Fathom by L. Standage (spanish books to read .TXT) 📕

Calder started the engine. I jumped and turned, hurrying to get into the front seat. He remained silent as I buckled my seatbelt.

“The sunset is pretty today,” I said, trying to break the icy hush. He didn’t reply but looked over his shoulder to make sure the road was clear before pulling away from the house. Ugh, why did I talk?

The drive to Oceana was the same—more thick silence. I kept stealing glances at Calder. He stared straight ahead, one hand on the steering wheel, the other on the gearshift. I wished Samantha were here. At least I’d have someone to talk to. I tried again.

“How long have you been with Eamon’s group?” I asked.

“Two years,” he said. I nodded, hoping he’d elaborate. He didn’t.

“And you’re from Scotland?” I knew this answer, of course, but I couldn’t stand just sitting there in stony silence.

“Yes.”

“Do you have any family there?”

“Look, Olivia…we’re not exactly on holiday here. I suggest you focus.”

Ouch. I closed my mouth and looked out the window. I frowned at my reflection in the glass, hating myself. Because apart from being affronted, I felt the smallest flutter in my stomach at the sound of my name on Calder’s lips. Why, though? I didn’t like him. He didn’t like me. Relationships were for people who had too many hormones and nothing better to pursue. Why the big deal? I gritted my teeth and closed my eyes.

After several more awkward minutes, we arrived at our destination. We parked, got out of the car, and made our way against the trickle of people leaving the park. Calder stood at the ticket window to buy tickets from a park employee gazing at her cell phone.

“Welcome to the Oceana Marine Adventure park,” she muttered. She handed him a park map, then went back to her phone.

“Thank you.”

He proceeded through the turnstile. I followed. After going through, Calder reached back and took my hand. Startled, I tried to pull away, my heart shooting into high gear. He held onto my hand tighter and pulled me nearer to his side, close enough to whisper harshly into my ear. “We have to look inconspicuous. Walk slow, pretend to enjoy the sights.”

Pretend? All of a sudden, I was twelve again, holding a guy’s hand for the first time and swallowing down a weird flock of butterflies that had burst into being in my stomach. We slowed to a meandering stroll, the thud of my pulse building. I hoped Calder couldn’t feel it in my fingers interlocked with his.

Holy crap, get a hold of yourself, girl, I thought savagely. He’s just a guy!

Landon cheated on me almost a year ago; I hadn’t had any physical interaction with a guy ever since. Maybe that was it. Yeah. Even a small sip of water makes a big difference after a drought.

His hand was warm and rougher than mine, but supple with the slight perspiration borne from his own nerves at what we were about to do. I glanced at him walking beside me. He seemed so calm, so calculating. His gaze swept the surrounding areas and lingered on the tidal pool exhibit before he looked at the map.

We passed a few security guards, but they didn’t give us a second glance. To them, we were just another couple on a date.

“The firework show,” Calder said, reading the list of events on the back of the map. “We’ll do it then.”

As I struggled to control my trembling, we walked over the pathways and waited for twilight to diminish. We passed souvenir shops with overpriced merchandise, wandered around overgrown hedges, and passed entrances to the various aquariums. I wanted to go in and check on the fish to see if their conditions had improved since the last time I came, but I didn’t dare suggest it. We weren’t here for sight-seeing or even to rescue the animals.

When the shadows had darkened, we made our way to the gift shops next to the shark exhibit, where the side door would take us to the offices inside. Calder let go of my hand.

Eamon’s voice buzzed in my ear.

“Okay, you two, I can see you now. Hang tight for a bit, don’t go into the building yet.”

We waited, lounging against the wall. Calder opened the park map as if to study what we wanted to do next, but his eyes looked right through it.

“Based on our recon,” came the crackle of Uther’s accent, “Linnaeus normally leaves his office around this time. Give it a few minutes, get ready for the door to open.”

“When he comes out, don’t let him see Olivia,” said Eamon. Calder turned toward me and blocked my view of the door. I leaned closer to him as if to look at the map as well. I could hear his low, steady breathing. I could smell him. Even his deodorant smelled sexy. I dared to peek up at him from beneath the brim of my hat. His eyes flicked up to mine. I looked down.

Stop, you idiot. You’re doing it again. I ground my teeth together and focused on watching the door over Calder’s shoulder.

“Wait, did you get a key card?” I asked. The door to the building swung open. I tensed. The man who emerged from the building walked by. I watched him pass and recognized the suit and the fair hair. He disappeared around the corner.

Without missing a beat, Calder turned and hurled out his arm to stop the door from closing.

“Come on,” he whispered, grabbing my shoulder and pulling me in. The door closed behind us.

“Alright, you’re on your own now,” said Eamon. “Hurry. We’ll tell you if he comes back.”

“Which way?” Calder asked me. I took the lead, walking down the hallway until reaching the junction.

“Hide, quickly!” said Eamon. “Park employee approaching.”

Frantic, I darted toward the same broom closet I had hid in before. Just as the door to the outside moved, I yanked the closet open, threw myself inside, then pulled Calder in after me. I knocked over a