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I do know. I know how it feels to live through challenging, hurtful experiences. I’ve had my heart broken a few times.
“I don’t know what’s happening here.” His voice is so deep and resonant with emotion. “With you. With us. Just feel it’s probably good to give you fair warning. I’m not exactly in the best place.”
The best place for what?
I would ask if all my old heartaches weren’t running rampant through my head. I’m too busy feeling those old, familiar wounds to figure out what he’s trying to say.
“We’re on vacation,” I murmur. “Maybe we don’t have to figure it out.”
Behind him, I catch a glimpse of the ocean. The waves are striped with bands of moonlight that give way to inky darkness between the swells.
His features are pale in the moonlight. I love how his bottom lip curves where it meets his chin.
I want him to kiss me again. At the same time, I know it would be just another mistake I’d have to deal with in the morning.
When he turns to face me, he seems to pick up on the desire stirring in me.
His eyes dip down to my lips for a brief, heated minute.
I stoop to reach for the computer bag I set down near the railing. “Maybe we should keep walking.”
“We could hang by the pool for a minute if you’re up for it.”
“Lying in one of those lounge chairs sounds perfect. And I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved how pools look with that underwater lighting.”
He grins. “Yeah, I saw the way you were looking out there. Cool. I think the poolside bar serves dessert, too.”
“Dessert! After all those fries? I don’t know.”
“Aw, come on. Live a little.”
We turn and move along the walkway. It’s so easy to walk in step with him, close to his side. I can already see the pool area up ahead. Guests mingle, some in the water, others perched on the edge, and others in chairs. The hot tub is full.
Hopefully, we’ll find two available lounge chairs.
I’m glad for the busy scene. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll get through tonight without making another mistake.
Maybe.
Chapter 14
Jack
I wanted to kiss her.
Back by the lagoon…
I wanted to, but I didn’t.
I’m getting to know Hazel, just a little.
I sense that what I do know is just the tip of the iceberg. She’s pulled back the curtain just a tiny bit. She’s complex and deep. I get the feeling that she doesn’t take physical contact lightly. She overthinks things. She’s shy and cautious.
I know she has mixed feelings about last night. Her nervousness at that coffee station proved that to me.
I don’t want Hazel to feel nervous about anything to do with me. I also don’t want her to have regrets.
I only want her to feel happy.
