My Recycled Soul (A Sample)

Hours later, a fine misty rain starts falling over us and we all get up disappointed, stretching and shaking sea sand from our clothes.

A shiver unexpectedly runs through my body, and Jared turns toward me, asking softly, "Are you cold now?"

" Yes, I am," I say laughing while rubbing my hands up and down my arms.

" Here." He takes off his jacket and then standing behind me, he helps me to slip my arms in, one at a time. The jacket wraps me in Jared's warmth. Leaning into me, he says, "In Ireland, you never, ever leave home without a jacket." Pulling my back closer to his chest, he leans his head over my shoulder to pull up the zip of the jacket. It takes all my concentration to keep breathing.

Jane walks by and says, "Or an umbrella."

" Oh yeah, that too." He laughs softly, his breath whispering along the skin in my neck. Moving away from me, his lips brush fleetingly against my ear.

I close my eyes for a second to compose myself, and then I take a determined step away from him. I follow the others back to the parking area. My whole body is entirely aware of Jared walking only a few steps behind me.

When we get to the parking area, everybody is still in good humour, despite the drizzling rain. There is a lot of pushing, bumping and laughing going on. I stand slightly separated from them and it is my intention to sit in the back with Jane so that Aaron can get into the front passenger seat. Sitting so close to Jared all evening, while he was tracing lazy patterns on my bare arm has made me feel self-conscious, and I did not want him to think I am jumping to conclusions, claiming the front seat as my own.

I walk toward the Jeep and open the back door. Just as I take a step to lift myself onto the back seat, Jared is beside me. He circles his arms around my waist, hugging me close to him, and lifts me off the ground as he carries me to the front passenger door. He sets me down, opens the door and smiles while indicating with a small bow for me to get into the car.

A rush of heat scurries up my cheeks as I get into the front seat.

I suppose I can object, but did I really want to?

While Jared walks around the Jeep, I quickly buckle myself in.

As he gets in, he grins. "I don't mind doing that for you. I find it quite enjoyable."