Page 38 of Healing Hearts
The thought is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. My heart pounds in my chest, and for a moment, I’m completely thrown by the weight of it.
Before I can spiral into full-blown panic mode, Brooke turns to me, her green eyes glinting with mischief. "You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."
I shake my head, forcing a smile. "Not a ghost. Just… realizing something."
We sit on the edge of the boat, our feet hanging from theside as we talk about everything and nothing at the same time. It’s been hours since we left the marina, and although we can see it in the distance, it feels like it’s just her and I all alone in the world.
I gesture to the horizon. "Look."
She follows my gaze, her eyes widening as the first rays of dawn break over the water. The sky comes alive with vibrant hues of pink, orange, and gold, the colors spilling across the horizon like a masterpiece.
"It’s beautiful," she whispers, her voice filled with awe.
"Not as beautiful as you," I murmur, pulling her closer to me, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
She turns to face me, her expression softening, her cheeks tinted with the faintest blush. "You’re full of surprises tonight, Dr. Jacobs. Thank you for this." We both climb back up and face the horizon.
The moment stretches between us, the world around us fading until it’s just the two of us, bathed in the soft glow of the rising sun. Slowly, hesitantly, Brooke steps closer, her hands resting lightly against my chest. My arms slide around her waist, pulling her against me.
"Trevor," she begins, her voice barely above a whisper.
I tilt her chin up gently, my thumb brushing across her jaw. "Brooke, I?—"
Before I can finish, she closes the distance between us, her lips pressing softly against mine. The kiss is tentative at first, but then it deepens, the warmth of her body against mine anchoring me in the moment.
When we finally pull apart, her forehead rests against mine, her eyes still closed. The corners of her lips curve into a small, contented smile. "I think I’ve been waiting for that," she whispers.
I chuckle softly, pressing a kiss to her temple. "So have I."
As the sun continues its ascent, casting its golden lightacross the water, I hold Brooke close, knowing with absolute certainty that this moment—this woman—is everything I didn’t know I needed.
But now, a new thought takes root. Now that I know I love her, what the hell am I going to do about it?
Chapter 15
Brooke
As I push open the school library's heavy oak doors, my heart skips a beat. There he is—Trevor, leaning casually against a nearby tree, a wicker picnic basket with a bottle of wine sticking out dangling from one hand. His eyes light up when he spots me, and I feel a flutter in my chest.
"Hey there, beautiful," he calls out with a grin. "Ready for some fresh air?"
I can't help but smile back. "Absolutely. What's in the basket?"
Trevor winks. "That's for me to know and you to find out. Shall we?" He offers his arm, and I take it, relishing the warmth of his body next to mine.
We stroll towards the park, fallen leaves crunching beneath our feet. The crisp autumn air carries the sweet scent of late-blooming hibiscus, and I breathe it in deeply.
"So," Trevor says, "I hear you're involved in the Hibiscus Festival this year? Are you entering the Miss Hibiscus contest, because you’d win in a landslide."
I nod, surprised he knows anything about it. "Yeah, I'm manning the library booth, but not entering the contest. How did you hear about that?"
He chuckles. "Small town, remember? News travels fast. Plus, I may have asked around about you a bit."
My cheeks warm at the thought of Trevor being interested enough to ask about me. God, even I can hear my insecurities coming out. "Well, it's not exactly glamorous work, but I’m excited about it. I'll be handing out bookmarks, stickers, and promoting our new online catalog system."
"Sounds riveting," he teases, nudging me gently with his elbow.
I laugh, feeling more relaxed than I have in weeks. "Hey, don't knock it. Those bookmarks may be collector's items one day."
