“That sounds great,” I say, and I mean it. Finn and I were roommates for most of our time in university, and we stayed in touch even after I moved back home to Dogwood Cove and he went down to California for a job.
“Finn, this is Summer. We grew up together in Dogwood Cove and she recently moved back.”
Finn shakes Summer’s free hand, his easy grin dancing between us. “Childhood sweethearts?”
Summer laughs. “Not exactly. His younger sister is my best friend and we, well,” she looks over to me warmly. “We’re exploring things.”
I smile down at her, tugging her in closer to my side.
“Awesome. Well, let me give you guys a bottle of wine to try and Ethan, I’ll give you a call tomorrow to set up some time to hang out soon.” Finn reaches over to the table behind him and quickly perusing the bottles lined up, chooses one and passes it to Summer. “This is our latest Merlot. It’s robust but soft on the palate, with hints of blackberry and plum. Perfect with a nice, seared filet mignon, if you can convince this guy to cook for you.” Finn winks as I raise my eyebrows at his teasing.
“Thank you,” Summer says, leaning over to give Finn a quick hug. “It was really great to meet you.”
“You, too. Keep this guy in line, eh?” He nods over at me before shaking my hand heartily. He waves us off, then turns to some more customers and we walk away, Finn’s booming laugh following us.
“Damn, Finn McNeil in town. That’ll make things interesting,” I say with a laugh of my own. Summer takes my hand again.
“He seems really nice.”
“He is. Man, the shit we got up to in college,” I shake my head, chuckling at the memories.
We continue walking, perusing the vendors, content to hold hands and enjoy each other. When Summer stops to admire some bouquets of flowers, I buy one for her just to see her face light up with happiness when I give it to her.
Eventually, we finish at the market and slowly make our way back to my truck.
“I don’t want today to end,” Summer says wistfully as I open her door. I spin her around, so her back is against the side of my truck and bring my hands up to frame her head. Slowly I lean forward, watching her eyes flutter closed, then I kiss her, brushing my lips across hers softly.
“If today doesn’t end, then tomorrow can’t begin. And tomorrow could be even better than today.”
“Mmm. Good point,” she mumbles against my lips, her arms winding around my neck. When she pulls me in for a deeper kiss, I go, willingly. This woman can have me anyway, anywhere, anytime she wants. Her kisses are a drug I can’t get enough of and losing myself to them is the greatest high.
We drive home with her in the middle, leaning against me the same as she did earlier. But instead of my arm being stretched out behind her, it’s trapped in her lap, her fingers covering mine, tracing small circles on my skin. We could be living in a country music song right now; this moment is so idyllic.
The sun is setting behind us as we turn off the highway and make our way down the road toward the bakery and Summer’s apartment. I pull up out front and kill the engine but make no move to get out. It feels like the magic spell that has surrounded us all afternoon might break the second I leave this truck.
“What was that about tomorrow?” comes Summer’s quiet teasing.
“I’m going to see you again tomorrow, right?” I say in a low voice.
“I certainly hope so.”
“And I’ll get to kiss you again?” I have to ask. I have to know that what has blossomed between us today isn’t going to disappear now that we’re home, around our friends and family.
I hear her intake of breath before Summer turns to me and pulls my face toward her with one hand. She presses a sweet but firm kiss to my lips, and when she pulls back, there’s fire in her eyes.
“I certainly hope so. In fact, if youdon’tkiss me again tomorrow, Ethan Monroe, you’ll be in trouble.”
“What about Mila?” I wince, but I know we have to discuss my sister at some point. “She might be weird about this.”
“We’ll talk to her about it. About us.” Summer’s voice falters. “But maybe not right away? We can keep this between us for now, right?”
Part of me wants to protest, but who knows how Mila will react to me dating her best friend. Maybe it’s better Summer and I figure things out between us first.
“So, there is an us?”
Goddamnit, why am I the vulnerable one today?
“Yes, Ethan. There is most definitely an us.”
