Page 68 of Tempting Me

Shit.

I’ve never felt like this over someone.

No one has ever kissed me like that before.

It’s all so … so … perfect.

“Shay, hey,” a voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I spot Ruby Asher walking toward me, holding her son, Max’s, hand. They are both in swimwear and look ready for a day in the sun.

“Ruby!” I beam and then move to the other side of the counter to hug her. I ruffle Max’s hair, and he swats me away.

I chuckle when he smiles up at me.

“I didn’t know you were back in town,” I say.

“We actually moved back yesterday. Only my dad knows right now.”

“Oh” is all I say. I start to say more, but her eyes flash to her son—a hint not to ask more questions. She’d been visiting a lot this summer, but moving back after all these years is huge.

Fun fact about me and Ruby…while I was away at college, Ruby and Max’s father were living in the same town as me because she attended the same college. We saw each other weekly, but never told anyone because of our family situation. It was nice to hang out where we didn’t have to worry about the town gossip.

That said, I'm still beyond thrilled that she’s back. I did miss her.

“Well, it sounds like you two could use a moving break to have some fun today.”

“That’s the plan.” Ruby grins. “Any chance you have a paddleboard for rent today?”

“I do!”

She’s being modest. This place is like a ghost town today.

I quickly ring her up. Then I signal to Carl to take over for me as I walk her outside.

Max runs ahead of us.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

She nods. “Colter and I just finally agreed we are better off as friends. The moment I suggested moving back to raise Max here, he didn’t even argue.”

“Oh. Are you okay with that?”

“Of course. I think we are on good terms, but I do feel likeI should be annoyed that he didn’t fight harder to keep Max close to him. It’s like, I would have been furious if he objected, because this is where Max and I belong, but at the same time, why didn’t he argue to keep his son closer?”

I can't even begin to understand how she feels.

“That would be hard,” I say, “ but I think you both being here is the best.”

“Me too. And his dad already has plans to visit, so I think it’ll be great.”

“Good.”

“And I missed you and everyone here, and everything already feels right, so I don’t know why I’m complaining.”

“Stop, don’t ever feel guilty for worrying.”

She hugs me. “This is what I missed. Okay, remind me how to do this.”

I run her through some basic instructions then wave as she and Max get going. His laughter is all I hear as I head back to The Marina.

---