Page 28 of Valentine's in Bayberry

He took a step toward her. “Carrie, just because we’re friends doesn’t mean we can’t be something more.”

She took a step back. Her thoughts volleyed between falling back into his arms and why she should keep her distance. At last, common sense kicked in. “Lifelong friends are rare. We can’t risk that on, what? On a quick fling?”

“Why does it have to be a fling?” His gaze searched hers. “Why couldn’t it be more?”

She didn’t understand why he kept pushing this. He had to realize that a romantic entanglement would jeopardize their lifelong friendship. When he left, it would be over, and their relationship would be permanently altered—and even with the best of intentions, a long-distance relationship would only last so long.

She realized that she had the answer to his question. She straightened her shoulders and tilted her chin upward ever so slightly until their gazes met. “This isn’t going to work. Your life is in Europe, and my life is here.”

He raked his fingers through his hair. “But...”

“But nothing.” She had to be the rational one—the one to protect their friendship just like in the past. “Jackson, you’re tired and worried about your mother. You’re not thinking clearly.” Once he got some rest, she was certain he’d see things quite differently. “It’s getting late. Maybe you should go home and get some rest. We can talk tomorrow.” Hopefully, not about the kiss that had made her whole body tingle, clear down to her toes.Nope. Not talking about it. Not thinking about it either.

His gaze searched hers. “Do you really think the kiss was a mistake?”

She nodded her head. Still, the fact that the kiss had shaken her right down to her foundation scared her. It was the shock of the kiss. That was it. That was why it affected her so much.

He turned his back to her as he grabbed his coat from a nearby chair. When he turned back to her, he asked. “Are we still friends?”

“Of course.” She forced a smile to her lips because right now she felt off-kilter.

“Think about it,” he said. “We could be so much more to each other.”

What was she supposed to say to that? He didn’t mean it—not really. This thing with his mother had really thrown him for a loop. Once it all worked out, he’d realize that they were better off as friends.

She led him to the door and opened it. When he went to pass by her, he paused. He was so close that if she were to lift up on her tiptoes, she’d be able to press a kiss to his lips. As soon as the tempting thought came to her, she banished it.

She didn’t move, not at all. In fact, the breath stilled in her lungs. But her heart pounded. It was so loud that it echoed in her ears.

And then he continued out the door. He didn’t say good night. He just kept walking until he was down the steps and headed for his rental car.

She told herself to close the door and forget this evening had ever happened. And yet she stood there, staring out through the storm door as he walked away, disappearing into the shadows. She closed the door and then leaned back against it.

At last, she allowed her fingers to touch her lips—lips that Jackson had just kissed. She closed her eyes as the moment replayed in her mind.

Then she opened her eyes. She stood fully upright. She was not going to get caught up in something that couldn’t happen for so many reasons.

She had a feeling that instead of sleeping that night, she would be mentally tallying all of the reasons they should not repeat that kiss. But she already knew the biggest reason of all...

To lose a boyfriend after a breakup was hard. But with Jackson, when things ended, she’d not only lose a boyfriend, but she’d also lose her very best friend—the person who could finish her sentences for her. And that just couldn’t happen. She wouldn’t let it.

Chapter Ten

Was it something inthe drinking water?

The women in his life just weren’t being cooperative.

And Jackson didn’t know why. That wasn’t true. He knew exactly why his mother didn’t want to move and why Carrie wouldn’t consider starting something with him. The truth of the matter was that he knew the solution to both of those problems—staying in Bayberry.

It would mean giving up a job he’d worked his entire career to achieve. He was the vice-president of the London office where he was well-compensated. And he had an apartment with a fabulous view of the city.

And even though he had all of that, he was no longer happy. His job came with long hours and the weighty decisions always came to rest on his shoulders. Day in and day out, it was a lot. It didn’t leave much time for a private life.

It wasn’t that he didn’t date. He did when his schedule allowed. There was just no one special—no one who made him want to turn his life upside down for them. At least not until now…

He stepped into the vacant storefront. He looked around, amazed at the progress that had been made so far. If he was still trying to do this work by himself, it would have taken him weeks to get this much done.

“So, what do you think?” Mark asked.

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