Page 28 of Always Another Sunset

JC laughed. “I don’t want you to starve. Let’s pack up and hit the road. I bet Roxie could also use a bowl full of fresh water.”

“Then let’s go,” Bella said. “And you can show me this fabulous shrimp truck everyone raves about.”

In a few minutes everything was back in the jeep. Roxie drank plenty, and then JC loaded her up like she had ridden with them a million times before. Everything was perfect. Reaching for Bella’s hand as they started their way back on the highway north, JC loved it when the woman gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you for all of that,” Bella said softly. “Being on the beach with you and Roxie was one of the best times I’ve ever had.”

“Me too,” JC said with a smile. “We will come back soon. But now, time to go for some amazing food.” When Bella didn’t respond immediately, JC looked at her and saw she had turned to gaze out the passenger window at the lush, green foliage passing by on the side of the road. Her sudden change from happy to pensive made JC frown. “Everything okay?”

Bella hesitated before letting out a trembling sigh that immediately made JC’s chest tighten with worry. “JC,” she said, not looking at her. “I can’t seem to find a good time to say this, so I will say it now.”

Furrowing her brow, JC glanced over. “Okay,” she said. “I don’t think I like the sound of that, but let’s have it then.”

Bella shoulders sagged and she shook her head. “Oh, I hate this, but my editor called.”

When she didn’t immediately continue, JC glanced over again. “Okay,” she said. “She’s called before. What is different this time?”

Rubbing her forehead as if trying to banish what she had to say, Bella answered. “I need to go back to the mainland. There’s a literary conference I am committed to attending and…” Her voice drifted off, clearly leaving off the part she hated to say the most.

“And?” JC asked, trying to stay calm even though her heart pounded.

Grasping JC’s hand tighter, Bella turned in her seat. “I know you’re going to think this has something to do with Chris calling you and the idea of going to dinner with her, but that’s simply bad timing. I still want to do that.” She gave a little laugh. “Actually, I kind of need to do that or I might go a little crazy knowing you are at dinner with her.”

JC still didn’t quite follow. “Bella, what are you trying to say?”

With a sigh, Bella held JC’s hand tighter. “I’m trying to say I need to go home to Portland. By the end of the week.”

28

Biting her lip as JC pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot where there were going to meet Chris, Bella fought back her nervousness. She hadn’t felt so anxious in a long time.And there’s no reason to be,she thought.This is only a woman who is an old friend of JC.Still, she swallowed hard.Well, and one she slept with.That was the part Bella struggled with the most. Even though JC had reassured her many times any romantic feelings for Chris were long over, and deep down Bella believed her, she still worried. JC was a fantastic woman, and there seemed no way Chris wouldn’t still have feelings for her.So, what is her agenda?As JC found a space and turned off the engine, Bella hoped they were about to find out.

JC reached for Bella’s hand and turned in her seat to face her. Clearly seeing the anxiety on Bella’s face, she leaned closer and kissed Bella’s cheek. “Have I told you how fantastic you look tonight?” JC whispered against her skin, and Bella laughed.

“About a hundred times,” she answered, but the compliment helped her relax. She had picked the yellow sundress because she knew JC liked it.

JC smiled. “Well, I mean it every time. The color looks incredible on you.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Bella said. “I wore it just for you.”

“And I love that about you,” JC said. “Are you ready to do this?”

Taking a deep breath, Bella nodded. “I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be,” she said. “I hope this is a good idea.”

JC looked into her eyes. “I know it will be. I want to make sure everything is perfectly clear for all three of us.”

“Thank you,” Bella said. The words meant a lot to her. Knowing she would be leaving the island in a few days, JC’s reassurances were even more important.Of course, Chris’s vacation could be over soon and she will be long gone before I leave,she thought.And then I truly will have nothing to worry about.

Letting go of her hand, JC got started to get out of the jeep. When Bella followed suit, the woman glanced back. “Wait,” JC said. “Don’t get out yet.” Not sure what was happening, but trusting her, Bella waited. After a second, JC was at her door and opening it with a flourish, holding out her hand for Bella to take. “I always wanted to do that. I hope you don’t mind.”

Smiling, Bella took her offering and stepped out. “I absolutely don’t mind,” she said with a laugh. “Very chivalrous.” She knew the playfulness was JC’s way of helping her relax, and she appreciated it sincerely.

With a twinkle in her eyes, JC interlaced their fingers and kept hold of Bella’s hand as they walked through the restaurant’s glass front doors into a beautiful foyer. Even though they had been to the establishment for dinner once before, the sight still took Bella’s breath away. “This is always so incredible,” she said, pausing to scan the creativeness of the space. One entire wall was an elaborate aquarium filled with colorful fish swimming around rocks of various sizes and shapes. Aquatic plants in a variety of greens waved gently in the artificial current. “I’m glad you picked here.”

“I know you like this place,” she said, letting go of her hand and slipping her arm around Bella’s waist to pull her a little closer. Bella loved the possessive feel of it. “And I want you to be okay tonight. Maybe even enjoy the evening.”

Not entirely convinced that was possible, Bella forced a smiled. “You’re always so thoughtful,” she said while that sliver of worry nagged her again.How could anyone let this amazing woman get away?she thought.And how will I make sure she stays mine while we are miles apart?

Before any answer could come to her, the restaurant host welcomed them. “Just two?” she asked picking up a couple of menus from the host’s station.

“Actually,” JC said. “We are meeting someone and planned to connect with her at the bar.”

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