Page 32 of The Summer We Played Pretend

I nod, trying to ignore the pang of disappointment in my chest. Being with Jackson was so natural I didn’t even notice Brendan leaving early until Sara mentioned how aggravated he seemed.

As we reach the parking lot, I find myself searching for ways to make the day last longer. Maybe we can go grab a drink or dinner or something, even though I’m totally full from all the food everyone brought with them and I know Jackson was literally just saying the same.

And then it hits me again. This is all pretend. There’s no reason for us to spend more time together, especially now Brendan has gone home.

Still, as we load our things into our cars, I can't help but feel a little wistful. Today was perfect.

"Well, well, well... if it isn't the cutest couple on the beach!"

Sara's voice cuts through my reverie, and I turn to see her sauntering toward us, a mischievous glint in her blue eyes. My cheeks warm as I remember our 'couple act' throughout the day. Sara will probably text me later and demand to know more about our playact.

"Oh, I don’t know," Jackson says with a grin, “I’m definitely the cute one in this relationship.” He drapes an arm casually over my shoulders.

I exchange a quick glance with Sara, begging her not to give away how much she knows.

"Thetwoof you are adorable," Sara gushes, winking at me.

I laugh, trying to ignore the way my heart speeds up at Jackson's touch. "What can I say? We aim to please."

Jackson's arm slips away, and I immediately miss its warmth. He turns to me, gesturing to my overloaded beach bag.

"Here, let me take that for you," he offers.

"Oh, um, sure," I stammer, caught off guard by the simple gesture. As he takes the bag, our fingers brush, and I swear I feel a jolt of something running up my arm, giving me goosebumps.

For a moment, I just stand there, noticing how natural it feels to have Jackson by my side. It's different from how it was with Brendan—easier, somehow. Like I can just be myself without trying so hard.

God, does Jackson have to be such a gentleman? It’s making it impossible to keep my head straight around him.

"Hey,” Sara says, waving a hand in front of my face, “what do you say we all grab some ice cream before heading home? I'm craving something sweet."

I blink. God, does Jackson have to be such a gentleman? It’s making it impossible to keep my head straight around him.

I grimace. "I wish I could, but I've got an early shift tomorrow. Rain check?"

"Boo, you're no fun," Sara teases, but her smile is understanding. She pulls me into a quick hug, her perfume enveloping me. As she lets go, she leans in close, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I don’t know that either of you need to do much pretending. The boy is obsessed.”

I feel my cheeks flush as Sara grins and saunters off to the ice cream parlor, leaving me alone with Jackson. The parking lot suddenly feels much smaller.

Jackson puts my bag in my car and shoves his hands in his pockets. “So…”

"So..." I echo, unsure of what to say next. We stand there, neither of us moving toward our cars. The sound of waves crashing in the distance fills the silence between us.

My throat tightens when I meet his gaze. I don’t know that I can bring myself to believe what Sara says but I have a horrible feeling it might bemewho is becoming obsessed. I want to touch his slightly stubbly jawline and feel his arms around me again. A shiver chases up my spine that I have to suppress.

“Jackson, I, uh, thanks for coming today. I know beach parties aren’t really your thing.”

Jackson leans against his car, his rugged features softening in the fading light. "Hey, it's been a great day. You’ve got a good group of friends who are interested in more than getting black out drunk, you know?”

“Yeah, they’re a pretty good group.”

“Apart from Brendan.”

Brendan? I barely remember who that is now, let alone the fact I dedicated two whole years and my future plans to him.

“We made a pretty convincing couple, huh?"

Jackson chuckles, the sound making my stomach do a little flip. I really like seeing him smile.

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