JONAH
The words were out of my mouth before I’d even considered them, and they shocked us both. I could tell from her expression. I didn’t blame her. How could I be falling for someone I’d only known a couple weeks? It was hard enough for me to understand, let alone explain. All I knew was that I’d felt a connection to her from the moment she’d smacked me in the nose. It was the way she looked at me, the way she smiled. The way it felt as if something had clicked into place the second she’d stepped foot in Pine Harbor. Before she’d arrived, I’d felt alone, but I hadn’t realized just how much until I suddenly had someone I looked forward to seeing. Now I’d opened my big mouth and probably scared her right off. She’d no doubt be back on the road to Chicago first thing in the morning. I’d blown it, before I even knew whatitwas.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said, blinking. ‘What?’
‘What?’
‘You’re falling for me?’
I feigned surprise. ‘Is that what I said?’
‘I think so, yeah.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Jonah.’
‘I just meant how happy I am that you’ve moved here, and how it’s been fun getting to know you.’ I stammered, kicking at a bit of brick half buried in the ground with the toe of my boot. ‘And that I’m looking forward to getting to know you more, hopefully, by spending time with you. That’s if I haven’t just completely scared you off.’
She smiled, carefully pulling one of the marshmallows off her skewer. ‘Relax. I feel the same way.’
I looked up at her. ‘You do?’
She nodded. ‘Yeah. I was terrified, moving here and not knowing anyone. I nearly turned back to Chicago so many times on the drive here. But meeting you… you’ve made it so much easier. Not that it would have been hard in the end. Pine Harbor is wonderful, everybody has been so friendly and welcoming.’
I thought about my mother and the dinner party. ‘Everybody?’
‘OK, maybe not everybody. But almost. And especially you. I honestly don’t know how I’d have got through these first couple of weeks without you.’
‘I haven’t done anything.’
‘Just knowing you’re here is enough.’
She popped the marshmallow into her mouth and closed her eyes, moaning a little as she chewed.
‘Ohh, that is good,’ she declared. ‘The char from the flame adds a particular smoky flavor, and the melted gooey inside is just…’ She kissed her fingertips. ‘Chef’s kiss.’
I popped one of mine into my mouth and chewed it until it dissolved. ‘Agree. You can’t beat a marshmallow toasted over an open fire, unless it’s sandwiched between two biscuits of course.’
‘Smores,’ she exclaimed. ‘Yes! We’ll have to make those next time.’
‘Next time? You’re keen.’
‘I’m keen alright,’ she said, then flushed. ‘On the smores, I mean, not you. Well,andyou, a bit.’
‘You’re keen on me a bit?’
‘Maybe a smidge more than a bit.’
‘Is that a legitimate form of measurement, a smidge?’
‘Sure. Haven’t you ever seen a recipe ask for a smidge of salt and pepper?’
‘I’m not really one for following recipes.’
‘Oh come on, you have authority issues even with a recipe telling you what to do?’
I laughed. ‘No. I just prefer simple food. Lobster, fish, steak. Seasoned well and grilled. Few spuds or a salad on the side. Can’t go wrong.’
