Page 42 of Spring Tide

“Luca ...”

He winces, a clear apology in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“How did those two even end up together?”

His gaze shifts from my face to a spot on the wall behind me. “We should probably get back to the table.”

“So you’re just not gonna tell me?”

“Not tonight,” he urges, stepping a fraction of an inch closer. “Not here. I promise to tell you some other time, okay?”

“Did you ask me to come here because you wanted to make your ex jealous?”

His eyes meet mine. “No.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“It’s not about jealousy.” His lips purse together as he wrestles with the truth. “I guess, I just, I wanted them to know that I’ve moved on. That I don’t care that they’re together anymore so Danny can stop treating me like I’m some sort of wounded animal in a cage.”

“Yeah?”

He gives me one sheepish nod, his posture finally relaxing as if he’s been holding back these feelings all night. I suppose I could hold a grudge, but I know this wasn’t intentional.

I didn’t ask, so he didn’t tell.

In Luca’s mind, it’s as simple as that. Plus, I think he’s a little embarrassed by the truth. No matter what happened between them in the past, his best friend is now dating his high school sweetheart. That shit has to hurt.

“Then we’ll have to do a better job of proving it,” I say earnestly.

It’s true. I want to help Luca because that’s what I’m here for. If we have to amp up the lovey-dovey stuff, then that’s what we’ll do.

“You’re not upset?”

“I wish you’d been honest with me from the start, but I’m here for you. And I think we can do better than this.” I link our hands together in a silent form of solidarity. “You do have to let me touch you, though.”

He chuckles, gently squeezing my hand. “Whatever you need.”

“And you also have to stop acting like you’re constipated.”

There’s a shocked snort of laughter, followed by a contented half-smile. “I might be able to do that.”

I tug him behind me as we weave through the restaurant. Once we slide back into our seats, I release my grip on his hand, shooting an apologetic smile across the booth. “Sorry we took so long. He just won’t keep his hands off me.”

Danny’s uneasy smile melts into an ear-splitting grin. “Oh, that doesn’t sound like the Luc we know.”

“Hm, he’s always been like this with me.” I lean against his side, pressing a gentle squeeze to his upper arm. “Right, baby?”

“Uh-huh,” he murmurs, visibly flustered. “Harper just, uh, she brings out a different side of me, I guess.”

“That’s so sweet,” Sofia chimes in. “Your parents must really love her, huh?”

“Oh, they don’t, uh—we haven’t—”

“Youhavemet Gia and Greg, right?” Sofia asks, one perfect brow quirked in my direction. “They’re the absolute best.”

“She hasn’t met the whole family yet, actually,” Luca cuts in, patting the back of my hand. “Just, er, we’ve just had dinner with Taylor so far.”

“Oh my gosh.” Sofia’s eyes light up, her tone filled with excitement. “So you haven’t met the twins or Elio yet, either? They’re all just so funny. And little Giorgie—she’s gotta be, what, at least seven years old by now?”

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