Jenna took another sip of her drink as she scanned the local artwork on the wall.
“Okay... what was that?” Sofia said.
“What was what?”
“That. The two of you just now.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” But the heat rolling into her cheeks belied the statement.
“You guys were flirting with each other.” Sofia’s tone was infused with delight.
“No...”
“Yes.”
Jenna thought back to the conversation. Had they been flirting? Maybe just a little. If so, that was new.
“What is going on? There’s something you’re not telling me—you’re biting your lip.”
Jenna released it. “Nothing. There’s nothing going on. But we did have kind of a weird thing yesterday.” Jenna tried to explain the tense moment that had passed between them, but she ended up feeling stupid—as nothing had actually happened.
“It sounds as if you experienced a fresh awareness of Tyson.”
“I’m perfectly aware of Tyson.”
Sofia gave a droll grin. “Don’t be obtuse. You saw him in a new way. As aman. And maybe he saw you in a new way too.”
Jenna squirmed. “I don’t think so. He cleared his throat and that was that.”
“Well, if he cleared his throat then.”
“He was putting an end to the... the... whatever it was!”
“Moment of heightened awareness. If your friendship’s moving in a different direction, that’s a delicate matter. And if he ended the moment, it might’ve been because he was just as confused as you. But I’d also like to point out once again that he was flirting with you just now, so...”
“He was just teasing me, his good ol’ buddy.”
Sofia offered a saucy grin. “Somebody’s in deep denial.”
Jenna sent her a mock scowl. But was her friend right? Were Tyson’s feelings for Jenna evolving? Did she want them to? Something took flight inside her at the thought. She sure hadn’t minded the flirting. And those fluttery feelings he’d stirred yesterday had been rather pleasant.
“Do you think your feelings for him are shifting? There’s nothing wrong with that, you know. Tyson’s a great guy.”
“I have no business thinking aboutanyman right now. I just ended a long-term relationship.” She had to figure out if something was wrong with her before she plunged headlong into another relationship.
“I hear what you’re saying, and that’s certainly a valid point. But just for the record”—Sofia cocked a brow—“you didn’t answer my question.”
Chapter 15
Tyson frowned as Mama Dee cozied up to Gordon on the patio love seat. Ty’s parents had invited the couple and Jenna for supper. They’d also invited Ty and his brothers, but Alex and Seth had other plans.
Now the group was settled in the outdoor oasis they’d created two summers ago. Ty laid the brick pavers, forming the sweeping curves of the free-form patio. Dad made and set the firepit. Mom hung the overhead lights, picked out the furniture, and added all the finishing touches. The guests loved it.
As sparks shot up into the darkened sky and conversation carried around the pit, Ty could see why. A warm breeze rustled the treetops. Out in the darkened paddock Penny nickered. Patches’ answer followed soon after.
“And then one of those monkeys jumped right on top of my head!” Mama Dee said.
Gordon peered down at her. “She squealed like a little schoolgirl.”
