She was at the door already and exiting by the time he got there. “Thanks for having me over. We’ll chat soon.”
He barely had time to say good-bye before she was down the porch steps.
Chapter 17
Jenna had tossed and turned all night, reliving the moments leading up to the kiss she’d given Tyson on the cheek. The way he gazed at her. The awareness crackling between them. Then the roughness of his jaw on her lips.
It was official: She wasn’t imagining these renewed feelings for Ty. And it seemed she wasn’t the only one experiencing them. The question was, what should she do about them?
That was what she’d pondered all day as she led her tours. And now, as she stacked the wet kayaks, the thoughts were still heavy on her mind.
The late-May heat made sweat bead on the back of her neck. The temperature was in the eighties and there was no breeze to cool her skin or clouds to offer a temporary reprieve.
Why had she gone and kissed Ty’s cheek? Sure, she’d been trying to comfort him. But come on. She’d never done anything like that before. The kiss had landed only centimeters from his mouth—no accident.
She shook her head at her own foolishness. She’d done it because in the moment she’d wanted to. Because her stomach fluttered and her pulse thrummed, and she wanted what she wanted, doggone it. But now, with a little time and space, well... it had been a reckless move.
The reasons were aplenty. Her friendship with Tyson was too special to ruin with a romantic fling. It was bound to go awry eventually after all. They’d end up bitter and resentful toward each other, spoiling her oldest and dearest friendship.
Furthermore, she was in no position to start another relationship. She still had to figure out why she’d settled for a relationship with Jason for so long. Until she got to the bottom of that, she was likely to hurt someone else—and God forbid that person be Tyson.
Besides that, she’d always maintained a hard-and-fast rule against dating firefighters. That dangerous occupation had already stolen her father. Her heart couldn’t stand another loss like that. Best just to avoid that treacherous situation altogether.
Three strikes and you’re out.
So that settled it. Entertaining a romantic relationship with Ty was a terrible idea. She just had to stifle these new feelings. Smother the sparks until they lay like cold ashes at her feet. She’d done it once before. She could do it again.
“How’d your tours go today?” Miss Molly exited the building and began helping Jenna stack the kayaks.
“Those middle schoolers were a fun bunch. Well behaved and curious.”
“That youth group does a tour this time every year. Always have a good turnout.” Miss Molly pushed her glasses in place. “I wanted you to know Iamtrying to find a replacement for you. I thought I had one—he gave a great interview and had a solid work history—but when I called yesterday to offer him the job, he’d already taken another position.”
Jenna wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “I’m sorry to hear that. But I don’t want you to worry on my account. I enjoy thetours, and I don’t mind sticking around the island for a while.” What did she have in Alexandria other than an empty apartment?
Miss Molly squeezed her arm. “I’m so glad to hear that. I’ve really been sweating it.”
“Well, you can ease up on yourself. I’m fine with the status quo for now. If and when I decide to return to Alexandria, I’ll give you some advance notice. How does that sound?”
“Like a dream! Thanks, honey. Any chance you might want some extra hours next week? Paul and I are supposed to go to Asheville to watch the grandkids during my daughter’s surgery.”
“I’m happy to help out in the office when I’m not giving tours.”
“You sure? I know I’m asking a lot.”
Jenna gave the woman a side hug. “You kidding me? I love it here. It feels like my second home.”
“I’ll pay you for the office hours, of course.”
“Go to Asheville and take care of those kiddos. Tina and I will hold down the fort.”
Chapter 18
A funny feeling gnawed at Tyson’s stomach as he headed home from work. He was meeting Jenna there to research Gordon. He was running late because he’d had trouble starting the Weed Eater, so he’d sent Jenna a text. But that wasn’t why his stomach quivered.
It was because he was seeing Jenna again.
Since when did seeing his best friend rattle him? And why had he relived that kiss on his cheek a hundred times in the past twenty-four hours?
