Page 40 of Island Homecoming

His mind immediately went to Jess. She was off today. Maybe they could take another walk on the beach, or head over to the Pelican. Or stay in. He could get behind the idea of staying in and having Jess all to himself.

With the car door open, he perched on the edge of the driver’s seat and checked his phone, smiling to see a message from Jess. “Great minds think alike,” he mused as he cued up the message.

Her voice was a pop of joyful excitement as she explained the charges against her had been dropped. “The case is over, dismissed.” She laughed. “No more worry that you’re dating a criminal.”

Dating. Was that what they were doing? He didn’t mind the definition. He figured that’s what their mothers would call it.

“Anyway,” her message continued, “I just wanted to invite you out. Give me a call if you have time to help me celebrate tonight.” The message ended.

Hell yes, he did. He’d always have time for Jess.

Checking on his crew, he replayed the message, just enjoying the happy sound of her voice.

To Nash it felt less like dating and more like he was staking a claim, giving her a glimpse of what life could be like if she came home to stay. Every time he thought about her moving back to Brookwell, he felt a sweet ache in his chest. Having her around every day would be incredible. He wanted that outcome so badly, he had to pull back for fear of pressuring her.

Because what mattered most to him was her happiness. That gleam of confidence in her eyes was back and getting stronger day by day.

That was the Jess he knew. The girl he remembered and the woman he wanted in his life more than any other.

He wasn’t sure what this news meant for her future in Brookwell, but that was a hurdle for another day. Tonight, he’d focus on the positive and they would celebrate.

As the crew guzzled water and loaded up, jostling for the space in front of the vents blowing cold air, he sent Jess a text back.

Celebration at my place around seven, if that works. I’ll cook.

Her immediate reply was exactly what he expected.

You don’t have to do that. I’ll take you out.

Hoping to change her mind since he wanted to stay in, he offered a compromise.

How about you bring champagne and I’ll take care of the rest?

You’re sure?

He’d never been so sure of anything.

Count on it. See you at seven.

He pocketed his phone and settled behind the wheel, eager to get through the last two jobs in record time. He had a party for two to plan.

After stopping for flowers at Nina’s, he buzzed through the grocery store for the items he needed for dinner. At home, he whipped up the marinade for the flank steak and set it in the fridge and then hit the shower.

She’d said they were celebrating, so he opted for khaki shorts and a blue cotton button-up shirt with a subtle surfer pattern on it. She seemed to like him in blue.

Once he was dressed, he looked at the bed. Then the clock. He didn’t want to assume that she’d stay over, but he had time to change the sheets. Just in case.

With the bedroom set and the flowers on the table, he got to work on the appetizer. He finished the platter of fried green tomatoes just as the doorbell rang. Nash gave himself points for good timing as he walked to the door.

But opening it and seeing her, food was the last thing on his mind. She wore a dress that seemed to float around her, the evening sunlight glowing through the fabric. He hadn’t expected this. Not at all. Not the dress or the resulting surge of desire. He took it all in, as fast as he could. Her smile was brilliant, her hair loose and cascading in sexy waves around her face, spilling over her shoulders.

“Hey.” She offered the bottle of champagne.

His mind was locked on the idea of untying those thin straps at her shoulders and getting his hands underneath that flowy skirt. “Hey.” He took the bottle as she stepped inside. “You look amazing.”

“Same goes.” Her eyes sparkled. “Something smells good.”

Closing the door, he caught her around the waist and drew her up against him. “That would be you.” He breathed in her tantalizing scent and then lowered his lips to hers for a deep kiss.

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