Page 65 of Moonstruck Kiss

And I’m afraid that the answer is no.

Chapter

Twelve

BRAX

Me: Hi! I have a free couple of hours while Ollie “helps” his grandpa with some gardening. Any chance we can meet somewhere?

I stand near the riverbank while I wait for Joey’s response. Something is definitely wrong. Since that day when Mum interrupted us on the verandah, Joey has been distant. It’s like she’s gone from hot to cold in a blink of an eye.

I hope I’m wrong. I hope she’s just been too busy. But with only three days left before Ollie and I leave Moonstruck Cove, I can’t help but feel she’s changed her mind about our fling.

My phone pings and I quickly check it.

Joey: Sorry but I don’t have time. I have to prepare for a meeting with the owners of Chocolates at Oldington this afternoon. Then I have a few other things I need to do. I’ll see you at your farewell party in a couple of days. I heard your parents and Liss have already started with the set-up at the lodge so it will be a blast.

My shoulders sag. Frankly, I don’t think the circumstances are against us this time around. I’m pretty sure Joey is just avoiding me. How on earth would we be able to have some alone time at a big party?

She has every right to terminate our fling whenever she wants to, of course, but something is unsettling me big time. It’s like I’m dangling on a rope way up high, unsure of whether to let go or keep holding on.

I think I need…closure.

Yes, that’s it.

If Joey’s decided she’s had enough of our trysts, then it’s fine. I just need to know.

Maybe it’s become too difficult for her. Or maybe she’s worried about the repercussions if we get caught. After all, she lives here so she’d have to deal with the gossips and pressures while I’ll be back in Manhattan.

And…

I won’t see her again.

For a long, long time.

I inhale sharply, feeling every cell in my body rebel at the thought of leaving things as they are with Joey. I need to speak with her. It’s not even about sex anymore, although it would be fantastic if we find the opportunity.

I just need to see her. Hold her. Kiss her one last time.

My heart squeezes, and I go get the bike.

I arrive at Joey’s studio, hoping she’s inside. But it’s locked and, looking through the window, it’s empty.

“Hey, Brax, she’s not there.”

I swivel around and smile at Josie. “Do you know where she is? I need to talk to her about something. Regarding Ollie’s new art school,” I add.

“She could be at Pointy End, her favourite outdoor painting spot.”

“Where’s that?”

“At the pointy end of the peninsula. If you keep going past the eastern boundary of By the River restaurant, you should see the start of a narrow path that’ll take you there.”

“Great! Thanks, Josie.”

“No worries.” She winks before heading to her family’s shop.

I get back on the bike and follow Josie’s instructions. When I see Joey’s car parked on the side of the street, I know the dirt path I spot is the one Josie mentioned.

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