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“Are you even going to stay here in Peachwood Bay?”
He winced.
“I didn’t think so.” Her mouth flattened.
“Bebe, I don’t know what my future holds, but I know I don’t want to let go of you as easily as I did the last time.”
“We can’t always have what we want.” She looked away, lost in thought.
Was she thinking of her ex? Was that why she was so hesitant to give him a chance? Or was it worse ... was she still in love with what’s-his-face? Jay paused for a moment, searching for the right words. He took a breath.
“If the other one is willing to take a chance, then I think we can have what we want.”
Her lips pursed. “Then I guess I’m not willing.” She grabbed her notebook and stuffed it into her humongous tote bag. “I’ll get started on these. Bye, Jay.”
“Bebe...”
She continued walking until he could no longer hear her footfalls. What could he do to get her to stop saying good-bye?
Chapter
EIGHT
“Come on, Mama.” Hope pulled Bebe through the crowd, trying to get a good spot to watch the Peachwood Bay Christmas Parade.
The thing about the parade that Bebe loved the most was that it was a waterway event. Those who owned boats went all out in decorating their ships with Christmas lights or even adding inflatables.
“Can we get some hot chocolate?” Hope asked. She pointed to a stand that had a few people in line.
“Of course. Is it even the boat parade without hot chocolate to keep us warm?” Bebe smiled into her daughter’s face.
“Not at all,” a deep voice said behind them.
Bebe whirled around and met Jay’s happy face. His lips curved in a half smile that could have been a smirk or just him trying to be cute.Cute, definitely cute.
“Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
His brows rose. “You did say I should bring Ryan to the parade.” He pointed to his friend.
She glanced at the man beside Jay. She’d almost—almost—missed his presence. “Yep. I did.” She swallowed. “You shouldtry the hot chocolate. It’s the best.” Thank goodness the darkness hid her blush. She felt so foolish right now.
“You still sticking peppermint sticks in your hot chocolate, Bebe?” Jay’s eyes seemed to dance with merriment.
Was he truly happy recalling that, or was it the hope of Christmas that made her heart flutter since he remembered such a minor detail?
“She does!” Hope chimed in. “I like it too. Do you?”
“I sure do.” Jay gave her a wink.
“Then your friend has to get a peppermint stick too,” Hope said.
“Sounds good to me!” Ryan said, smiling.
Somehow, Bebe found herself next to Jay as they got in line for hot chocolate. She couldn’t help but recall his plea to be more than friends. Now she felt awkward. Life would be so much easier moving forward as friends. She wouldn’t have to wonder if he was making a play for her heart since he couldn’t play on the field. She didn’t want to be second choice to a sport or even a fallback plan since he was sidelined right now. Only that seemed like too much word vomit to spew out in public when they were here for Christmas cheer.
“What else is the same about you, Bebe Willabee?” Jay’s smooth tenor sent goose bumps of awareness up her arms.
“I haven’t changed much,” she responded.
