Page 44 of Small Town CEO Grump

At that moment the server brought the garlic bread, and we both relaxed. The conversation flowed as well as it always had, and I knew that this was a night that both of us would absolutely remember for the rest of our lives.

The food was as delicious as I knew it would be. After we finished sharing cannoli, I paid the bill, and we headed outside. I could tell that everyone who had been watching us liked how happy Jenna looked, and they actually gave me a slight smile, as if they might be warming up to me.

“So,” I said once we were outside. “I know I had mentioned going for a walk on the beach. Is that still something you would like to do?”

Jenna nodded. “Absolutely! I love being by the water, and there’s something so peaceful about it at night.”

“I agree,” I said. “In fact, I have been coming down here to walk almost every night.”

“You have?” Jenna asked, her face lighting up. I adored how expressive her eyes were.

I nodded. “Yep.”

“That’s so funny because I used to do that all the time too. And still, when Tyler isn’t home at night, I will go out for a walk.”

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

I grabbed her hand, and headed down the walkway towards the sand. Once we left the pavement, I couldn’t help it smile as Jenna took off her sandals and carried them in her hand.

“You can’t walk on the beach with shoes on,” she said, pointedly, staring at my shoes.

“Well, okay then,” I said, taking off my shoes and socks. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

We walked along the beach in comfortable silence, listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. I could hear frogs in the distance, as well as crickets and cicadas. It was so peaceful, and I was unbelievably content.

I looked up at the sky and marveled at the stars.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous here,” I said. “Don’t get me wrong. I love the city. I loved living in New York, and I’m glad I get back as often as I do. I wouldn’t want to be away from there for too long. But it’s so incredibly peaceful here. I feel like I have finally found the perfect balance.”

“I can imagine it’s such a change for you,” she said. “I mean, I grew up here, and this is really all that I’ve known. Obviously I have been to the city, but this has been the majority of my life. These stars, these sounds. It is my home.”

I felt my heart begin to pound, and I knew I needed to tell Jenna what I’ve been holding back for so long. I stopped walking, and turned and faced her.

“Jenna, can I tell you something?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice soft and tender.

“I’m crazy about you,” I said. “And I have been since pretty much the day I met you. I mean, the moment I saw you I knew you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. But then talking to you and spending time around you, I am just more and more intrigued. I love seeing how you are with Tyler, and just who you are. I think you are absolutely wonderful.”

“Thank you so much,” Jenna said, smiling sweetly. “You are so kind.”

“I mean every word of it. I feel so lucky to be able to take you on a date tonight, and I must say, I am hoping that I will be able to take you on many, many more dates.”

Jenna smiled again, and my heart began beating even faster.

“So now can I tell you something?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak

“I am crazy about you as well. And I have been since the moment I met you. You are gorgeous, and you are built like an athlete, which is so very attractive. But you are also smart, dedicated, and hard-working. You have a very kind and generous heart, and I am so thankful that you’ve let me see it. Not just that you let me see it, but that you let me see it so early on. I feel lucky that I know the real you, and I feel so lucky to be on this date with you. And I am also hoping that there will be many, many more.”

“Well, that just leaves one thing,” I said, taking a step closer to her.

I traced my finger down the side of her face, marveling at the feel of her skin. I gently tilted her chin upwards, lowered my face towards her, and gently kissed her.

Chapter 18

Jenna

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