, Hardy positioned himself where he could pretend to pay all his attention to Cheyenne, but actually watch for Miracle to come out of the cabana. With his sunglasses on, he didn’t have to worry about Cheyenne noticing how often he glanced behind her.

When Miracle emerged, the first thing Hardy noticed was that she had a towel wrapped around her and was clutching it tightly to her chest. The only evidence he could see of clothing was the coral-colored strap of her bathing suit where it wound around her neck. She looked uneasy as she approached the group and stopped.

Elise nodded toward Miracle and Cheyenne spun in her direction.

“Did it fit?”

Miracle nodded.

“Good. I thought it would,” Cheyenne said, seeming pleased with herself. “Come on. Let’s go find everyone else.”

Cheyenne and Elise took the lead, leaving Hardy and Miracle to walk behind them. Watching Cheyenne bounce and priss in front of him left Hardy without doubt that she was doing it on purpose. It wasn’t having the desired effect, though. Rather than impressing Hardy, it only embarrassed him and made him feel uncomfortable in front of Miracle. He couldn’t imagine her acting that way under any circumstances and it made him wonder what he’d ever seen in a girl like Cheyenne.

A large group of their friends were already lounging on their towels down near the water. When Cheyenne stopped in front of them, she unfolded her towel and spread it out on the sand.

“Okay, who’s getting in?” she asked.

Several people hopped up and brushed sand off their suits, ready to head for the ocean.

“Miracle?” Cheyenne asked pointedly.

“No, I think I’ll stay out here, but thanks. You all go ahead.”

“Oh, come on! The water is warm this time of year.”

“I’d rather not, but thanks.”

“You have to at least come down and get splashed.”

“I think I’ll just stay up here. You go.”

“Oh, come on, Miracle!” Cheyenne said, grabbing Miracle’s hand and tugging. “Just for a minute.”