Page 40 of Tempting the Heart

Right when I finished, Tyler wandered over to the overgrown azalea and unplugged the weed eater before making his way over.

Brad was leaning against his car, polishing off his water bottle, and I shoved my glasses back onto my forehead and pulled my mask down to my chin.

“How’s it going?” I asked Tyler as he approached.

His gaze locked on mine, and a smile touched his lips. “Better now.”

I tipped my head and grinned. “Why’s that?”

Tyler shrugged. “It’s kind of more fun hanging out with you than your brother.”

“Shh. Don’t tell him that.”

“I never have.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?”

“Which part?”

“That you had a crush on me, and I had a crush on you.” I slid the protective glasses off my head and wiped away the sweat.

“And here we are, doing nothing about it.” He laughed, shaking his head.

“What could we possibly do?” I pretended I didn’t have a long list of options from years of fantasizing and pining over someone I couldn’t have.

He nodded and looked toward the water. “True.”

“Do you hate it here?” I asked, genuinely curious.

Tyler shook his head and turned to face me. “No. That’s the shitty part. I loved the island. I loved it back when I was a kid, and I love what it’s turned into now that I’ve returned.”

I nodded, wishing things could be different.

“Anyway, I have to take my dad to his physical therapy appointment, so…” He drew a breath and looked at my handiwork. “You’ve done so much, and I’d love to treat you to dinner tonight.”

“What about Brad?” I eyed my brother, who had a smirk on his face as he tossed the empty water bottle into his car.

“He’s got some hot date in Seattle.” Tyler’s smile widened. “So, how about it?”

“You’re only here for a few more days, right?”

Tyler nodded. “Afraid so.”

“Then how about I send you a list of groceries to pick up, and you meet me at my place later? I’ll cook dinner.”

“That hardly seems fair.” The intensity in his eyes made my stomach roil with excitement. “But I’ll take you up on it.”

“You’re a guest on our island.” I tapped his chest, feeling the hardness underneath my fingers. “It’s the kind thing to do, and who knows when you’ll be back next?”

Tyler smiled, glancing at Brad. “What time?”

“How about six?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Good. I look forward to it.” I nodded, smiling. “Give your mom my love.”

Tyler chuckled and shook his head. He took a step forward, closing the gap between us.

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