Page 37 of Because You Loved Me

“Who’s Savannah?” I ask.

The Barrett brothers seem to communicate without words as they all exchange glances with Levi. My gaze zips around the room at them as I try to figure out what’s not being said. Finally, Tobias pipes up. “She’s Noah’s ex.”

“Oh. Do tell.” I lean forward, ready to get the scoop.

The brothers all look at each other uncomfortably. No one speaks. “What?” I ask. “No one’s going to spill the tea?”

Levi scrubs a hand over his jaw. “They dated all senior year in high school. They were inseparable. Then, right before prom, she dumped him.” Levi shrugs. “Noah never found out why. She just ghosted him.”

“Ouch,” I say, leaning back in my seat. “That had to hurt.”

“Yeah. He avoids her like the plague now. But it’s hard, because the island is small, ya know?” Micah says, motioning like the table were the whole island.

“I can only imagine.” I help Skyler eat the last of her soup because it keeps dribbling off her spoon.

After dinner I bring the bowls into the kitchen. Levi comes in and walks to the sink. “I’ll help with the dishes. I can rinse them off, you put them in the dishwasher?” He grins at me.

“It’s okay,” Tobias says behind me. “I’ve got them.” He comes to the sink and practically shoves Levi out of the way. “You should continue to fill out applications.”

Levi looks at me, then Tobias. “Sure. Okay, bro.” He hits his brother’s shoulder with his fist before leaving.

Tobias picks up a bowl and runs it under the faucet. He glances at me. “Do you think you’ll be out later than nine?”

I nod and open the dishwasher. “I think so.”

“No problem. I’ll put Skyler to bed.”

“She’ll be very happy. She tells me how much she loves it when you read to her.”

He lifts his eyebrows. “Really?”

I put my hand on his arm and a surge of warmth flows through my fingers. “You’re a good father.”

He meets my gaze, and my heart stops. His eyes are so stunning. “That means a lot to me. Thank you for saying so.”

I stare at him, and time slows. His arm muscles tense, but I can’t seem to let go. An electric current runs between us, drawing me to him. “I mean it,” I hear myself saying. “You’re great with Skyler. I’m so happy she has a father like you.” The words get all tangled up in my emotions, and they come out sounding funny.

He stares at me, as if he’s looking into my soul. I’m so close to him now, energy pulsates through me. His gaze is mesmerizing. “You care a lot about her, don’t you?”

All thought leaves my brain, and I can’t stop looking at his high cheekbones. His five-o-clock shadow. And his perfect lips. What would it feel like to kiss him? “I do,” I say, forcing myself to look back at his eyes.

Micah comes into the kitchen, and I jump back from Tobias, my heart pounding. “Ellie’s here for you, Kiki.” He heads to the refrigerator and grabs a cheese stick.

“Sorry, I have to go,” I say, trying to get my heart back under control. It’s for the best that I get out of there. I was making a fool of myself anyway.

“No problem,” Tobias says, his voice sounding hoarse. That makes me feel a little better. Maybe he was affected by our close proximity, too. “Come check in with me when you get home.”

I nod, even though it’s a strange request. Why would he want me to check in with him?

I exit out the front door. Ellie sits in a little bright red, two-seater BMW convertible. “Cute car,” I say as I hop in.

“Aren’t you the sweetest thing?” She grins at me as she pulls out of the driveway.

Ellie’s wearing a red and white polka-dot dress, and a white hat tied under her chin with a large bow. I feel underdressed again in my tank top and cut offs. “How has the gallery been?”

She sighs. “We’re struggling, but I bet Tobias told you that.”

“He did, and I’ve been thinking about what you could do. Have you thought about inviting a well-known artist to showcase some pieces there? Maybe have an event where we can get people to come over from the mainland?”

---