I blush, glancing down at my feet. But only for a second because Jett’s fingers are placed under my chin as he raises my head. “Don’t hide from me, Wren. Not anymore.”
I glance around the room, at the women watching us, whispering amongst each other. “You’re causing a scene.”
Jett surprises me as he leans in. The smell of leather, vanilla, mint, and a hint of smoke surround me. For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me, but that would be crazy…right? Instead, I feel his lips brush against the shell of my ear.
“Let them watch,” he whispers, and goosebumps break free over my skin.
I swallow, painfully aware of how exposed this feels, how intimate it feels when it’s anything but. Eyes bore into my back from everyone watching this interaction and filing it away for gossip over coffee tomorrow morning. That’s if it doesn’t hit The Bay Buzz by lunchtime.
His mouth curves into a small smile, the kind that always did me in. It’s the private one he reserves for the people closest to him.
He shifts his weight, eyes never leaving mine as he slides his hands into his pockets before clearing his throat. “So what do you say, Wren?”
Patient and open, his eyes search my face. Vulnerable in a way that takes me straight back to the boy who once waited outside my house until I came home from student council, a bouquetof wildflowers draped across his lap, palms sweaty, and his heart on full display.
The room doesn’t go quiet, but it’s as if we’re the only two people in it. There’s still conversation and laughter. Tables are being moved as lights are strung.
But everything inside me stills.
This is it.
The moment I knew was coming. The chance for a fresh start. We’ve been through so much over the years, so much pain and hurt, but this is our second chance.
“Be my date tonight?” he asks.
I glance around again without meaning to. Levi and Heath are conducting checks around the room, but I don’t miss the not-so-subtle glances they cast our way. Jocelyn Reames and her mom are openly watching us, lips pursed in interest. Jocelyn’s arms are folded across her chest, a jealous look on her face. She’s always had a crush on Jett, and needless to say, she made my high school years hell with her insecurities. Not to mention, she likes to post a lot on The Bay Buzz about me.
There are no secrets in a small town.
Especially when it comes to us.
“I’d love nothing more than to be your date tonight, J.”
His breath releases like he’s been holding it for weeks, maybe even years.
“You would?”
I nod, my smile breaking free despite the tears escaping. “Yeah, I would.”
The smile that spreads across his face is slow and brilliant, devastatingly handsome. Pride mixes with relief and something tender, all wrapped together.
“Six o’clock?” he asks, voice lighter.
I laugh. “You always did like to be early.”
“More time to spend with you.”
I shake my head and playfully shove his shoulder. “Get out of here.”
A hearty chuckle escapes him as he flashes me a wink. “See you tonight, baby.”
Baby.
There goes my damn heart skipping another beat. It feels like I’m sixteen again, not nearing thirty. But I guess that’s what being in love—wait, I’m not in love with Jett. Or…maybe I never stopped being in love with him.MaybeI’ve been waiting for the right time to feel these feelings again. Has it always been him? Were we destined to go through so much agony to prove how much we mean to each other? Because at the end of time, it’ll always be us.
Jett steps back, his eyes never wavering as he reaches up and cups my cheek again. It’s soft and intimate and the opposite of him. His lips find my forehead in a gentle kiss.
“It’s a date.”
