His lips quirked up in a smile. “I like the sound of that.”
The air between them felt charged, electric. Her heart pounded as she met his gaze, saw the warmth in his eyes. She knew they were treading on dangerous ground, blurring the lines between professional collaboration and personal connection. But at this point, she didn’t care. She just enjoyed being with him.
Her breath caught in her throat as he reached over and took her hand in his. His touch was warm and gentle, sending a tingling sensation up her arm. She gazed at him, her heart pounding as he brushed back a lock of her hair that had fallen across her face.
Time seemed to slow down as their eyes met. She found herself lost in the depths of his gaze, noticing the flecks of gold in his brown eyes. The air between them crackled with anticipation. She was almost certain he was going to lean in and kiss her. Part of her desperately wanted him to, while another part felt a nervous warning. She hadn’t figured out her own life and what she wanted, much less adding another person to the mix. Her thoughts jumbled around in her mind.
His hand lingered near her face, his thumb lightly caressing her cheek. She felt herself leaning slightly toward him, drawn by an invisible force. The porch, the B&B, and even the entire island seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in this moment.
Just as she thought he might close the distance between them, the porch door creaked open. Gran’s voice broke through the silence, shattering the intimate moment.
“Felicity, dear, I was wondering if you could—oh!” Gran stopped short as she stepped onto the porch, taking in the scene before her.
She and Brent quickly pulled apart. Her cheeks burned, and she knew they must be bright red. She glanced at Brent, who looked equally embarrassed, running a hand through his hair and clearing his throat.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Gran said, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Felicity stood up, smoothing down her clothes and struggling to keep her voice steady. “You didn’t interrupt anything, Gran. We were just… discussing our research findings.” The words sounded hollow even to her own ears.
Gran’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Of course, dear. Well, when you’re finished with your…research discussion, could you help me with something in the kitchen?”
“Sure, Gran. I’ll be right there,” she replied, still struggling to keep her voice level.
As Gran turned to go back inside, she caught the hint of a smile on her grandmother’s face. She knew Gran wasn’t fooled for a second.
She turned back to Brent, unsure of what to say. The moment that had been building between them had evaporated, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.
“I… uh… I should go help Gran.”
He nodded and rose from his chair. “You should.”
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow after breakfast and we’ll go do Dale’s?”
“I’ll see you then.”
She turned and fled back inside, not sure if she was glad the moment was interrupted so she had time to figure out her feelings—or if she wished they had just jumped into the kiss and saw where it led them.
That is, if he really had been ready to kiss her.
He had been, hadn’t he?
Felicity walked into the kitchen, her heart still somersaulting from the almost-kiss with Brent on the porch. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself as she approached Gran, who was busy measuring ingredients for her renowned lemon bars.
Gran looked up as she entered, a knowing twinkle in her eyes. “I’m sorry for interrupting. I didn’t realize you and Brent were having a moment.”
She felt her cheeks flush. “It’s okay, Gran. To be honest, I’m not sure what I want these days. My career, my future. It’s just all up in the air. It’s not fair to drag anyone else into my mess.”
Gran put down her mixing bowl and turned to face Felicity, her expression softening. “Oh, honey. I know you’ve been going through a tough time. Trying to figure out what’s next for you. But maybe you just need to give it time. Things have a way of sorting themselves out if you give them time.”
She sighed, resting a hip against the counter. “I wish I had your confidence, Gran. I feel so lost right now. Like I don’t even know who I am anymore. Teaching used to be everything to me, but now…” she trailed off, shaking her head.
Gran reached out and patted her hand. “You’re still the same wonderful, caring person you’ve always been. Just because you’re not sure about your career doesn’t mean you’ve lost yourself. You are more than just a teacher. You’re a wonderful woman in your own right. Even without identifying as a teacher. And as for Brent, well, sometimes the best things come along when we least expect them.”
She smiled at her grandmother’s wisdom. “I do enjoy spending time with him. But I don’t want to start something when I’m not sure what I want for myself.”
“That’s understandable. But don’t be afraid to open your heart to the possibilities. You never know where they might lead you.” Gran gave her a reassuring smile before turning back to her baking.
She nodded, mulling over her grandmother’s words. Gran had a point. She needed to focus on figuring out her own path, but she couldn’t deny the growing connection she felt with Brent. His warm brown eyes and easy smile flashed through her mind. Maybe Gran was right. Maybe she just needed to give it time and see where things led, without putting too much pressure on herself or the situation.
