But he wasn’t hers anymore. She forced herself to let go and propped up her smile. “I didn’t tell anyone.” She cleared the lump from her throat. “The swim went great. Mom and I watched with your family. Did you have any problems along the way?”
“Just the usual. Overall it went pretty smoothly.” His gaze drifted over her face, lingering on her eyes for a moment. “I can’t believe you’re here. It’s so good to see you.”
The words put a catch in her throat.Friends. Just friends.“You too. You’re looking well.” She hated the formal note to her voice. Striking this balance was harder than she’d feared.
“Got a clean bill of health.”
“I heard. Alex told me all about Marissa’s shenanigans. How awful. I’m so glad you came out unscathed.”
“That was a pretty stressful week. I’m sure glad it’s over. But what about you? How’s your new job going?”
“Oh, well... it was going okay, I guess, but—”
“Was?”
She gave a sheepish grin. “I don’t work there anymore. In fact, I’m moving back to the island and I’m buying Coastal Currents.”
His head jerked back. “What?Are you serious? Jen, that’s amazing.” He grabbed her up in another hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks. I’m really excited.” Her smile was real this time because running that business would be a dream come true. But also because she was savoring the feel of Ty’s strong arms and the familiar weight of his head resting on top of hers. He seemed genuinely happy she was coming back.
But the realization that she’d given all this up wiped the smile from her face. It was time to apologize for her appalling lack of courage. She’d hurt him too, after all.
“How did all this come about?” he asked.
She drew away. Tucked a wayward strand behind her ear. “Listen, Ty... I’ll tell you all about it. But first I owe you an apology. The day I left I was a wreck. I let my fear take control and all I wanted to do was run.”
He took her hand, his eyes softening. “I understand, Jen. I didn’t like it, but I did get it.”
“But those aremyissues. I need to deal with them—and I’m doing that. I’m not going to let my fear hold me back anymore.”
Something glimmered in his eyes. “That’s great, Jenna. I want what’s best for you.”
Her eyes burned with tears at his selflessness. She squeezed his hand. “I feel the same about you. But I know I blew it when I left. And I wouldn’t blame you if you’ve decided to move on.”
“Move on?”
She had to come clean. “I heard you met up with Britt recently. I don’t know what happened or is going to happen, and that’s really none of my—”
“Jenna, stop.” He pinned her with his steady gaze. “Nothing happened. Nothing is going to happen. I ran into her at the coffee shop and she asked me to sit with her. I’ll admit she had some ideas about reconciling. But Jenna... I don’t have feelings for her anymore.” Hesqueezed her hands in his as his eyes grew intense. “Surely you know there’s no room in my heart for anyone but you.”
A chill swept over her. Her breath whooshed out as the tears overflowed. “Really?”
“How could you think anything else? I love you, Jen. I’ve missed you like crazy. Every day without you has been a battle. I picked up the phone a hundred times to call you.”
“Oh, Ty... I’ve missed you too. I love you so much.”
Joy flickered in his eyes and his mouth turned up at the corners just before his hands held her face just so as he brushed her lips with his.
Jenna melted in the wake of his gentle kiss. Was this really happening? She hadn’t ruined things after all? She drew back, needing to see the answer in his eyes.
It was there, shining back at her in the steady affection in his eyes. In the soft tug of his grin. And then it was there in the form of his wonderful words.
“Welcome home, Greene. Don’t you ever leave again.”
Epilogue
It seemed spring had arrived early this year. The sun glimmered on the water as Jenna and Tyson guided their kayaks across the channel. Their paddles sluiced quietly through the water, propelling them toward Assateague. She relished the delicious warmth on her skin after the long, cold winter—their second together.
