Page 51 of Valentine's in Bayberry

“Okay. You can borrow it until you get your own.”

At last, he smiled again. “Thanks. Maybe I just need you around more.”

“Maybe we can work on that.” The words were out her mouth before she realized how they might sound. But now that they were out there, she wasn’t going to take them back, because she didn’t want to.

He held out his outstretched hand to her. This was a gesture they’d done many times in the past when they were teenagers having a serious conversation about their parents not understanding them or their latest romantic debacle. But now, as she placed her hand in his, it felt different. Did it feel different to him too?

When his fingers closed around her hand, their fingers interlaced. Her heart pitter-pattered again. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. It was meant to reassure her that everything was going to be all right, but was it?

She felt as though the ground beneath her feet was shifting, and she was struggling to keep her balance. Soon she would fall for him and then what would happen? Would Jackson catch her?

She wasn’t sure how long they sat there in front of the dying fire. Her mind was racing with thoughts—with denials.

And then his thumb stroked the back of her hand. Goosebumps marched up her arm. She told herself the reaction was due to the cold, and it had absolutely nothing to do with Jackson’s touch.

What was happening to her? She’d never had this problem before. What was she going to do about it?

With another squeeze, he released her hand. He stood. “I should put some wood on the fire.”

“And I’ll take these things inside.” She picked up the tray that held the makings for the s’mores and headed for the house.

She was anxious to put some distance between them. Maybe then she could think clearly. Because right now, all she could think about was the way his hand felt right when it was clasped around hers.

She inwardly groaned. This was Jackson’s fault. He’d kissed her the other day, and it had altered everything. And yet, he hadn’t done anything inappropriate this evening. The things she was feeling were all on her. The truth was that she didn’t know how to go back to just being friends with him. So, where did that leave them?

Chapter Sixteen

He’d finally opened up.

And it felt good.

Jackson placed a couple more hunks of wood on the fire before he sat back down. When he’d invited Carrie over, he hadn’t intended to tell her about his problems. That wasn’t who he was. Normally, he kept all his issues to himself.

But then again, that hadn’t always been true. When they were kids, they would share everything with each other: first crushes, first kisses, first breakups. They had always been there for each other.

Maybe that easiness, that trust, had somehow endured the years and distance. He liked to think so. The more time he spent with Carrie, the more he realized how much he’d missed her—how much he didn’t want the distance to come between them again.

Even if he did convince her to give their romantic relationship a chance, he hadn’t figured out how to overcome the distance that would eventually destroy everything they built over Valentine’s.

He knew the only solution was for one of them to give up the life they’d created for themselves. One of them would have to move.

The thought was daunting. One didn’t just give up their career on a whim. At least, he didn’t. And he knew Carrie would feel the same way about her beloved chocolate shop.

“Look what I found.” Carrie’s voice drew him from his thoughts.

At the sound of her voice, he turned in his seat. He immediately spotted his guitar in her hands. He’d left it in the living room the other night.

“And what do you plan to do with that? he asked.

“Me?” She came to a stop in front of him. “Absolutely nothing.” She held it out to him. “But I was hoping you would play it.”

He accepted it. “I’m rusty.”

“I remember how well you played with your rock band in high school. You became an instant heart throb.”

It had been a while since he’d thought about his days as a band member. They’d called themselves: The Bay Rockers. Not exactly the best name, but they had been kids. They were more interested in playing their songs.

“Don’t you remember?” she said. “You guys were planning to cut a track and travel the country on a tour bus.”

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