69 Run.... Beach.... Blah Blah.... Happy Place

"A run?" Nate asks as I pull out of his arms and walk into the bedroom to open my suitcase.

"Yeah.  I haven't worked out much this week."  I know Nate goes to the gym every morning before he follows me into the office.  "I need a run.

"Wow."  The wrap around porch that does indeed circle the entire house, is extended out farther in the back, over a steep decline in the terrain that leads down to the sand below.  There is an outdoor kitchen, and plush furniture on the covered space.  The railing is made of thick rustic logs, most likely native to this area, and there is a long stairway that leads down to the beach.

Half way down the decline, the stairs stop at a large gazebo with more plush furniture and a fire pit.  It would be a great spot to sit in the evening with a glass of wine, roast some marshmallows and watch the sunset.

Nate leads me all the way down to the sand.  "Well, the climb back up is going to be one hell of a workout," I remark dryly.

He chuckles down at me.  "Why do you think the gazebo is there?  I don't need anyone having a heart attack on my property."

We walk down to the shoreline where the sand is packed and wet and silently start to run, setting a steady, even pace, running in silence, listening to the water, the birds, and our feet as they rhythmically hit the sand.

We run around drift wood, over seashells, and even spot the carcass of a sea lion, most likely washed up during the tide.

"If you want to run ahead of me, it's okay," I say, breaking the quiet.  "I know your legs are longer than mine."

"I'm good."

I glance over at him, and he grabs my elbow, pulling me to the right.  "Watch out."

He's steered me around a washed-up log.

"Thanks."

After about twenty minutes, we decide to turn around and head back.  We've run a long way down the beach, which means we have to run all the way back.

I slow down to a walk when I spot the dead sea lion.

"Julianne?"  Nate is out of breath.

"I'm fine, time to walk."  I'm also panting and we walk toward the house.

"I love it here." Nate's eyes are fixed on the waves as they tumble toward us.  "It's like when I'm here, nothing else matters."

I love the beach too, and I know exactly what he means.

"Being at the beach makes me focus on myself.  I forget to worry," I frown as I stare out at the water, trying to articulate my thoughts.  "I guess it's my happy place."

"You're my happy place, baby."

My head whips up to meet his gaze at his softly spoken words.  He just smiles and takes my hand in his as we continue along the shoreline.

"Come on, let's feed you lunch."