Page 49 of Something Blue

Sadie gave Andy an appreciative glance as they headed back to the room.

When they were far enough away to not be overheard, she leaned over and hugged Andy’s side as they walked. “Sorry for killing the mood. I really had a fun day.”

His mouth twitched with a smile, but the smile didn’t stay. “Glad you did. You’re getting stronger every day. If it weren’t for these little accidents, things would be perfect.”

She laughed and tickled his side. “If you would stop throwing me into dangerous situations, I might be able to breathe easy.”

Stopping at the door, he put the key in the lock and then leaned in for a short kiss. “Not a chance. I like stirring up trouble.”

He opened the door and brought her back to her room to rest. “Do you still want to go out to the Jacuzzi?”

She didn’t really feel like running into Chase again. Some time alone to sort out her thoughts would probably be the best. “Uh, probably not. Now that I’m in bed, I really want to stay.”

A small smile rested on Andy’s lips, but the mood of the evening had definitely changed. “Sounds good to me.”

Sadie waited until Andy had changed clothes, then limped out of bed to wash up. As she stared at her slightly sunburnt skin in the mirror, she frowned. After a day like today, she should be the happiest woman in Destin. But a lingering ache resided in the empty spot of her heart where she’d pushed Chase out. Even with the closure she’d had, there was also regret for their strained friendship, and she wasn’t sure when things would ever be right again.

* * *

The next morning, Sadie relaxed against the side of the Jacuzzi, making sure her aching shoulders were submerged. She sighed and looked over to the left where the sand led to the crystal-clear water. It was too far away to see, but hearing the waves crashing was enough. She closed her eyes and smiled. Maybe she hadn’t had enough time to herself.

“Can I join you?”

Sadie’s eyes flashed open. Chase stood at the edge of the Jacuzzi and shifted his weight from foot to foot as she thought of what to say. “You’re up early.”

He smirked. “Darn right, I am. Actually, I saw you when I was having my morning coffee.” He pointed to his condo on the third floor which faced the water and pool area. “So . . . can I get in?”

Sadie bit her lip. If she really had moved on, who cared if he sat in the hot tub or not? “Sure.”

As he moved in across from her, she veered her eyes to the side, looking out at the sand, the pool area, anywhere but into his eyes.

Chase cleared his throat, grabbing her attention. “I’m sorry about yesterday. I should’ve been more careful with your feelings. And you’re right, I don’t know why I said those things when I’m with Piper. She’s a little much sometimes.”

Sometimes? Try like, all the time. Andy filtered into her thoughts. “Does she make you happy?”

He laughed and slapped the side of the cement wall. “I guess. I don’t know.”

“If you’re not happy, there’s still time—”

Sadie cut off midsentence as Andy came walking toward them from the reception room. She scooted to the side, so she wasn’t directly in front of Chase.

“What’s up, you two?” Andy said with no hint of annoyance in his voice.

Chase turned around to greet him. “Needed a soak.” He gave Sadie a last look before backing out of the hot tub. “See you two around.”

Andy sat on the edge of the hot tub and didn’t speak until Chase disappeared around the side of the condo. When he finally met her eyes, even her thoughts burned.

“I’m going to take a break from the sun for a while and sit under the umbrella,” he said.

“Want me to come, too?”

He frowned and wiped a hand over his freshly shaven face. “If you want.”

It was her turn to frown. “It’s not what you think. I was giving him advice about Piper.”

“About his wedding tomorrow? Don’t you think that’s your place? We’re finally at a good spot in our relationship, and this is only going to stir up trouble. Aren’t I enough for you?”

The question struck her across the face like a whip. “Yes, but we just started dating—even though people still think we’re engaged—and Chase and I have history. Anyway, we weren’t talking about me and him. I was just trying to—”

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