Ellie swatted him playfully across the shoulder. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“That you’d have a funny accent and walk around with your nose stuck up in the air like you’re better than everyone else. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite being the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen, you’re very kind and funny and one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met, and I really enjoy spending time with you.” Jack looked away, watching the bird bank right and disappear behind the trees.
“Thank you,” Ellie said thoughtfully. “That’s sweet of you to say. And just so you know, I enjoy spending time with you too.”
Meeting her gaze, something inside Jack shifted. The way she talked, the way she looked at him, deep into his eyes, gave him the impression that there was a genuine interest on her part, an interest that went beyond mere friendship.
When the sun went down, they returned to the dock and put away the tackle. But instead of going home, they sat with their feet in the water, talking while the night closed in around them.
Ellie stared out at the water as pieces of silvery light danced on the surface. “Thank you for taking me on the water today and all the other days. I don’t know what I would have done this summer if I hadn’t met you.”
“Don’t mention it. Besides, I like having you with me. You’re good company, Ellie, and I don’t say that about many people. And just between you and me,” he whispered, “you’re a hell of a lot better to look at than George.”
She laughed at his compliment, then, venturing a look in his direction, replied, “You’re not so bad to look at either.”
There was a moment when neither of them knew what to say or do next. Taking the initiative, Ellie scooted closer and held his hand.
Jack’s pulse jumped. His eyes flickered to Ellie, then quickly away as all the blood in his body rushed to his head. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her, to tell her how he couldn’t stop thinking about her, how when they were apart, his entire body ached. But when the courage wouldn’t come, he sat there, staring at the water, realizing he’d let a golden opportunity slip through his fingers.
CHAPTERSIX
Uncharted Waters
At first light, Jack went to see George.
“Mornin’, JB.” George opened the door ahead of him. “I wasn’t expectin’ to see you today. Everything okay?”
Jack nodded on his way in.
“There’s some ham and a couple biscuits left if you want breakfast.”
“You’re not eating?”
“Already ate.”
Jack fixed himself something to eat while George finished his coffee.
“So what’s on your mind?”
“I was hoping to ask you a question, man to man.”
George’s brows shot up. “Sounds serious. Should I be sittin’ for this?”
“Only if you want to.” While Jack washed down the biscuit with a sip of tea, George leaned against the counter. “In your expert opinion, how do you know if a girl likes you? I mean, really likes you.”
George’s lips turned up in a smile. “First, let me be clear, when it comes to women, ain’t no man an expert. Not even me. That said, the only sure-fire way to know if she likes you is to come out and ask, but I don’t recommend that. I guess what I’m tryin’ to say is, when it comes down to it, she either likes you or she don’t.”
Jack frowned. “So you’re saying it’s all about luck?”
“Luck ain’t got nothin’ to do with it,” said George. “When it comes to likin’ someone, to lovin’ someone, it’s all about what’s in your heart. That don’t mean we can’t say and do things that push us closer together or further apart, but the attraction part, that comes natural, kinda like breathin’.”
“So how can I tell if she’s attracted to me?”
“I assume we’re talkin’ about Miss Ellie?”
Jack nodded.
“Well.” George scratched his chin. “Given the time you two have been spendin’ together lately, I’d say you got a better’n fifty-fifty chance.”
