All Chapters of Sandcastle Kisses: Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

“Izzy doesn't want to see you.” Brooke's voice drifted through the open window and interrupted my nightmares. I was in the Grove running from a giant backhoe that was ripping it up. Noah sat in the driver's seat and laughed as he chased me. I was glad to wake up and find I was safe in my bed and not running and tripping on mangrove roots.I sat up in the dim gray of twilight with a blanket tucked neatly around me. My face was crusty with tears, and my ribs ached from sobbing. My laptop was still open on Noah's Wikipedia page but set neatly on the desk. I must have fallen asleep crying, and Brooke had tucked me in and saved my computer from falling off the bed. I stood up and tiptoed through the living room to stand at the entrance of the kitchen.Devon and Lucas were sitting stiffly on the couch pretending to read. They were doing a lousy job at it, though. Their ears were practically falling off their heads with how much they were straining to listen. I couldn't blame them. Devon fl

Nine hours, four scrub brushes, one broken broom, three garbage bags of leaves, and one and a half bottles of cleaning solution later, the entire research facility was clean. We kept it pretty clean anyway, but now, it practically sparkled. I had cleaned every tank, organized and swept the storage area, dusted, vacuumed, and cleaned everything I could get my hands on.I sat on the couch, watching the reflection of light in one of the now pristine fish tanks. I was exhausted physically, but somehow my mind hadn't gotten that memo. My hands ached from scrubbing, but I knew if I went and lay down for bed, I would just think of him. His kiss. How his hands felt on my skin...“The house looks awesome, Izzy.” I startled as Brooke broke into my thoughts. She glanced around appreciatively. Lucas was right behind her as they emerged from the kitchen. I could smell something delicious baking in the oven. It was Lucas's night to cook, but I was sure Brooke had helped him out. The man usually mad