Page 88 of Summer Ever After
Apparently, there’s some kind of jealousy trope that Jane’s trying out tonight, and since I told her, when we were stranded on the boat last week, that I would help her with her Summer of Jane Hayes plan, I’m the one who has to make the magic happen.
I tap my fingers on the rim of my glass, peering over at her and Dustin. Their table is strategically next to mine, thanks to Marlyss and Jane’s pre-planning. But other than a few pleasantries when they first sat down, I haven’t spoken to them at all.
My gaze scrutinizes Jane’s smile, trying to figure out if she’s genuinely interested in Dustin or faking feelings for the sake of her romance scheme. She brushes her brown hair back, and I take a moment to appreciate her bare shoulder.
I’ve beenappreciatingJane all night.
It’s been four days since her surgery. I can’t even tell you how many times I almost showed up at her house to check if she needed anything or see how her recovery was going. ButI talked myself out of it every single time—probably something to do with her saying she’d been in love with me her whole life.
That scared me at first.
I’m not the guy that commits.
Lydia was the longest relationship I’ve had, and the only reason that worked was because we were both using each other—her for my fame and me just to pass the time.
But Jane is not the type of girl you use.
She’s the type you gethis and hermatching robes with and grow old together while sitting on the back porch, staring at the sunset.
And I’m not sure I’m ready to do that with my life. Hence the reason my sister warned me to stay away from her.
What happens to my career if I put something else above golf? I’m already struggling when golf is my number one priority. How will my game be affected if I go all in on something else and put golf second? Am I really ready to find out?
That’s been my freakout the last few days. But then I took a deep breath and talked myself off the ledge.
Jane was drugged up.
I can’t take anything she said seriously.
Especially that.
I mean, she’s not allowed to drive a car or operate heavy machinery in that state, so why would I believe a love confession?
Besides, nothing in her everyday real life leads me to believe she’s been in love with me forever. If anything, she’s just tolerated me her whole life.
So, I moved on from my freakout and agreed to meet her here tonight. After all, I told her I would be her wingman. I can’t go back on my promise.
I just wasn’t prepared for how my heart would leap out of my chest when she walked into the bar. She looks absolutely devastating in a bohemian hot-pink dress with blue flowers. The spaghetti straps and V-neck show off her delicate shoulders and golden skin. A loose knot ties it all together just below her chest, adding to the feminine charm of it all. Honestly, it’s not the dress. Jane could be back in her sweats with swollen cheeks, and I would still stare at her.
Dustin places his hand on her wrist—briefly—toying with her seashell bracelet, but it’s enough to make me want to chop his fingers off. He’s getting a little too touchy for a second date.
Jane smiles at him, covertly flipping her gaze to me. Her brows lower, questioning my glare. I shake my head, softening my expression before she turns back to Dustin.
“Wow.” Her shoulders drop as a heavy sigh seeps out. “What an amazing night.” She glances at the open window, scanning her gaze over the strung lights on the bar patio, tiki torches glowing on the beach, and the moonlit water. “The view is so incredible here.”
“Yeah,” Dustin answers, following her stare.
Her lips tighten as she peeks over at him. “I mean,nothingcould be more beautiful than this view.” The second he looks at her, she darts her gaze out the window again. “It’s really something.” She slowly nods, like she’s musing it over.
I rub my hand across my lips, hiding my smile as I watch her fish for a compliment on her looks—some trope about her saying the view is beautiful, but he’s really talking about her. I don’t know. I read it on Jane’s paper, but watching her try to pull it off in real life is definitely entertaining.
“Do you want a refill on your drink?” Dustin asks out of nowhere. The annoyance that sparks on Jane’s face makes me smile even more.
She blows a raspberry with her lips, pushing her glass forward. “Sure.”
“The waitress looks busy, so I’ll just take them to the bar.” He grabs both of their cups and walks away.
“For the record,” I say when Dustin’s far enough away, “you’re more beautiful than the view.”
