Page 44 of Love At The Shore
Something inside Lucas softened too. “You know?”
Had they justagreed?
“That’s why I’m here.” She held up a gift bag. Lucas had been so ready for an argument that he hadn’t noticed it dangling from her fingertips. “Can I come in?”
“Yeah.” His breath caught. “Of course.”
He held the screen door open for her, and she stepped onto his side of the patio. It felt monumental, like trumpets should sound or something.
“Thanks.” She glanced around, wide-eyed, as if she was as surprised as he was by the sudden turn of events.
“Whatcha got there?” He pointed at the gift bag.
He was acutely unsure of what to do with his hands. Or where to stand. Or what to say.
“A little thank you,” she said.
A spark passed through his fingertips as she handed him the bag. What was wrong with him all of a sudden?
She shrugged. “Don’t let the color fool you, they’re actually pretty good.”
Lucas reached into the bag and pulled out a Rice Krispies treat that looked like it might contain a box of melted crayons.
It was the least appetizing, most wonderful thing Lucas had ever seen. “You made me dessert?”
“The kids picked the flavor.” Jenna smiled. Until now, Lucas hadn’t realizedrainbowwas a flavor. “I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you’ve been doing for Nick.”
She wasn’t angry at him anymore. On the contrary, she was being kind to him…kinder than he deserved.
His throat grew thick. “I’m really not doing much.”
Jenna shook her head. “That’s not what he said.”
“Well, then he’s being very generous. I’m just helping him out when I can. It’s nothing.” Lucas inspected the Rice Krispies treat in his hand so he wouldn’t have to see the tenderness in Jenna’s gaze. As nice as it felt to suddenly find himself on her good side, it was also confusing.
Probably because he liked it more than he should have.
“Maybe.” She shrugged. “Or maybe you care a little bit more than you want anyone to know.”
Busted…
Again.
Her lips curved into the softest of smiles. “Either way, I hope you enjoy the treats.”
He held up one of the colorful squares as if it was a trophy. “Are you kidding? Rainbow-colored food is my favorite type of food.”
“Okay. I guess they know you better than I do.” She laughed, and then she looked at him in a way that made him feel like she was seeing him for the very first time.
An intimate silence settled between them, and Lucas finally caught a glimpse of what it might be like to finally be on the same side as Jenna Turner. Warm. Nice. Like a perfect day at the beach.
“So.” She lifted her chin. What was going on in that head of hers? Whatever it was, Lucas hoped it didn’t have anything to do with his lack of houseplants. “You’ll keep me in the loop?”
He nodded. “I will now.”
“Great. Thanks.” She gave him one last smile before slipping past him back to her half of the deck. “Good night.”
“Good night.”
