Page 116 of Summer Ever After
“Okay, this is super embarrassing, but when we wereyounger, I had a massive secret crush on you.” She cringes, waiting for my response.
“I know.”
“No, you didn’t. I never once acted like I liked you.”
“I still know.”
“How?” Her mouth falls open. “I never told anyone. Not even Capri.”
“You toldme.” Smugness rolls off my smile. “When you got your wisdom teeth out.”
“No, I didn’t!” She pushes my chest, causing me to fall to my back.
“You did.” I sit up again. “I believe the words you said were, ‘I’ve loved you my whole life.’”
“No!” She hunches over, burying her face in her hands.
“I thought it was cute.” I pull on her shoulders, trying to get her to straighten.
“I’m so embarrassed.” Her words are muffled.
“I liked you, too, back then.”
That statement jolts her upright all the way to her feet. “You did not. Don’t lie!”
“I’m not lying. I just never could get anywhere with you. I thought you weren’t interested.”
“I was good at hiding it, wasn’t I?”
“Really good, actually.”
“I had the same problem back then that I do now.” Her shoulders drop. “I didn’t want to hurt Capri by liking you.”
“You’re a good friend. Capri is lucky to have you.”
“No!” She marches back and forth in front of me. “Right now, I’m a terrible friend because I’m sneaking around with her brother behind her back.”
“We could sneak around in public if that makes you feel any better.”
“Are you crazy?” She stops pacing and faces me. “We can’t be seen together.”
I tip my smile to her, leaning back on my hands. “I think it would be nice to go out on a date with you. Maybe I could hold your hand, open your door.”
“Golf carts don’t have doors.”
I smile. “You know what I mean.”
“Youcouldtake me on a date, and people would just think it’s part of my summer plans.” She saunters over to me, straddling my legs when she sits. Her arms link around my neck as she rewards me with a sultry smile. “But you couldn’t touch me, and I don’t trust you to keep your hands to yourself.”
“I don’t trust myself either.” I lean in, dropping a kiss on her mouth.
Her lips peel back, but I want more. I always want more when it comes to Jane. I sit up, hands gripping her hips. A thrill of desire floods through my chest as her fingers weave deeper into my hair. I tilt our mouths, intentionally upping the passion. My thumbs slowly track back and forth over the soft skin above the waistband of her shorts. I feel her ribs expand and contract with each touch.
The warmth of her skin feels electric. I shift my position, splaying my fingers against her bare back, and turn her body over so she’s lying under me.
“Don’t go to book club tonight,” I say in between kisses.
“You know I have to.” She lifts her chin, making my mouth chase after hers. “You’ll be fine. You don’t even need me.”
