Except once Devyn had reached out to him, that plan had disintegrated.
Besides, as long as itwastoo late, why not make one more memory to help sustain him after she was gone?
He rested his elbow on the back of the bench as two seagulls fluttered onto the sidewalk six feet away. Jiggled his foot. Checked his watch every thirty seconds while he waited for her to appear.
When he at last caught sight of her emerging from The Perfect Blend, two drinks in hand, his heart skittered.
Taking a steadying breath, he pushed up the corners of his mouth and raised a hand in greeting.
After lifting one of the cups in response, she crossed the street and walked toward him.
As she drew close, he stood—and tried not to stare at her form-fitting leggings or the “I?Hope Harbor” T-shirt that hit her mid-thigh.
Even in casual attire, she was the most elegant woman he’d ever met.
“Good morning.” She offered him a tentative smile and searched his face, as if trying to gauge his mood.
“Morning.” His voice rasped, and he cleared his throat.
“Thanks for meeting me.” She sounded a tad winded.
Make that two of them.
“No problem. Gramp was happy to watch Isabel.” More than happy, after he’d found out the reason for the request. Hope sprang eternal with that man.
“Thank him for me later. I, uh, asked Zach what you usually ordered. He said you were an Americano guy, with an extra shot of espresso. Black.” She held out one of the cups, a slight quiver in her fingers.
Odd.
He took his drink, studying her.
Could she possibly think he was upset about the kiss she’d initiated? Had she asked for this meeting today to clear the air before she went back to New York after the show?
If so, he should—
“Did I get it wrong?” She caught her lower lip between her teeth. “Zach seemed certain about your preferences.”
“No. This is perfect.” He filled his lungs. No point beating around the bush. “Look, I’m not certain why you wanted to get together today, but if you’re worried I might be upset about what happened the day of the wedding, I’m not.”
Some of the tension in her features melted away. “I’m glad to hear that. It smooths the path for what I have to say. Could we sit for a few minutes?” She motioned to the bench.
“Sure.” He waited until she claimed a spot, then joined her, trying without success to figure out what this was all about.
She fiddled with the lid of her drink. Peeked at him from under those impossibly long lashes. “About that kiss. It was amazing. At least on my end.”
“Mine too.” In case there was any doubt in her mind.
She swallowed. Met his gaze straight on. “It was the kind of kiss that made me think the two of us could have potential.”
O-kay.
He took a slow sip of his Americano.
Where could she be heading with this?
Because as far as he could see, it was a dead end.
“In other circumstances, I’d agree.” He phrased his comment with care. “But it’s tough to sustain relationships if two people spend significant time apart.” And despite the buzz of electricity that charged the air whenever they were together, that wasn’t a challenge he wanted to tackle.
