Page 22 of Wanting Happily Ever After

He couldn’t imagine his life without her.

Was that how Sarah felt? Was that why she wasn’t willing to ruin what they had by wanting more?

Damn.

The thought hit him hard, because no matter what she’d said about not wanting more than a friendship with him, he knew she was lying. Shedidwant more. She just wouldn’t let herself have it. And he wanted more.Theyshould be having more.

And they would.

Brody had to force himself to take a deep breath and slow down. He’d promised her he wouldn’t push it. He’d promised her nothing but friendship. And he wouldn’t break that promise.

Not until she was ready.

It was definitely not going to be easy. Not after that kiss, as innocent as it had been.

No. As innocent as itshouldhave been. He chuckled at himself and the circumstance he’d found himself in.

“What’s so funny?”

Brody looked over his shoulder, pulled from his thoughts by the arrival of Logan Langdon, who dropped down on the beach blanket next to him. He handed him a beer, which Brody accepted with a smile.

“I was just thinking about a few things,” he replied, trying and failing to keep his gaze from Sarah, who’d retreated to the shade to sit with Faith.

“Interesting,” Logan said, after taking a swallow of beer. “Your thoughts must be a whole lot funnier than mine.” He nudged Brody with his elbow and they both laughed. “Or maybe it’s a certain lady friend putting you in such a good mood.”

Brody turned to the other man. “Lady friend?” He shook his head. “I didn’t realize you’d turned eighty overnight.”

“Touché.” Logan lifted his beer can in salute. “So what is going on between the two of you anyway? I’ve heard rumors.”

It didn’t surprise Brody. There’d been rumors about the two of them for months. The fact that maybe some of those rumors might actually have some truth to them now made him happier—and more frustrated—than he cared to admit. “Can I tell you something, Logan?” He turned to his friend, suddenly serious. Logan nodded and Brody continued. “I really like her.”

“You don’t say?” Logan rolled his eyes.

“No.” Brody shook his head. “Ireallylike her.”

“Yeah, I get that.” Logan laughed. “It’s not news. But the real question is, what’s actually going on between the two of you? Are things…”

Brody nodded and then shook his head. He couldn’t tell Logan the truth. Sarah had confided in him, and he wasn’t going to betray that. Ultimately, he just shrugged. “It’s complicated with Sarah.”

Logan nodded knowingly. “Like the fact that we’re sitting at the very spot where her—”

“Brody?”

Both men turned their heads to see Rory, an inflatable duck life ring around her waist. With her bright-yellow and purple polka dot swimsuit, she was very bright. And very cute.

“What’s up, kiddo?”

Rory looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment, but she straightened her spine and crossed her little arms over the yellow duck head. “Mom won’t let me go swimming and it’s so hot.”

Oh.Brody looked to Logan, who shook his head and gave him a look that made it clear he wasn’t going to be any help.

“I’m sure your mom has a good reason, kiddo.”

Yeah, a very good reason.

Rory shook her head. “She doesn’t. She just said no.” Her lower lip started to tremble. “It’s not fair. Those kids are swimming.” She pointed to the swim area that was in fact full of kids splashing on inflatable rafts, throwing beach balls, or jumping from the wooden raft that was anchored farther out. “It’s not fair.”

Brody had to admit it wasn’t fair. But he knew what Sarah’s reasons were. He also knew that maybe he could help.

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