He takes a step back and shoves his hands in his pockets.
“Thank you,” I say, “for the drawing. It’s uh… it’s the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever been given.”
“You’re welcome. It’s no big deal.”
Um. Yes. It is.
But I don’t argue with him. Instead, I move toward him in the tight space of the hallway and wrap my arms around his waist, squeezing him tight.
I think I’ve shocked him, like every other time we’re in each other's presence, because he doesn’t react at first. But he finally comes to his senses and wraps his arms around my shoulders, squeezing me back. His warmth is all-consuming as he hugs me, and I can’t help the butterflies that swarm in my stomach at his touch. This is a one-hundred percent platonic hug, but my body doesn’t get the memo because I’m heating up from the inside out.
He leans his cheek on the top of my head, and I relax into the easy affection. Why have we not hugged before? We should have been hugging this whole time.
And he smells so freaking good. Like sandalwood and saltwater.
A throat clears down the hallway, and I quickly pull away from Declan to see who the sound is coming from.
My dad stands at the end of the hallway with his hands in his pockets.
Shit.
“When you two are done here, it’s time to go to the beach. You can change into your wetsuit in the bathroom, Declan,” my dad says, and I swear I see his lip twitch up on one side, but it could just be a trick of the light.
When he turns around and leaves, I plant my forehead on Declan’s chest and groan. “Why is everything so weird?”
He lets out a chuckle. “Because our friendship started unconventionally.”
Right.Friendship.
I go to pull back, but he surprises me by cradling my head in his hands and tilting my head up to look at him. His light eyes search mine, and he leans down. I hold my breath and don’t break eye contact with him. He shifts his face just slightly and plants a soft kiss right next to my mouth. The first thought that crosses my mind is, did he not eat the scone because he had planned to kiss my face? No. That can’t be right.
I finally close my eyes and soak in the moment. I have a feeling this could be the first and last time he does this with how hot and cold he is, and I want to bask in the way he’s holding me right now. Never mind how my heart races or how I want to wrap myself around him and never let go.
What is this man doing to me?
My emotions are all over the place when I’m around him, and I have no idea which way is up or which way is down.
But we’re friends, and I need to remember that.
He slowly pulls back and licks his lips, like he’s savoring the taste of my skin. “I’m gonna grab my stuff and get dressed,” he says softly, pulling his hands from my face.
I blink a few times before speaking. “Right.” I pull my sweatshirt sleeves over my hands. “Thank you again for the gift, it’s beautiful.”
“You’re welcome.”
How did I just get friend-zoned again, and at the same time feel like I was being claimed by my pen pal slash neighbor slash friend?
I’ve never been more confused in my life.
Chapter 9
Penny
My dad and Declan are crazy. One hundred percent crazy. You couldn’t pay me a million dollars to set foot in the Pacific Ocean in December.
Kate and I are bundled up in puffer jackets and blankets, sitting on the sand, trying not to freeze our asses off while we watch the guys surf. The sky is gray, and the wind has a bite to it that stings my eyes. We’ve been out here for over an hour, and I can’t wait to get back inside the warm house.
I don’t know how my mom is walking down the beach with Autumn. But they’re trying to find shells in the sand tomake this year's Christmas ornament, and Autumn is happier than can be.
