Page 45 of Long Story Short

The sun is warm against my skin as I stare at Tyson from across the table. Our server took the rest of the food we didn’t eat a few minutes ago, and we’ve just been continuing our conversation while we wait for the check.

“I might need a nap after all of that food,” I mutter, leaning back in my chair. I don’t even know if I can pick a favorite from the dishes we ordered. Everything was incredible, and now I understand why some members eat here at least once a day, if not multiple times.

Tyson smirks at me, his gaze moving to our server for just a moment while he takes the check. “Shouldn’t you go back home and write?”

I sigh because I should. And I want to. I might finally be finding my footing with the manuscript, and I’m excited to continue to work my way through it this morning. “Just days ago, you were telling me to work less and enjoy myself, and now you’re encouraging me to work?”

He nods as a deep chuckle leaves his throat. “Yes. I know I’m being a bit of a hypocrite, but I know how much it means to you to finish the book on time, so I felt compelled to mention it.”

I lean forward and place my chin in my hand as I stare at him. We haven’t known each other for long, but I’m enjoying getting to know him more. He’s incredibly interesting, and the more I learn about him, the more I want to continue to know. I’m thankful Pop sent me to the Hamptons to write my book, but I’m also thankful because I met Tyson. Things are so new with him, and I have no idea what will happen, but it’s refreshing to actually be interested in someone and for that to be reciprocated.

“You’re right. I am going to go home and work. But I appreciate you breaking me out for breakfast this morning.”

His lips twitch. “I’m glad you got away. Hopefully, now you can get back home feeling refreshed and inspired.”

“I will be,” I respond as I attempt to hide my smile behind my hand. Warmth spreads throughout my body at the tone of his voice, paired with his words. We both know my inspiration is coming from him. He’s making me feel things I didn’t expect to, making me all the more inspired to write my book.

He finishes signing the check before cocking his head to his left. “Want to take the long way back to my car to enjoy the fresh air for just a little bit longer before you go back to writing?”

“I’d love that.”

He doesn’t need any more direction. He backs his chair away from the table and quickly rises to his feet. Before I can stand up on my own, he’s offering his hand, and I take it without question.

He helps me to my feet, his hold on my hand tight as he begins to lead me through the tables on the patio.

I can feel people’s stares on us as we walk by, but I’m able to ignore them for the most part. Whatever their opinions are, it doesn’t matter to me. I might be wrong in assuming they even care about us at all.

Tyson’s grip on my hand is strong as we leave the patio and begin down a small stone path that’s on the edge of the course.

Pembroke buzzes with life around us. Golfers are lining up their shots on the fairway as golf carts hum by on the cart path close to us. In the distance, you can see Pembroke’s private beach. The white sand meets the turquoise water, and despite it being early in the season, there’s a fair number of people scattered along the beach. I can’t help but smile at the sight of the Pembroke-green pinstripe umbrellas that dot the shoreline, making the beach look straight out of a movie.

I let my gaze wander, moving from the beach and instead focusing on Tyson. I find him already glancing over at me, his posture relaxed and a whisper of a smile on his lips.

“This place isn’t so bad, is it?” he murmurs, his gaze still focused on me as he leads the way.

“I’m beginning to see the appeal,” I answer, absentmindedly squeezing his hand. We go from walking along the open path in plain view of anyone around us to walking along the more private path that’s right next to Pembroke’s main building. On one side of us is the classic white brick of the club, and on the other are perfectly trimmed bushes that are taller than me.

Tyson comes to an abrupt stop, the sudden change of pace shocking me. A small yelp leaves me as I look back at him, wondering why we’re stopping in the first place.

Our gazes clash as I find him already staring at me.

“Everything okay?” I ask, my voice cautious. There’s something about the look in his eyes that I can’t quite put a finger on.

“Not really,” he answers, his voice tight.

My stomach twists as his gaze drifts slowly over my body before lifting back to my face. “What’s wrong?” I ask, suddenly very aware of the change in his demeanor.

His thumb brushes along the inside of my wrist, sending a shiver up my arm. He keeps staring at me with an intensity that makes my toes curl.

“Can I kiss you?” he blurts, his words coming out deep but controlled.

My heart stutters at his question. I’ve been dying for him to kiss me since he teased me about it last night. “Right now?” I ask, glancing around us.

Technically, we’re pretty hidden. There isn’t anyone else currently on the path, and because of the club on one side and the tall hedges on the other, it makes our location feel secluded, even if the club is particularly busy.

He nods. “What’s wrong is that I thought I could wait,” he says, his voice even lower now, “but I can’t.” His eyes drop briefly to my mouth before lifting again. “I really want to kiss you, Josie.”

My smile spreads instantly. I’d been half-convinced he was going to kiss me last night, and when he didn’t, I spent half the evening imagining what it would feel like.