Chapter 20
A niggle of envy wormed through Jenna as she watched Luke and Trinity swaying on the dance floor. When the couple wasn’t engaged
in conversation, they were simply gazing into each other’s eyes.
Chatties was crowded on this Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend, and a popular local band played country music. The lead
singer stood in a puddle of light, belting out the ballad’s chorus.
The smell of seafood pervaded the space, offending Jenna’s full stomach. She pushed her empty platter away, then turned to
watch Luke and Trinity again. “Why are we here again?”
Tyson followed her gaze. “To pave the way for romance.”
As the band segued to the second verse, Luke gathered Trinity closer, and she set her head on his shoulder.
“Mission accomplished.” Jenna saluted him with her Diet Coke, then took a sip. “I have to admit they’re pretty cute together.”
“Luke’s a big weenie.”
“I think it’s sweet the way he’s so nervous around her. And did you see the way she looks at him? Luke deserves someone like
that.”
“He’s had a crush on her for months.”
“Well, seems like our work here is done.” She’d been reluctant at first when Ty suggested the gathering.
But hey, this was a good cause and Chatties made for a fun friend night.
Also, she couldn’t help but notice how handsome Ty looked in an oatmeal button-down that flattered his skin tone and contrasted with his dark hair.
“Hey, guys!” Seth said in greeting, then sat in one of the empty seats at their table. “How you doing? Didn’t know you’d be
here tonight.”
Ty nodded toward the couple on the dance floor. “We’re with Luke and Trinity. What are you doing here?”
“This band’s my favorite and I was craving some crab cakes, but all the tables are full.”
“You can join us,” Jenna said. “We’ve already eaten, but that’s okay.”
“Thanks, guys. I’ll take you up on that.” Their server showed up and Seth ordered. After she left, he turned to Ty. “Any developments
on the pony bet?”
“Nothing significant. But I made sure Mom knew I’d be happy to feed and care for another one.”
The brothers high-fived while Jenna shook her head disapprovingly.
“What?” Ty’s grin was mischievous.
“You’re incorrigible.”
Seth shrugged. “All’s fair.”
The ballad trailed off, morphing into a rollicking version of “Country Girl.”
Jenna bolted upright. “My favorite song.”
“All right then.” Seth extended his hand. “Let’s go, gorgeous!”
Ty scowled as Jenna followed Seth to the dance floor.
Jenna’s red top hugged her small waist and her jeans showed off her trim figure.
Ty’s brother looked every inch the city boy in a white button-down, navy khakis, and tan oxfords.
He grabbed Jenna’s hand and spun her around.
He was a slick dancer and moved Jenna around the floor with grace and confidence.
Ty’s frown deepened. What if Seth asked Jenna out? What if she fell for him and they ended up together? A pit opened in his
stomach. Maybe Ty and Jenna were a bad idea, but Seth and Jenna were a terrible idea. The thought made him sick.
And what does that tell you, huh?
More than he wanted to know, that was for sure. When Jenna threw her head back in laughter, Ty glanced away. If he didn’t
see it, it couldn’t bother him.
But a minute later that plan didn’t seem to be working. Ty’s palms sweated just sitting here thinking about Seth holding her
hand, touching the small of her back.
You’re an idiot, Parker.
Of its own volition his gaze skated back to the couple just as Jenna glanced his way. Beaming at him, she waved him toward
the dance floor. That sounded like a miserable idea if he’d ever heard one. But no more miserable than watching his brother
show her a good time.
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
Seth wasn’t the only one who could be fun. Ty got up and joined them as the final chorus kicked up. He wasn’t a bad dancer
himself and couldn’t help showing off a little. He grabbed Jenna’s hand and spun her out. Her hair whipped around her shoulders
as he spun her back in, and he relished her wide smile and sparkling eyes.
For a minute he let himself forget Seth, forget the tension that had been bubbling up since Jenna’s return to the island,
and just enjoyed her company. And it was working great.
Until the music segued to a slow song.
“Hey, I gotta go talk to Nick Voigt,” Seth called over the music. And then he was gone.
The couples around them were pairing up as the opening strains of “Die a Happy Man” swelled. Like a glutton for punishment,
Ty held out his arms.
Jenna stepped into them, her eyes still sparkly and alive. Her hands landed on his shoulders while his settled at her waist.
His body responded to her nearness, her touch. His heart pinged around his chest like a pinball.
Great idea, genius.
But here was the thing: It did feel like a great idea. It felt like the best dang idea he’d ever had. She felt perfect in his arms. He tucked his knee between
hers, and they moved together like two halves of the same whole.
As the verse led into the chorus, she shifted closer until her temple brushed his jaw. He moved his hands to the small of
her back. He caught a whiff of something sweet and pleasant. Something all Jenna. A wisp of hair tickled the side of his face.
It felt so good to have her in his arms. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this good.
And yet, this was Jenna.
Jenna, who at thirteen had insisted on playing tackle football even though he and his brothers outsized her. Jenna, who’d
been so brave in the face of her father’s heroic death. Jenna, who’d comforted him when he confided in her about his biological
father’s abandonment one night on her front porch.
The dichotomy between his feelings then versus now nearly gave him whiplash. But there was no denying the enormous shift that
had somehow taken place in his heart. How had this happened? And how was she in his arms again after he’d committed to keeping
a physical space between them? He couldn’t seem to help himself.
Her fingers skated inadvertently over his nape, and a wave of gooseflesh swept down his arms. He was uber aware of each place where their bodies connected.
The rhythmic brush of their thighs. The soft press of her temple to his cheek.
The slight weight of her forearms on his shoulders.
His arms practically vibrated with the urge to pull her against him. He squeezed his eyes shut.
This is Jenna.
This is Jenna.
This is Jenna.
He had to think about something else or he would end up doing something he’d regret. He spotted Luke and Trinity a short distance
away, swaying to the music in their own little bubble. The romantic sight did nothing to distract him from his thoughts of
Jenna.
A muted Braves game played on the big-screen TV in the corner. It was five-four in the third inning. The Braves were up to
bat with empty bases and two outs. The game broke for a commercial.
His gaze drifted to their table, where Seth was digging into his appetizer. Remembering the way he’d flirted with Jenna, Ty
pressed his lips together, and his arms tightened protectively around her.
She set her cheek against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
His legs went weak. His pulse thrummed at his neck where her breath feathered his skin. Sweet heaven.
This was not good.
And yet . . . this was so good.
He was losing his ever-loving mind. But the song was winding down now, heading into the final instrumental. He was only a
dozen seconds or so away from the end of this sweet torture. Might as well enjoy it while he could.
The emergency siren blared over the sound of the music.
The rest of the room carried on as usual, used to the air-raid siren. But Ty’s thoughts shifted quickly to work mode. He reached for his phone, putting space between them. “Two-car accident on Circle Drive.”
“You have to go,” Jenna said.
“How will you get home?”
“Seth can take me.”
He didn’t have time to argue. He just squeezed her hand. “Thanks for coming tonight.”
Worry creased her brow. “Be safe, Ty.”