Page 72 of Memories By the Shore
“I’m good.” She searches my eyes. “Will I see you tonight?”
Nervously, I lick my bottom lip, then scan the people around us, thinking about how to answer her question. “I don’t think tonight.”
She shrugs it off, acting unbothered. “It’s cool. See you around.”
I spend an unclear amount of time mingling with families, members of the town, and tourists before I finally get back to Avery.
“Long time no see, Mayor Collins.” She hiccups.
“How many of those have you had?” I playfully gesture toward her empty cup.
Easton laughs.
Her eyebrows snap together, bringing a finger up to her chin. “Um, I think two.”
“How about two and a half,” Easton corrects.
I smile, leaning in close to her. “Still a lightweight, I see.”
Her eyes are glazed over, but she’s not drunk—maybe slightly buzzed.
Bodhi appears by our side. “So, Jasper, are you going to giveArizona a divorce or what?”
Avery looks over at me, running her tongue along her teeth. She’s searching for a smart-ass comment but struggles to think of one.
“Maybe,” I say, grabbing Bodhi’s beer and taking a swig while keeping my eyes locked on my wife.
Avery’s light pink lips purse together in a pout, and all I can think of is shoving my dick between them.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Now
Avery
Lights and sounds from the event are now behind us. Although I’m barely tipsy, Jasper insists on driving me home. I might have had more than I thought because I agree. We are silent on the car ride back to my rented beach house.
“Did you have fun tonight?” he asks, opening the passenger door.
Sliding out, I smile at him. “I did.”
He gives me a quick, satisfied nod and then closes the door. The air is thick with uncomfortable tension as we ascend the steps to the back door. This goodbye feels an awful lot like a date. I have no idea how to act, and from his constant fidgeting, neither does he.
“I’m glad you came,” he says. “It was nice having you there.”
His words cause my chest to tighten. “I forgot how much I missed it here.”
“I bet. How long are you in town for?” he asks, clearly forgetting that I’m here to get a divorce from him. But I havenothing left to fight with him about. I’m trying to change my approach. The thing is, it’s been easier than I anticipated it would be. I want to be kind to him. I want to talk to him—I want to touch him.
My eyes flutter at the thought. “As long as I need to be.”
“Work won’t miss you?” He plays, stepping closer.
“I took leave,” I whisper as my breathing picks up.
Jasper’s eyes blaze into mine. Every memory, every emotion comes flooding back with a force I can barely control. His comfort makes everything natural, as if no time had passed.
“I guess you’re in no rush to get your divorce then.” His warm breath floats across my lips. I am startled by a sharp buzz from my phone. It breaks our moment. Jasper pulls back just as I dip my head to slide my phone from the pocket of my dress.It’s Dave.I need to answer his call, but I want to be reminded of what Jasper’s lips feel like on mine. “I’ll let you get that.”
