Free Seaside Heartbeats: A Sweet Romance (The Seaside Hunters Book 2) by Stacy Claflin Page B

he breathed in and out. It moved slowly through him until he was able to think clearly again. He leaned against the rail. He had to take this slowly—or at least find a way to slow down what was already barreling at dangerous speeds.
    Before going into the woods with her alone, he needed a safe date. Something that wouldn't be alone. Maybe they could go out somewhere with Jake and Tiffany or Cora and Marcus. Anyone would do, really. So long as he had someone else to focus on besides just Lana.
    "There you are."
    Brayden turned around to see Lana standing in the doorway. She was gorgeous, threatening to steal away his cleared mind. "Sometimes being in nature helps me to think. Did you find any clues?"
    "No, but there are so many books to go through. What are the chances of finding just one that has something?"
    "We can always come back." He stepped closer to her, careful not to get too close.
    She nodded, looking thoughtful. "We should get back before my family starts to worry. Since I went to the ER, they've been watching me like a hawk."
    "Can't blame them, can we?"
    "I guess not. But they shouldn't worry too much since I'm with my—a—cardiologist."
    They stared at each other. Brayden could barely breathe. He needed to get her back home, and quickly. She broke their eye contact and moved inside.
    "Maybe next time we'll find a decent clue," he said.
    "When's next time?" She looked hopeful.
    "As soon as possible."
    "Good." Lana smiled. "In the meantime, I'm going to find everything I can about the history of this town online. There has to be something to point us in the right direction."
    "Maybe." Brayden's gaze wandered to Lana's ear. Her right earring hung at a funny angle—it was about to fall out. "Hold on."
    "What?" she turned her head, sending the diamond stud flying down toward the ground. It landed on the old wooden floor and rolled behind a little table next to the couch.
    Lana grabbed her ear and held out the back of her earring. "At least this part didn't fall." She stuck it in a pocket, and then stood near the little table, looking behind it.
    "Do you see it?" asked Brayden.
    "No. Let me use the flashlight on my phone."
    "I can do you one better." Brayden pulled a mini-maglight from his pocket.
    Lana stared at him. "You… you keep one with you?"
    "Always. They're always needed when least expected."
    She looked impressed, and he held back a smile. "See what you can find," she said, moving out of his way.
    Brayden moved as close to the end table as he could and turned on the light. The diamond caught the light near the wall, pretty far behind the couch. "I see it." He moved the table and then he pulled on the couch. Both were a lot heavier than they looked. He pulled again, this time making more progress. "They sure don't make furniture like this anymore."
    "Let me help." Lana went around to the front and put her hands underneath the front. Between the two of them, they were able to move it out far enough for him to squeeze against the wall and pick up the small stud.
    She grinned, looking at him like he was a hero. They put everything back in place, and then Brayden walked over to her feeling like he'd moved a mountain, not furniture. He loved the way she looked at him.
    Brayden considered sliding the earring back into her ear—she was standing close enough—but he had no experience putting earrings in and didn't want to hurt her. So, he held it out and she took it, clasping it in her hand.
    "I can't thank you enough."
    "It was nothing."
    Lana shook her head. "It really was. My parents gave these to me when I graduated high school, and they're really special to me. Thank you, Brayden. I can't tell you how worried I was." She threw herself against him, wrapping her arms around him.
    "You're welcome. I'm glad I could help." He squeezed her tight, taking in her sweet scent.
    She stood back and put the earring back in its place. "We should probably get back."
    He nodded in agreement, unable to find his voice. The