He shook his head. He wasn’t sure how his feelings had changed. It was as if someone flipped a switch, allowing him to see Jenna in a whole new light.
And what a vision she was.
The past week had been one of the happiest of his life, despite the drama at the firehouse. When he wasn’t with Jenna, he was looking forward to seeing her again. The sight of her name on his phone screen sent his heart pinging around his chest. Being with her made him absurdly happy. It was pretty ridiculous.
But he didn’t care as long as she was his.
Tonight they were heading to the carnival grounds to visit Dreamand her foal. The vet wanted her to heal there for a week or so, then she’d go back to the refuge. Her sutures would be fully healed in time for the Pony Swim, which was less than five weeks away.
The front door burst open—and there was Jenna, beaming from ear to ear.
Just like that his day went from good to great. “Well, hello there.”
She launched herself into his arms.
He caught her, chuckling as warmth spread through him. Everything was right in the world when Jenna was in his arms. “What’s all this?”
“I got the job!”
Apprehension slipped through a crack in his heart before he self-corrected. “Jenna, that’s amazing. Congratulations.” He placed a quick kiss on her mouth.
Her brown eyes sparkled, and her pearly white smile was on full display. “I can’t believe it.”
“I knew you’d get it. They’d be crazy to hire anyone else.”
She slipped her hand down to his chest. “I’m pretty stoked. She’s sending the package to look over, but I already know the basic offer, of course.”
“It’s official then.” The apprehension oozed into all the spaces around his heart. They’d only briefly discussed how this long-distance thing might play out. What if it didn’t work at all?
“I didn’t commit yet. Told her I’d let her know in a few days.”
“You’d consider turning it down?” He hated himself for the bubble of hope that swelled inside. She deserved to have fulfilling work. He wanted that for her.
Her smile dimmed. “Well, if I’m honest, I don’t relish the thought of being so far away from you.”
At least she was having the same concerns. That helped. But he didn’t want to dissuade her from a job she might truly enjoy. “I feel the same way. But you have to earn a living, and this job does seem perfect for you.”
“I just wish it werehere.”
“Me too, honey.”
Her expression softened. “Aw... you called me honey.”
His face heated. Which was stupid, considering the hours they’d spent in each other’s arms.
She palmed his cheek. “I liked friend Tyson a lot, but I like boyfriend Tyson even more.”
“Yeah?”
“Oh yeah. I might even start calling him honey. Or sweetie. Or babycakes.”
He winced at the last suggestion.
“You’re right. No babycakes.” She brushed his lips with hers. “Besides, I like calling you Parker.”
He’d been calling her Greene so long, he wasn’t sure he could break the habit. Or if he even wanted to.
Jenna eased away and patted his chest. “I think I’ll spend the next couple days seeing what’s available on the island. Or even on the mainland.”
