Page 61 of Summer Ever After
“I don’t check out women. Justyou.” Swagger spreads through my smile. “And it’s only a problem if you get caught.”
For a second, I think she’ll match my flirtation pound for pound. Instead, she snuffs out my torch. “I have a date tonight. You remember Dustin Pearce from high school, don’t you?”
The way that information makes my chest burn with jealousy is dangerous, but I hide it. “Yeah, Dustin. He’s a landscaper, right? I ran into him at Beach Break Bar just before I rescued you from choking.”
“We’re going country swing dancing on the mainland. Capri is helping me get ready.”
“I’m sure you’ll have a good time.” My feet shuffle a little closer, like Jane is a magnet. One more step and our bodies would skim each other.
Her jaw sets as her chin lifts even higher. “I’m sure I will.”
We’re so close. Her brown eyes frantically search mine like she’s waiting to see what happens next. I could drop mygaze to her lips. I could kiss her. It wouldn’t take much persuasion from the screw-it guy.
But she abruptly spins around before I have the chance to do anything. My eyes dart to the pink papers just as they fall out of her back pocket to the grass—the spinning and the marching away must have dislodged them.
I react, bending down to pick them up. My movement must’ve caught her attention because she glances over her shoulder just as I straighten and begin unfolding.
“That’s mine!”
She dives forward, going after them, but I lift my arm higher so they’re out of her reach, finishing the unfolding process.
“Can I have those back?” Her jumps almost put her at my height, but I switch to the other hand as I read the title on the first paper.
“Romance Tropes.” I smirk as I read the list, not even bothering to keep the amusement out of my voice. “Wow, there are a lot here. Two columns.” I start from the top, skipping over anything that’s crossed out. “Stranded together. Road trip. Only one bed.” The corner of my mouth curls. “Oooh, I like the sound of that.”
“Okay, you’re done.”
“I actually think I’m just getting started.”
Jane jerks my arm, pulling it down low enough to make another reach for the paper, but I pluck it away again, turning my body from her.
“Age gap. Memorizes coffee order. Makes sure she has eaten.” I use a stiff arm to hold her lunging body back so I can keep reading. “She thinks he’s talking about the view, but he’s really saying she’s beautiful.” I frown down at her as she wrestles to overtake me. “Man, these arereallyspecific.”
“Give it back.” She attempts to swipe my arm away, but it’s no use.
I smile at her with questioning eyes. “Not until you explain why you need a comprehensive list of romance tropes.”
“City research.” She ducks away from my stiff arm, spinning to get behind me, where she tries climbing my body to reach the papers like a koala would. “Don’t make me jump on your injured back. Because I’ll do it.”
I don’t doubt it. Jane is all over me, though I can’t say I mind. It’s the physical contact I longed for one minute ago, just happening in a very different way than I imagined.
I scan the rest of the list while fighting her offand switch to the other paper.
“Single Men in Sunset Harbor for the Summer of Jane Hayes!” My announcement of the next title kicks her into a new gear.
She lunges forward, swatting the arm holding the papers above us. “That’s personal!”
My free hand grabs Jane’s wrist, turning her completely around so her back is against my chest. I wrap my arm around her body, pinning both her arms to her sides and trapping her body to mine. She wriggles to break free, but I hold her firmly—the biggest bicep workout of my life.
“Beau Palmer.” I begin reading aloud. “Briggs Dalton. Blake Mickelsen. Dax Miller.”
She stops fighting and turns her head to the side so she can see my face. “Okay, we get the point.”
I glance down at her, my nose almost skimming the tip of hers. “I don’t think we do get the point.” I smile as I continue on, feeling her body writhe against mine. “Noah Belacourt. Phoenix Park. Dustin Pearce.” I drop my eyes toher again. “Jane, if I didn’t know better, I’d say these are men you’ve been trying to date.”
“Fine!” Her shoulders sink, and the fighting stops. “My red flag is that I believe in happily ever after and the romance tropes that get you there.”
My brows drop. “I’m not following.”
