Free The Curse: Touch of Eternity (The Curse series) by Emily Bold Page B

wondered. I decided I’d definitely call her in a day or two.
    Payton lifted my chin with a fingertip.
    “Are you OK? You look so sad.” His voice was soft and concerned.
    “I’m fine. It’s just… I’ve never been so far away from home before.”
    “I could help cure your homesickness. There are plenty of beautiful beaches here, and I could take you to one later.”
    “That would be great. As long as I’m back in Aviemore by tomorrow night.”
    For a long time Payton didn’t say a word, he just looked deep into my eyes. I started to get nervous. Did I say something wrong, I wondered. Did he want to get rid of me sooner?
    He sighed, then laughed and said, “I really haven’t the foggiest how I am to survive, but it’s worth a try.”
    I was confused. Did he think I was dangerous? I chalked it up to another language difference. Even though we were both supposedly speaking English, he often said things that didn’t make any sense to me.
    “You can take me to a motel or something later on. We don’t have to spend the whole time together,” I said, trying to apologize.
    “No, it’s fine.” He looked down at me. “I just hadn’t realized that you were intending to spend the night with me.”
    My cheeks turned scarlet.
    “Oh, that’s not what I meant!” I sputtered, and Payton started laughing. When he laughed, he looked so different. The serious, closed-off face disappeared, and instead I caught a glimpse of a funny, sweet side. My heart started to beat faster.
    I wondered, was I falling in love?
    Still embarrassed, I mumbled, “Well, then, are we going to the beach now or not?”
    Payton nodded but made no sign of leaving. “Now answer one of my questions.”
    I’d wanted the carefree moment to last a little longer, but the seriousness of his tone made me listen up.
    “Go for it. What do you want to know?”
    “Why are you here? Why are you in Scotland, and why are you here with me?”
    “First off, that was actually three questions, but I don’t want to be nitpicky about it. Second, you’re wasting one of your questions. I already told you I’m here on a student exchange.”
    “But why here? Why are you with me?”
    He gave me a piercing look, but I had no idea what he was getting at.
    “Well…” I wasn’t sure how to answer. “You’re nice and definitely not as boring as the tour group. You’ve shown me some beautiful views and given me history lessons… I like your company.” It crossed my mind that maybe he thought I was just there in search of a summer fling. “Spending the night together wasn’t meant like… uh…”
    I didn’t know how to go on. I wasn’t about to tell him that I’d never even been kissed. Fortunately, Payton seemed to have gotten the answer he’d been looking for.
    “I just wanted to know if there was another reason for you to come to Scotland. Friends, or family, for example. I knew we wouldn’t… you know… spend the night together.”
    He said it so calmly that his words pained me.
    I guess I wasn’t his type, since he obviously had no intention of making any moves on me. Although I had only just that moment made sure he knew nothing serious was going to happen between us, I still somehow hoped he might try.
    “No, I don’t know anyone in Scotland. Or Great Britain, France, Spain…”
    I couldn’t understand why he’d had to go and spoil the atmosphere with such a stupid question.
    “Let’s go,” I said.
    The white beach of Mallaig was breathtaking. Cobalt water lapped in small waves on the fine sand, washing away our footprints as we went. We had already walked quite a way along the coast when Payton pulled a picnic blanket out of his backpack and spread it out behind a dune. We had already eaten dinner, but it was a nice place to rest. Payton lay down on his back, tucked his arms behind his head, and closed his eyes.
    How could he be so relaxed while my heart was constantly tapping at top speed? Trying to appear as collected as he was,