Page 70 of Spring Tide

“Nah, I am.” I wrinkle my nose, plastering on an indifferent smile. “It’s more of a dull ache now, mostly after a long practice or if I put too much pressure on it. It’s completely manageable. Honestly, I probably don’t need to keep up with our PT regularly. I, uh, I think I’m pretty much healed.”

It’s not that I’m lying, necessarily, but I could technically use all the help I can get. Still, a larger part of me feels like we need to stop blurring the lines in our relationship now. I’m mostly healed at this point. Plus, thanks to Harper’s diligence, I know how to continue with her treatment on my own time.

“Oh, you think so?”

“Yeah, if that’s okay with you? That way, our time together doesn’t need to be focused on my healing anymore. We can just ... be.”

“You’re not just saying that because you want me to stop worrying?”

“That’s certainly a perk.”

“Luca ...”

“No, I’m really okay now.” I wave off her concern, tugging her closer. “Plus, I want us to put all that behind us. You can still give me massages if I really need one, though.”

“Ah, see, I knew I was lucky.”

“The luckiest.”

She tilts her head back again, pressing a soft kiss to the underside of my jaw. “You know, I think this was a pretty perfect first date so far.”

I gaze toward the shore. The bright vermillion hues have already faded into the subtle shades of the blue hour. There’s a slight chill to the sea breeze now, but Harper seems content in my arms.

“You think?”

“Mhmm. Did Taylor help you plan it?”

I let out a hearty chuckle. “I’ll take about half the credit, at least.”

“You’re so cute.”

“Cute,” I echo.

“Mhmm.” She flips herself around in my arms, straddling my lap. Her fingertips trace the side of my face as she murmurs, “And handsome.”

“Better.”

Her lips press against mine. “Sexy.”

I can’t help my disbelieving snort.

“What?” Her tone is indignant, eyes playfully narrowed. “You are, to me and probably to everyone.”

My hands wrap around either side of her body, sliding across the soft cotton of her dress. “Everyone, huh?”

“Yes.”

“I know you said before that you didn’t have a type, but I still wasn’t sure you’d be into a guy like me.” I squeeze my fingertips against her hips, avoiding the curious look in her eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know.” There’s an awkward clenching in my chest. “I guess I’m not all fit and lean with perfect hair like Gunderson. I think that guy has a six-pack on top of his six-pack.”

Shocked laughter spills from her lips. “That’s not why I had a crush on Nate.”

“No?”

“No, you goof. I mostly liked him because he reminded me of a puppy.”

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