“I didn’t say that.” I rub at my sore temples. “You’ve just sprung all this on me, and it’s a lot to take in.”
Compassion is written all over his face. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m pressuring you without even giving you time to think about it.” He steps right up to me, gently brushing his fingers against my arm. “I’ve just missed you so much. Spending time with you again is like no time has passed. Like we were never separated. It’s hard to be in your presence and not touch you or kiss you.”
“We spent more time as platonic friends than romantic partners,” I remind him, in case he’s forgotten.
“Then let’s be friends again.” His eyes twinkle as if the idea has only occurred to him. “It will be torturous, but let’s go back to the beginning. Please, Syd,” he adds when he senses my warring emotions and thoughts. “Just let me get to know you again. I promise I won’t pressure you. We’ll just hang out, like old times, and see where things lead.”
“I’m making no promises, Jared.”
“I’m not asking for any.” He flashes me a confident grin.
“If anything was to develop, it won’t happen until after your son is born.”
“Okay.” His grin expands, and I glare at him.
“I mean it, J. No funny business.”
“Scout’s honor.” He does a two-finger salute, and I roll my eyes.
“You were never in the scouts.”
“I’ll be honorable, Syd. I swear.” His fingers wrap gently around my arm. “You’re too important to mess this up. Whatever you need is yours. I promise I will let you set the pace.”
“Friends, Jared. We’re just friends.”
“For now.” The grin is back in full force, and I wonder what the hell I’ve signed up for.
* * *
“I can’t believe your mother had an affair with Jared’s dad,” Cay says on Saturday night as we prep the salads in the kitchen while Jerry mans the grill outside.
“It kind of explains some things even if I was loath to believe J when he first told me.”
“You could always ask your dad?” she suggests, tossing the salad leaves in basil-scented olive oil.
“I want nothing more to do with that man, and I’m not sure I’d believe anything he says anyway.”
“What about your brothers? They’re older than you, and they might know.”
“I’m not close with them. You know that. If Tucker and Felix don’t know, maybe it should stay that way. I don’t remember Mom. I was too little when she died, but they have lots of fond memories of her. Why take that away?” I say as I remove the baked potatoes from the oven.
“You shouldn’t carry the burden alone,” she adds, dressing the salad with cubed feta, olives, and sliced tomatoes.
“It’s not a burden. It’s just another piece of the puzzle,” I say as the doorbell chimes. “One I suspect I’ll never be able to complete.” Wiping my hands on my apron, I remove it and straighten the front of my dress. “Do I look okay?” Knots form in my stomach as I bite on the inside of my cheek.
Cayenne beams. “You can spout this friendship crap till the cows come home, but I’m not buying it. You’re positively glowing, Sydney.”
“Why are you so happy about this?” I ask as the doorbell chimes again.
“I’ll get it!” Jerry strides inside and heads toward the hallway.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” She takes my trembling hands in hers. “We know Jared. Deep down, we know who he is. He’s a good guy. You’ve been in love with him your whole life, and he’s still in love with you. I understand there are obstacles, and the timing isn’t quite right, but you’re going to figure it out. I just want you to be happy, babe, and he’s always been your happy place.”
“He has a lot to make up to me.”
“I do,” the man himself says, appearing in the entrance to the kitchen with Jerry hovering beside him. “I know I need to win back your trust, and I’m determined to do it.”
I try—and fail—to not notice how hot Jared looks in his dark jean shorts and light-blue shirt that is rolled up to the sleeves, showcasing the ink covering both arms and his toned, tan skin. His hair is tamed back off his face, the stubble on his chin and cheeks is neatly trimmed, and he smells incredible as he leans in to kiss me on both cheeks. “Thanks for inviting me. You look beautiful.” His eyes roam appreciatively over me as he hands me a large bouquet of flowers and a bottle of Sancerre.
