Page 26 of Silver Flirt

Lisa laughs. “What? There’s nothing wrong with getting spoiled rotten by your hot boyfriend, Melissa. And speaking of boyfriends, why didn’t you tell me that you two made it official?”

Darn small towns.

“I’m guessing Jack and Marlie told you?” I ask. Jack and Marlie are Lisa’s in-laws.

Lisa nods. “Yep. The four of us went to dinner last night. And the first things Marlie mentioned is that you and Bash are together now. She was gushing about how cute you two are."

I bite my lip, feeling guilty for not telling Lisa myself. She's my best friend, after all. "I'm sorry, girl. I was going to tell you, I swear. It's just... everything happened so fast."

"Fast?" Lisa raises an eyebrow. "Honey, the man has barely left your side since the two of you reconnected. It was just a matter of time.”

I bite my lip. "I don't know... It seemed like kind of a spur of the moment thing. I'm not even sure if he really means it. You know Bash says a lot of stuff he doesn't mean."

"Oh stop." She waves a hand. "That boy has been gone on you since high school. Trust me, if Bash said he wants to be your boyfriend, he means it. Hell, he probably wanted to call you his wife but thought he’d scare you off if he did."

I shake my head, old insecurities rising to the surface. “What if I’m misinterpreting things again, seeing more than what’s actually there? I don’t think I could handle getting my hopes up only to have them crushed.”

My voice cracks on the last word, and I blink back the sudden sting of tears. Lisa reaches across the table to squeeze my hand.

“I know it’s scary to put your heart on the line again, especially given your past with Bash. But you can’t let fear hold you back from something that could be amazing.”

Lisa's words strike a chord deep inside me. I know she's right. I can't keep hiding behind my walls, afraid to take a chance. Especially not with Bash. Not when everything inside me is screaming that this is real, that we could have something truly special.

And these last few days have definitely been special.

I think back on all the little moments that Bash and I have shared since I arrived in Barton Beach. The way his eyes light up whenever he sees me, like I'm the only person in the world who matters. The gentle brush of his fingers against my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. The late night talks on the beach, our toes buried in the cool sand as we open up to each other in a way we never have before.

It's more than just physical attraction, more than the explosive chemistry that crackles between us. There's a depth of feeling, a sense of rightness that I've never experienced with anyone else. When I'm with Bash, I feel seen, understood, cherished in a way that takes my breath away.

And I can't ignore the fact that he's been there for me in every way that counts. He even stood by my side as I made the difficult decision to leave my firm.

In just a few short weeks, Bash Cooper has become my rock, my safe harbor in the midst of the chaos. And as terrifying as it is to admit, I know deep down that what we have is real. That Bash isn't just saying pretty words - he truly wants to build something meaningful with me.

I take a deep breath, meeting Lisa's gaze. "You're right. I know you are. It's just hard to silence that nagging voice of doubt, you know?"

"Believe me, I get it. After everything John put me through, trusting again felt impossible at first. But you just have to keep reminding yourself that this isn’t high school. The two of you aren’t the same people you were back then."

The conviction in Lisa's voice bolsters my courage. She's walking proof that it's possible to heal, to open your heart again after devastating heartbreak. If she could do it, maybe I can too.

"I'm trying," I admit softly. "Bash makes it easy to believe in love again. The way he looks at me, touches me... It's unlike anything I've ever experienced before. Like I'm the only woman in the world."

A soft smile curves Lisa's lips. "That's because to him, you are. He's crazy about you, Melissa. Anyone can see it."

Warmth blooms in my chest at her words, chasing away the lingering shadows of doubt. "I'm crazy about him, too," I confess. "Completely head over heels."

Lisa beams at me. "I'm so happy for you, Melissa. You deserve this, more than anyone I know. Just promise me one thing?"

"What's that?" I ask, taking another sip of my latte.

"Don't overthink it. For once in your life, just let yourself be happy without questioning everything."

I laugh softly. "Easier said than done for me. But I'll try."

"Good. Because I have a feeling this thing with you and Bash is going to be epic." Lisa winks at me over the rim of her coffee cup.

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with an incoming text. I glance down at the screen and feel a flush of heat when I see Bash's name.

"Let me guess... Bash?" Lisa smirks knowingly.

---