Across the Ocean by Heather Sosbee Read Free Book Online

entering through a gate into a very large garden. The weather is now chilly and drizzly, kind of misty. The grey clouds are really low, and our hair and clothing are collecting tiny water droplets. Ari lets go of my hand to allow me to walk a little in front of him. I instantly miss his warmth.
    Heading up to the top of a set of very wide steps, I can see where it is that we are. Church bells start ringing from across the street, contributing to this very special moment. My breath catches in my throat and my hand reaches up to rest lightly on my chest. It’s so beautiful here. My throat tightens, probably just from intensity of emotion with what my eyes are being gifted with. This moment is magical since Ari is here with me when I behold this place for the first time.
    Absolutely amazing statues are filling the garden in front of us, at the top of the stairs. They all appear to be by the same artist and are strategically placed in an aesthetically pleasing display. In the very center of the garden is a statue of a woman sitting in a throne, head bent down, and her arms resting upon the high armrests. She looks so regal and maternal. We stop in front of it to inspect her more closely. There is another younger or smaller person in her arms, huddling close, sitting on her lap and leaning into her. It’s beautiful and powerful.
    “Einar Jónsson is Iceland ’s first recognized sculptor. I’m sure you can see that most of his sculptures are a collection of Norse mythology and symbolism. I love this place.” Ari’s voice isn’t far behind me.
    There are so many statues in this magical garden. I turn to Ari with wide eyes and a huge smile to mention how beautiful this place is. Still, the expression on his face stops me. He’s looking at me, a slight frown on his face, almost confused. I’m not sure if he’s happy or not. My own smile falters from sudden uncertainty. The intensity of his gaze worries me. Is he angry?
    “Is everything okay with you?” I take a step closer to him. I feel like, inside this garden, we are in a hidden and secret world just for us, so maybe he ’ll confide in me like old times.
    “You were never supposed to come here.”
    I can barely hear him. He is speaking so quietly. I’m now standing close enough to where I could touch him if I reached out. It’s so tempting. My fingers wiggle a little as I struggle to keep my hands to myself.
    “Do you regret that I ’ve come?” I’m not sure I’m ready for his answer.
    “No .” He shuffles his feet a little, and I realize he’s coming closer to me. His response fills me with relief. My heart starts to speed up and my breath catches a little in my throat. Why is he coming closer? Please, keep coming closer.
    “I just don ’t know what I’m supposed to do. This wasn’t supposed to happen.” Is that a thread of desperation I hear in his voice? He is frowning at me. I get the impression he’s trying to convey more than his words let on.
    “I know. It ’s strange for me too. I’m sorry if my being here is causing you pain. That’s never been my intention. Ari, you’re not supposed to do anything. You aren’t obligated to do anything towards me.” The poor guy seems so troubled that my heart squeezes.
    “I wasn ’t prepared for how I would feel when I saw you face to face for the first time.” My eyes fly up to meet his. I feel shocked stupid by his words. Maybe he does feel something for me. Maybe I can—no wait. He’s dating someone. He’s unavailable. Knock it the fuck off, Brooke .
    I ’m not even exactly sure what I’m supposed to say. Opting instead to keep my mouth shut, I raise my head and look him directly in the eyes, trying to communicate that I feel the same way without saying anything at all. His eyes gaze back into mine for a long moment, and I’m pretty sure the world around us is starting to move in slow motion.
    All I can see is the clear blue of his eyes. I ’m trapped in tunnel vision, sucked into the