Page 22 of Island Homecoming

And it always struck him as odd. Her parents were two of the most forward-thinking people when it came to mental health. Her mom was open about everything and everyone. Hell, her dad was a psychologist, always advising folks to face their feelings and advocating for positive communication.

When he thought about it, that was probably why Jess was so intensely private. How was it, in all their time together, they’d never discussedthat? He chalked it up to hormones and other concerns monopolizing the real estate in their teenage brains.

“This is me,” she said when they reached her car.

“Go out with me again. Just friends,” he added quickly. “Not for any other reason or agenda. Just friendship.”

The clouds parted and moonlight spilled over her face. He was lying. He knew it as he stared at her lips, thinking of how much he missed her kisses.

She cocked an eyebrow. Could she read him as well as she used to? He hoped not. Because she’d see him fighting a losing battle against his attraction. She might even see just how worried he was about her and her reasons for coming back.

“I don’t know, Nash. We’re both busy.”

He called her on the bull. “Everyone’s busy. Make time for what matters,” he challenged.

Those golden eyebrows, colorless in the dim light shot upward. “Are you saying you should matter to me?”

“Damn straight. We have history, Jess.”

And she had secrets she needed to unload. He was sure of it. Secrets or worries that had brought her back home. To him.

No. That was a false assumption. Given a choice, she probably would’ve avoided him for as long as possible. He’d thank fate later for tossing them together. Whatever had gone before, he was absolutely certain she needed him now.As a friend.

He shouldn’t feel this overwhelming need to watch over her. She was a grown woman. A good cop. The epitome of capable. The only solace for his frustration with this possessive and protective surge he felt for her was knowing she’d be equally irritated by his reaction. He had to compromise if he wanted to regain their friendship.

For her, he could do that. Hell, for her, he would do anything.

“Let’s do ice cream tomorrow?” She hesitated and he gave her a winning smile. “I’ll call when things wrap up for me. Or I can text if you don’t want to take my call in your closet.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Says the woman who called me fromher closet.” Her burst of laughter delighted him. It felt vital that he could still give her that. “We’ll meet over at Island Freeze.”

She fished her keys out of her purse. “They’re still in business?”

“Thriving,” he confirmed. “They even have a cart in Charleston during peak tourist season.”

“Wow.”

“Does that mean you’re in?”

“Sure. Ice cream for dinner sounds good to me.”

Her smile fanned the torch he still carried for her.

“I just need to report for my shift by six forty-five tomorrow night.”

“No problem.” Nash struggled with the sudden urge to kiss her. With the moonlight highlighting her features and the breeze teasing her long curling hair, she was pure temptation.

Not what tonight was about. A romantic reunion wasn’t what he was after. Not when his heart would gleefully drop itself at her feet. Sure, he’d guilt-tripped her into the date, but he wasn’t looking to harass her or string her along either. He only wanted her to feel a bit of the awkwardness and speculation he’d endured in the months following her baseless accusation.

Trouble was, she was as likable now as she’d been back then. They were both different people and yet, they still seemed to fit. Yes, she was as gorgeous as ever, but that didn’t mean they could—or should—slide right back into a physical relationship.

Too bad his body hadn’t read the memo. Desire scorched his system. He wanted her more than ever.

Well, he’d figure out how to ignore it. He wasn’t about to renege on a friendship. If his instincts were on target, she needed a friend more than anything else right now.

Chapter 7

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