Page 39 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

He nodded and smiled. He was fine.

The flames on the fire were growing smaller so he threw on another log. Everyone went back to chatting as Seth looked up and noticed the sky had gone black. He glanced over at Tom, now deeply involved in telling a funny story to the group on the other side of the fire, apparently.

“Excuse me a sec. I’ll be right back,” he said to Marcy. Seth made his way to the cooler. He took a deep breath and grabbed another beer.

* * *

“Hey, Gia,”Tom whispered in her ear. “What do you even know about this guy?”

Gia raised an eyebrow. “You mean Seth?”

Tom nodded.

“What? He’s totally nice. Just give him a chance.”

They both looked over again and Gia watched as Seth sat back down next to Marcy and started up a conversation. Gia smiled. Marcy knew most people in town and Gia guessed they’d exchange stories and find something or someone in common.

At least he was getting along with her friends. Kira and Courtney had spread the word that Gia had invited a guy she liked tonight, so she knew Marcy would have her back.

Seth must have felt Gia’s gaze, because he looked over and winked at her again. She tilted her head and smiled as Marcy continued talking enthusiastically about something, complete with hand gestures.

Tom saw the look they exchanged and put his arm around Gia. “Honey, you know I’m your friend, right? You know you can trust me?”

Was it Tom’s two or three beers talking? Because he seemed a bit worked up. “Of course, Tom.” She glanced back at Seth. Did he look a little uncomfortable at the closeness on display between her and Tom? She smiled to reassure him.

“Listen. Are you guys dating?” Tom asked, noticing the exchange between her and Seth.

“Uh, well, no.” Gia turned her full attention to Tom. “But this probably isn’t the best topic of conversation forus. I mean—after our talk last week.”

And things were going so well between her and Seth tonight—it was only a matter of time now before he asked her out. She was sure of it. But Tom was the last person with whom she should be discussing this.

Tom sighed.

“Look, Seth and I are just friends. And don’t worry—I can take care of myself.” She’d been afraid he’d have something to say about Seth. Tom was not going to be a fan of Seth right now—no matter what was or wasn’t going on between Seth and her. Until maybe Tom found himself a nice girl…

“All right, but listen.” Tom sighed again. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m not the most objective I’ve ever been in my life. Just be careful. I don’t trust him.”

Gia pursed her lips and scolded him with a look. “Tom, you’re being too protective. You’ve never even met him. Now go find a cute girl to talk to. I met a few of Jake’s friends over there. She motioned to the other side of the yard. Jake said most of them are single.”

Seth seemed like the polar opposite of so many of the guys she’d dated, now that she’d gotten to know him. He seemed perfectly trustworthy. Tom was just jealous, but she couldn’t do anything about that.

Tom looked around, frowning. “Fine. But remember what I told you. Keep your guard up.”

Gia gave him a push. “Go on. Relax. Have fun.”

“Fine.” Tom stood up and headed off.

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