“Don’t lose hope. Even if we strike out online, we’re not done. We still have tomorrow and we can head back over to the house.” They both had to return to the island tomorrow night in time for work Wednesday.
“Presuming she works outside the home, we should get there early, maybe catch her as she’s leaving.”
“Would you want to approach her?” he asked.
“I think we should. If she’s off to work, we won’t get another chance before we have to leave. If she doesn’t leave for work, we can wait until a respectable hour and knock on the door.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
The low timbre of his voice was pleasant and inviting. The breeze carried the scent of his familiar cologne, and Jenna drew a deep breath. It was even better than the lavender, beckoning memories of quiet talks, good-natured teasing, and boisterous laugher. He’d always been such a fun, easy person to be around. A good companion.
She cut him a sideways glance. The golden patio light sparkled like copper in his hair while the glow of the laptop lit his facial features. His brows drew together as he searched yet another social media platform for the elusive woman.
He shifted his arm, bringing it in contact with hers as his fingers hunted and pecked across the keyboard. Such nice hands. Big andmasculine, with fingers that tapered to squared-off tips. His palms sported calluses from tasks both on the job and with the fire company. He’d never been afraid of hard work.
And here she was, gazing longingly at his hands. She shook her head. So much for conquering her thoughts. She was losing her mind—and this battle.
“Maybe this one?” Ty clicked on a profile of a woman who seemed about Gordon’s age. “She’s from DC and studied at the University of Maryland, DC.”
Jenna skimmed the profile and pointed at the screen. “But she currently lives in Pittsburgh.”
Tyson sighed. “You’re right.” He toggled back and continued scrolling through the Rosalind Smiths. “She has to be here somewhere.”
Jenna’s fingers itched to smooth his brow. He was going above and beyond to help her, taking two days off work. Driving all the way here. He was such a loyal friend.
Friend.
Because that’s the kind of thoughts you’re having about him.
She rolled her eyes. Friends didn’t notice hands or long to smooth brows. They didn’t savor the feeling of their arms pressed together or relish the tones of each other’s voices.
Somehow this summer, her feelings of friendship had been on a slow, steady slide into something more. Something romantic. Something alluring and yet scary.
Something completely irresistible.
As if sensing her appraisal he turned her way. His gaze swept over her features, concern flickering in his eyes. “Don’t be discouraged.”
“I’m not. I’m really thankful, Ty. I can’t tell you how much your help means to me.” She leaned forward and planted a kiss on hischeek and savored the instant reward—the warmth of his body, the scent of his skin, the roughness of his jaw.
But as she withdrew, worry washed over her. She’d kissed him on the cheektwicein a matter of weeks. What was wrong with her? She was about to ruin the best thing she had going.
The heat of Jenna’s lips was like a brand on his cheek. Tyson’s heart stuttered at her nearness. This lingering kiss, like the last one, landed so close to his mouth it pained him. Why hadn’t he turned just a fraction of an inch and captured that kiss with his lips? But it was too late now. She was already retreating.
Her breath whispered across his skin as she withdrew, eyes still closed. His gaze dropped to those lips. Before darting back to her eyes, which now opened slowly.
Their gazes locked. Was that desire shimmering on the surface? The thought of it buoyed him. But the glimmer was gone in an instant. Replaced by something less welcome.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I keep—”
He stole the words with his mouth. He brushed his lips over hers slowly. Carefully. And then she responded. A fire kindled inside him as their lips mated in a sensuous dance. He held on to his restraint. Even when her palm pressed against the skittering pulse at his neck.
His hands found the curve of her waist as everything around them evaporated. It was just the two of them and this mesmerizing moment.
It was enthralling.
It was perfection.
He never wanted it to end.
