The following morning, the sun had barely climbed over the horizon when Xander helped Erin load the car. Their destination was the beach, a quiet retreat far from the city, where she could escape Will for a while and lose herself in painting. Erin had suggested three days, though she knew that was not nearly enough time for the week Xander had asked of her. Still, she reasoned she would make a decision later, perhaps extend their stay or find another place afterward. For now, the ocean called to her.
“You can do whatever you want, and I will do my own thing,” Erin said once they were on the highway, giving him what sounded like freedom.
Xander only glanced at her briefly. His eyes remained mostly fixed on the road, but the silence that hung between them told Erin his mind was elsewhere,
