Page 25 of Island Homecoming

“Hey, I get my information from the same weather app as everyone else.”

She waved her spoon in the direction of the shops across the street. “How involved were you in all of this revitalization?”

She’d rather talk about anything but the issues that brought her back home. Some distance was needed. From Key West as well as the strange effort they were making to forge a new friendship.

Although, distance and friendship didn’t really match up. She was being ridiculous and overthinking everything. Talking with Nash had always been easy. She should be happy it still was. But being comfortable with him also left her off balance. Tempting as it might be, she couldn’t dump her problems in his lap after what amounted to twelve years of silence.

She was pleased to hear about his efforts to keep Brookwell strong. And she laughed with him over the persistence of his parents, and how Roxy patiently convinced those who were skeptical about the whole endeavor.

“She was relentlessly persistent and friendly.”

“Your mom can make friends with anyone who’s breathing.”

“True story,” he agreed. “She’s gifted and tenacious.”

“I’m surprised she hasn’t found you a wife.” She immediately regretted blurting that out, but Nash didn’t seem fazed.

“It’s not for lack of trying.” He balanced his empty ice cream cup on his leg. “If I recall, your mom was intent on making the perfect match for you.”

Jess groaned over the memories. “She saw happy-ever-afters and adorable grandbabies whenever a guy looked at me twice.” Which hadn’t been that often really. “She means well and I love her. There’s a friend of mine in Key West who reminds me of her, always looking for the romance in every sunbeam, but she’s far more pragmatic than my mom.”

“And not focused solely on you?”

“Also helps.” She licked her spoon, savoring every last taste of the treat. “Thanks for this.”

“You’re welcome.”

Her phone started chiming her alarm, reminding her she had to get moving to be on time for her shift. Standing, she carried their trash to the bin and then walked over to the water fountain, rinsing her hands and lips.

Nash did the same. As he dried his hands on his shorts he asked, “Is there any progress on the whole drug seizure thing?”

“Not that I can discuss. Caldwell has things under control.”

“Right.” He toyed with his sunglasses but didn’t put them on. The trees filtered the sunlight. “And you’ll stay until it’s done?”

“That’s the plan.” After that, she had no idea what would happen. What she might be able to handle. She just didn’t know when she’d start to feel like the cop she’d been before.

“Jess.”

She looked up into his face and felt something shift. It wasn’t new, but somehow the familiarity was as much a part of the appeal as his more mature frame and blazing gaze. She’d barely been an adult the last time she’d kissed him and suddenly she wanted to know if she’d feel the same thrill, or if it had faded. Or if it would be an entirely new experience.

She was captivated by his mouth, by the curiosity surging through her. She leaned closer, close enough to catch the hint of chocolate on his breath.

Then he turned abruptly, guiding her along with the movement as he stretched out a hand toward someone. She hadn’t even heard anyone approach, she’d been so absorbed in Nash. Clearly the man was someone he knew well, and though she couldn’t put a name to the face, it would surely be someone who would wonder about the woman trying to kiss him.

“Reed,” Nash said. “Great to see you.” He glanced down at Jess. “Do you remember Jess Keller?”

“Donna and Clark’s girl?” Reed beamed at her and shook her hand. “Of course. Heard you went off to fight crime in Key West.”

“I did, yes.” She didn’t feel the need to elaborate, still racking her brain for where this man fit into her past.

“Your parents must be thrilled you’re back.”

She nodded. No sense correcting the assumption that she was staying for more than a visit.

“You two should come down to the pub,” Reed said. “It’s been a while since I’ve pulled a pint for you, Nash. Kirsten has insisted we start a Tuesday trivia game.”

Then it clicked for Jess. Kirsten Davis was Reed’s daughter. And he owned the Pelican Pub, a spot the locals favored since it was set away from the more common tourist spots on the island.

---