Page 75 of Unfinished Summer

“I’m not sure we’re an us, Jayce. Isn’t that what all of this concluded?”

“Maybe.”

“Just … let’s try and be friends. That’s all I can offer right now, and I’m not even sure I’ll be any good at that.”

He nods and opens the door. But as I smile and step forward, he captures my jaw in his hand and steers me towards him, bringing his lips down against mine. His hand runs around my face and tangles in my hair as he grips and holds me hostage to him.

It’s possessive, intoxicating, and raw.

The intensity from everything we’ve shared today is right there, stoking the flame of our kiss. And boy, does he kiss. And I don’t want to fight. It’s the first thing that’s been easy since walking through his door.

His lips are firm and sure, like he’s guiding me through the storm.

This—the physical aspect of our connection has never been in question. Hell, exercising all of my anger through sex is certainly one type of therapy, but it was shallow and felt false.

The kiss he commands now isn’t. It’s full of possibility and hope.

That dangerous word sets my heart beating faster in my chest.

Jayce finally stills, resting his forehead to mine, before releasing me.

I look up at him, a million questions in my head, but I don’t say a word and walk through the door, down the steps and leave through the shop.

God, it’s hard to know which way is up after that kiss, and it’s everything I did and didn’t need from our conversation.

Friends, we said. Could we do that?

For the rest of the day, I stay hidden in my bedroom, working on the admin and paperwork I’ll need to put into place to move forward with my plans: numbers, finances, research ideas. There’s a lot still to work out.

Since the divorce, my lawyer seems to be a constant on my recent calls list, and I want to ensure that everything between Mum and me is done by the book.

Building contractors, suppliers, and surveyors are all in my browsing history, and I draw up some potential contacts to run by Mum and Tegan. They’re locals, and where possible, I’d seek their opinion to use local businesses. That is key for Mum, and I want to show her I’m listening.

I order a few other supplies to kit out my room as a temporary office. All of my stuff is in storage after moving out of the house in London. The same goes for when we emptied the business offices. But I don’t need much to get up and running.

Keeping busy helps keep my mind off Jayce and how he left our conversation.

Withthatkiss.

“Mum, got a minute?”

“Well, hello! I was starting to wonder if you were still alive up there. You’ve only shown your face for deliveries or sustenance the past couple of days.”

“I’m sorry. But I’ve been busy. And it feels good to be working on something productive again.”

She gives me a sly look.

“Here.” I hold out the papers my lawyer’s office sent over this morning.

“What’s this?” She reaches for her glasses perched on top of her head before scanning over the documents.

“These are the official papers I had drawn up regarding the renting of your land for our venture.”

“Renting? What are you talking about?” She scowls at me.

“I want to do this right. Essentially, it’s a lease that grants the business access, but it remains your land officially. And I’ve submitted a change of use application to the council. There are a few other facts and stipulations, all with your best interest at heart.”

“Are you sure?” She drops her arm down and looks at me. “I know I came on hard, but that was only to make sure you knew what you were getting into and not making a decision out of desperation or some other emotion.”

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