Page 54 of Tides of Discovery
The idea felt less like a distant dream and more like a future I actually wanted.
I mentally shook my head, realizing I was getting ahead of myself. Jack and I still had a week left in our bargain. A week for me to decide if wanted to confess my growing feelings to him. Because I suspected Jack felt the same way.
Lily’s giggles floated down the hall and mingled with Jack’s deep chuckles. I tuned back into my surroundings.
Ryan’s kitchen was immaculate—the kind of orderly space you’d expect from a senior loan officer—with neat, black granite countertops and cherry wood cabinets. But Lily had added her touch too, with colorful drawings on the fridge.
Including, I noticed with a start, a recent photo of Jack and me at the coffee shop, our heads bent together over something, both laughing. I didn’t remember Ryan taking it.
“When did you snap this?” I pointed to the picture.
Ryan glanced up from checking the oven. “Last week when I picked up coffee before work. You guys were so wrapped up in each other you didn’t even notice me.” He grinned. “It’s a great photo. You both look happy.”
I studied it more closely and tried to see what Ryan saw. Wedidlook happy. Genuinely, unreservedly happy. Nothing about us looked like we were unsure of our relationship. Butterflies tickled my gut, and my mouth curved into a smile. But I schooled my sappy expression and turned away from the photo. “Need help with anything?” I asked.
“You can make the salad if you’re not dead on your feet.”
“Ever the responsible older brother,” I teased, but his concern touched me.
I was halfway through chopping vegetables when Jack and Lily returned, Lily chattering excitedly about her unicorn collection. Jack nodded attentively as she explained that herfavorite was named Sparklefoot and could turn invisible when scared.
“Careful of the knife, Lily,” Jack said automatically as he passed behind me. His hand briefly rested on the small of my back.
It was such a casual yet intimate gesture that I nearly fumbled the tomato I was slicing. Jack didn’t seem to notice, and moved to Ryan with an offer to help.
“I’m happy to pitch in,” he said. “Just tell me what needs to be done.”
Ryan looked a bit surprised, but nodded toward the oven. “The garlic bread needs to go in. It’s there on the counter, ready to go.”
Jack located the bread and slid it into the oven. “Nice house. Great view of the moonlit water from Lily’s room.”
“Uncle Jack said my room is better than a princess tower,” Lily said proudly as she plopped napkins at each place setting.
“High praise.” I smiled at Jack.
Jack shrugged, and a blush stole up his cheeks. “Just stating facts. The bed’s canopy belongs in a fairy tale.”
Dinner was lasagna, my favorite, served with garlic bread and the salad I’d prepared. We settled around Ryan’s table. Lily insisted on sitting between Jack and me. The conversation started a bit hesitantly—Ryan and Jack didn’t know each other well outside of casual interactions at the coffee shop—but soon warmed as Ryan asked about Jack’s work.
“Cooper mentioned you’re a cybersecurity analyst.” Ryan served Lily a small portion of lasagna.
Jack nodded. “I work remotely for a company based in San Jose.”
“What brought you to Seacliff Cove? Seems out of the way for tech work,” Ryan asked.
I tensed slightly and wondered how Jack would answer, but he just smiled and said, “I wanted a change of scenery. City life was getting old, and I’ve always loved the coast.” He glanced at me. “Plus, having my best friend already living here made the transition easier.”
“And now, boyfriend,” Ryan said with a smile. “I’m happy for you two.”
“Thanks,” Jack replied, his gaze finding mine across the table. “I am too.”
My breath caught. The sincerity in his voice, the way his expression gentled when he looked at me—there wasn’t a trace of hesitancy. My heart did a dangerous flip as I realized he meant every word.
This thing between us was developing. I needed to figure out what I wanted—what we both wanted—and we needed to talk when our four weeks were up.
I sat back, only an observer at the dinner table. Jack listened intently when Ryan talked about the bank’s expansion plans. He asked Lily questions about kindergarten that made her feel important, and he seemed genuinely interested in my family in a way none of my previous dates had been.
“When are you guys getting married?” Lily asked suddenly and looked up from her dinner with innocent curiosity.
