Page 28 of Summer Kisses

"Is this part of it?" I asked.

"We should be affectionate in public. People will expect it."

I nodded, trying not to notice how my heart fluttered when his palm was pressed against mine. My heart was sinking faster than my feet in the soft sand. I tried to focus on the warm sand beneath my feet and the breeze in my hair. Not the way his hand squeezed mine from time to time. Or how he'd look over at me as if he was worried I'd disappear at any second.

I was probably imagining that though. This was a means to an end. Not the beginning of something amazing. But I couldn't help but wonder: if this was real, how would I feel?

My heart fluttered faster at the idea. I felt like I could take off and fly at any second. Nothing could touch me.

"This is nice," Brady murmured.

"It is." I wasn't sure if he was referring to the night itself, the beach, or the fact that we were together, holding hands.

An elderly couple walked past us and smiled. The woman said, "You two make a sweet couple."

"Thank you," I said as they continued on.

He nudged me with his shoulder. "See? We need to be seen together more often."

The reminder that this wasn't real brought me back down to earth. More weighed down. How long could I play this game before I got hurt?

"You and Max belong on the beach."

But that statement didn't change our reality. I lived in an apartment on the other side of the island, nowhere close to the beach. The island was for rich people and tourists. Not for a librarian struggling to get by. But I didn't want Brady to feel sorry for me.

"What were you talking about with Cooper earlier?"

"Oh, I wanted to start a new program after school. The kids could come to the library after school, do their homework, pick out a few books, play games until their parents can pick them up. It's something I'd like to offer as a free program. But I think we'll need to provide snacks and maybe get a few new games and puzzles. Maybe even more staff. I'm trying to work out the details so I can present it to the board. Funding is an issue."

"That sounds like something that would be welcomed by parents who work, can't afford an aftercare program, and don't want to leave their kids alone after school."

"There's a little more red tape than I was expecting. The library is worried about money and staffing. How it would work, etc."

"If there's anything I can do, let me know."

"That's nice of you. But I'll figure it out."

"We each have our pet projects that we work on the side. Hudson mentors a local boy, Shep works with the senior center with their landscaping, Dalton tutors with the youth program."

"You don't have anything?"

"I've been busy with the video-game show. Dad likes to say I spend all my time playing video games."

"That's not fair."

"He doesn't know what I'm actually doing."

I hated that for him. That he didn't feel like he could be honest with his father. It was a good reminder that I was here to help him and maybe even strengthen his relationship with his dad.

"But I'd love to help make your program happen. If you need money, we'd be happy to donate it."

I stopped walking and faced him. "Are you serious?"

His forehead wrinkled. "We're engaged now. Your pursuits are important to me."

I looked around and lowered my voice. "But we're notreallyengaged."

"Hazel, you've been my best friend since we were kids. I want to make you happy."

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