Page 44 of Serenity at Seagrove
"Let them," Archer said softly. His thumb traced small circles where he held her hand. "I only see you."
Luna’s heart stuttered at his words. She lifted her head from where she'd been resting on his shoulder and found his face just inches from hers. His eyes dropped to her lips, and for just a moment, she thought he might kiss her.
But instead, he suddenly drew back slightly, although his arms stayed wrapped around her.
"Want to get some air?"
She nodded, letting him lead her through the French doors onto the terrace. The evening air was soft, and fairy lights twinkled overhead. Music drifted out from the ballroom, but they were alone, finally.
"Tonight has been perfect," Luna said, leaning against the railing like something out of a dream.
Archer stood beside her, close enough that their arms brushed.
"Luna, I?—"
But whatever he was about to say was interrupted by Janine appearing in the doorway.
Luna would have to smack her later.
"There you are! They're about to announce the tournament winners!"
Luna felt Archer tense beside her. The moment slipped away like water between their fingers.
They followed Janine back inside, and Luna couldn’t help wondering what he had been about to say.
Back inside, Luna found herself hyper-aware of Archer beside her as they listened to the tournament results. His arm would brush hers occasionally, each touch sending sparks through her system. Why was she acting like this? She wasn't in high school, but for some reason, he made her feel giddy. Even her ex-husband had never made her feel that way.
She tried to focus on the announcements, but her mind just kept going back to the moment on the terrace. The way he had looked at her before Janine walked out there—what was he going to say? Was he going to tell her that he was falling in love with her?
The evening started winding down, couples slowly drifting away from the dance floor. Luna still felt so curious as Archer helped her with her wrap.
"Ready to head home?" he asked.
"Of course."
The drive back to Serenity was quiet. There were lingering glances and lots of unspoken words. When he reached her door, Archer stepped out to walk her to the porch.
She thought very hard about asking him what he was going to say before, but she didn’t want to push it. If he wanted to say something, he would have said it. She wished that the night didn’t have to end. Maybe she should invite him inside for a cup of tea and some talking. Maybe they would get back to that moment so he could say what he was going to say.
"Thank you," she said, turning to face him. "I mean, for everything. The golf lessons, taking me to the tournament and the dance."
"Luna."
The way he said her name made her breath catch. He stepped closer, and she thought—this is it. This is the moment he’s finally going to kiss her.
Instead, he brushed his lips against her cheek, a touch so gentle she thought she might have imagined it.
"Sweet dreams," he whispered.
As she watched him drive away, her cheeks still tingling where his lips had touched, she was more confused than ever.
But she knew one thing for certain.
She couldn’t wait to see him again.
CHAPTER12
Luna walked along the beach, which was one of her favorite things to do every day. She was heading toward the inn, hoping to talk to Julie before the bookstore opened. She knew Julie was busy working on her latest book and hoped that she wasn't going to be interrupting anything. It was so beautiful this morning, bright and clear, but her thoughts were unsettled.
