Page 46 of Thanks for the Memories
I glance over to see that she’s holding a champagne flute in one hand and the side of her dress in the other.
Her eyes immediately land on Jeremy, and a smile spreads across her face. “What’s going on up here?”
“Um, look who’s here. It turns out Jeremy’s friend works with Paul,” I say. I look back at him, his expression looks both relieved and disappointed that she interrupted us, and I feel the same way. I really want to know what he was about to say.
“Well, isn’t this a fun surprise,” she purrs.
Really?Of all the times for her to interrupt—I want to know what Jeremy was about to say. I need a little more time alone with him.
“Bethany, can you give us a few minutes?” I ask. “We’re just discussing an–an important work matter.”
Jeremy raises one eyebrow at me.
“Yeah, I promise I’ll have her back to you shortly,” he adds.
“Of course. Work, sure,” she sings before wandering away. There’s no chance in hell she believes us.
“You didn’t have to send her away,” he says after she saunters off. “I feel bad that I’m keeping you from your friend.”
“She’ll be fine for a few minutes,” I insist. “What were you saying before she interrupted?”
Jeremy runs his hand through his hair.
“I was just curious about something, but you promise you won’t get mad at me for asking?”
“Hmm … that depends on the question.”
His jaw tightens, and his expression turns serious. “How long are you planning to wait on the chef to realize what he’s missing?”
Whoa. That definitely wasn’t the question I was expecting.
“I–I don’t know.”
And that’s the honest truth. I’m not sure how long I want to wait. Or if I do at this point. It felt like things were different at breakfast. I figured it was because Bethany was there, but now I’m wondering if I’ve been holding out for something that’s not realistic. I know where Dante’s focus is right now. Maybe I’ve really missed being close to someone and it was just easier to put all my energy into Dante rather than starting from scratch.
“Why?” I ask. I want to know why it matters so much to him whether I wait for Dante or not.
Is Amanda right? Have his feelings grown beyond friendship?
“I just think he’s an idiot,” he mumbles. “He has this amazing, gorgeous, sexy woman right in front of him, and he’s not doing a damn thing about it. I would be—”
My heart starts pounding against the walls of my chest as I wait for him to finish his sentence.
“You would be—what?” I ask, leaning my head to the side.
Without a word Jeremy reaches up and brushes his thumb against my cheek. Holy crap, I never thought about what it would be like for Jeremy to touch me. There’s suddenly a burning sensation in my chest. As he slides even closer to me, I feel like everything is happening in slow motion. His mouth moves toward mine, and I don’t hesitate to wrap my arms around his neck. At the same time his arms quickly engulf me, and with one swoop he lifts me off the ground. His lips move against mine slowly but with determination, almost as if this moment has been planned. And I can taste the sweet flavor of the mimosa on his lips.
This is actually happening. Me and my friend Jeremy are kissing, and it’s good. So good. Better than I ever thought or expected it to be. We’re on a boat full of people, but it feels like we’re miles away from anyone or anything else.
Within a few seconds all the confusion about everything else seems to disappear. Nothing else matters in this moment, until he comes to an abrupt stop and lets out a groan.
“What’s wrong?” I whisper.
“I—I’m sorry.”
I narrow my eyebrows. No woman wants to hear that those words, especially after being kissed like this.
“Sorry for what? Kissing me?”
