Excerpt of Copper Lining

Excerpt of Copper Lining

“Excuse me?”

One strong arm curls around my waist, and he hauls me up and over his shoulder. Nerves splash in my belly, and dread rears its head.

This guy looks like he works out every chance he gets. I get to the gym as much as possible, and I love doing yoga. I’m fit, but I still have cellulite and my stomach isn’t flat as it once was.

“You know, I’ve met a lot of spoiled rich girls, but at least they had enough sense not to do what you just did for a silly bracelet.”

This guy has some nerve and a serious attitude problem. Southern gentleman my ass. If only he knew what this bracelet means to me. The sentimental value that it holds in my heart.

We get back to the boat and he drops me into the water. I go under and break the surface seconds later.

“Hey, you can’t do that to me,” I yell.

“Seems that I just did, princess.” He climbs up the ladder. His arms flexing as he pulls himself up.

My heartbeat quickens, much like it does when I hit my stride on the treadmill.

“What’s your problem?” I feel the wrinkles in my face deepen.

“My problem? My problem is that you could’ve gotten both of us injured, and there’s no one around for miles. We could have died out here. Not to mention, I’m responsible for this expensive yacht, and I didn’t have time to anchor it in place while you decided to take a dive into eagle ray waters.”

His words hit me with impact. But in my defense my emotions took over my body. The bracelet is too important to me. I never meant put him or me in danger.

“I . . . I’m not a spoiled rich girl,” I tell him as grasp the handles of the ladder. The water sluices off my skin as I climb higher.