Sky threw her arms around him and squeezed tight. He wrapped his arms around her, and his entire body relaxed. The fruity aroma of her hair relaxed him further. "I'm really sorry about the misunderstanding."
"It's not your fault. Why won't that lady listen to you?"
Jace shrugged. "I guess she has it in her mind, and she doesn't want anyone getting in the way."
"She bragged about your date with Maggie to the Montgomerys. I don't know if she's telling anyone else."
He clenched his jaw. "Oh, I'm sure she is. I'm going to have to put a stop to this." He pulled back and stared into Sky's eyes. "I know we haven't known each other that long, but I want to make sure you know everything I said before is the truth. Do you believe me?"
Sky held his gaze for a moment before nodding yes.
Seventeen
Sky threaded her fingers through Jace's. He tried to pull away. That's when she noticed his knuckles were cut. She squeezed his hand. "Are you okay? What happened?"
"It, uh, I was just being careless. It's nothing."
"We should get you cleaned up."
"I'll be fine. I should find Lucille and set her straight. Can't have half the town thinking I have eyes for anyone other than you."
"Don't worry about it. I learned a long time ago that it does nothing to worry what anyone else thinks."
"Yeah, but—"
"Let's show them why you don't have any interest in Maggie. Something that busybody won't be able to ignore."
Jace raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"
"We need to be seen together—everywhere. Holding hands. Laughing together." She paused. "Kissing."
The corners of Jace's mouth twitched. "You mean like this?" He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers.
She smiled. "Exactly."
He held her gaze. "Maybe we should practice that again."
"Probably should." She pressed her mouth on his and took in his scent. He smelled like the beach and the salty air.
Jace put his hands on the small of her back and pulled her close. He started to deepen the kiss, but then pulled back, worry in his eyes. "This is moving pretty fast, isn't it? Are you sure this is what you want?"
Sky nodded, staring deep into his eyes. They seemed lighter out on the beach—almost a blue-green color. She could get lost in them if she wasn't careful. Sky pulled back and focused on his entire face. "I know we just met last week, but I really want to get to know you better. You're a man of many mysteries, and I respect that. I'm not going to be one of those girls who demands you spill all. Tell me what you feel comfortable with, and I promise to treasure it forever."
Jace pulled her close and wrapped her in a strong, warm embrace. "How can you be so wonderful?"
She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Easy. I know when I've found something special. To be cheesy and take a line from my favorite movie, you're a diamond in the rough."
"You like Aladdin?" he asked.
"I probably watched it a thousand times as a kid."
"Really? I used to want a monkey because of Abu."
Sky laughed. "So did I. Aspen wanted a genie to grant her wishes, but I just wanted a moody monkey."
"You may have gotten that in the form of me."
She shoved him. "You're no monkey."
"I can think of a few people who might disagree with you." His mouth quivered as he obviously held back a laugh.
"Who cares what they think?" Sky stepped back and took his hand again. "We should get that cleaned up and then head out and show this town exactly who Jace Fisher digs."
"Digs? Do people still say that?" His voice held a teasing tone.
"I just did. Come on." She pulled on him. He grabbed his bag, and she dragged him to her cottage. Pixie ran around in circles and jumped on them. "Down, girl! I've got a first aid kit in the bathroom. Do you want help?"
"Nah, I got it." He went into the main bathroom and closed the door.
Sky sank onto the couch and patted her knees. Pixie jumped onto her lap and licked her face. Sky rubbed the soft fur and released a sigh. She was exhausted from the range of emotions she'd just experienced—everything from anger to elation. Pixie kept kissing her, so Sky set her on the floor. The pup jumped right back up.
Sky laughed. "You're persistent."
Pixie sat and licked a paw.
"You okay in there?" Sky called to Jace.
"Fine," he called back.
Sky ran her hands down Pixie's back. "I think I'm falling hard, Pix. I didn't want to fall in love again, but it's happening and I don't feel like fighting it."
The little Yorkie yapped happily.
"It's a risk," Sky continued. "But it's worth it this time. He isn't like most guys—in the best way possible." She paused, thinking about her botched relationships. It wasn't just the serial cheater. The one before him had lied about a gambling addiction. Sky hadn't found out about that until after he'd lost hundreds of her dollars. He'd told her it was to fix his car. Jace would never do anything like that. He was trustworthy.
The bathroom doorknob jiggled. Sky picked up Pixie and jumped to her feet. Jace came out with some bandages wrapped around his knuckles.
"Where do you want to go first?" She felt as bouncy as the excitable pup in her arms.
He shrugged. "Depends. What are you in the mood for? Tea? Lunch? A stroll?"
"How about all of the above?"
"At the same time?" Jace tilted his head.
She nodded.
"I don't follow."
"I have an idea." She set Pixie down, washed her hands, and pulled her picnic basket from one of the cupboards.
"Go for a walk and then eat somewhere?" Jace asked.
"How does the park sound? I've been wanting to spend some time there. It's so cute."
"Sure." He stepped into the kitchen. "What can I help with?"
Sky's heart warmed. "Grab some sandwich fixings from the fridge."
He did, and she slipped a bottle of wine and some chocolates into the basket—her favorite treats. Together they made the lunch and headed outside.
"You mind if Pixie comes along?" she asked.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. And I'm not letting you carry that basket." He took it from her.
Sky thought her heart might literally explode with happiness. He was a true gentleman, and combined with his southern charm, it was almost enough to send her soaring into the air. Could he be any more perfect?
They walked down the street with Pixie, and they smiled at everyone they saw. Sky looped her arm through his so there wouldn't be any mistake. Anyone who heard Lucille's story about her niece would be forced to give it a second thought.
Maybe it would even teach that woman to stop meddling in people's lives.
They reached the town park. It had a charming gazebo with lights, and in the distance was more beach—half of Indigo Bay seemed to be beach. Lifeguards sat at their posts, spread evenly apart.
Jace adjusted his cap over his eyes to block the sun and looked around. "The gazebo is free if you want to eat there, or we can pick something in the sun if you prefer."
"I'm still adjusting to this humidity. Do you mind if we take one of the tables in the shade?"
"Not at all." They walked toward some trees off to the side. Jace set down the basket and pulled out the food. Once it was all set out, he pulled out the bottle of wine. "When did you sneak this in?"
She tried to hold back a smile. "When you weren't looking. Hope you don't mind."
"That a beautiful and sweet woman wants to share wine with me? Do I look crazy to you?"
Heat crept into her cheeks. "Nope." Sky dug into the basket until she found the corkscrew. She handed it to him and pulled out the wine glasses. Yes, she was falling hard—and fast.
Eighteen
Jace sipped his wine, enjoying both the relaxation it allowed him and the sight before him. Sky popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth and smiled, fluttering her lashes. His stomach flip-flopped. He was
n't used to anyone having such an effect on him.
It was hard not to think back to Alisha—the only other person he had ever felt that way about before. That hadn't ended so well. His internal protection system sounded sirens, warning him he was in dangerous territory.
He shoved them aside. Sky wasn't Alisha, and the situations were completely different. When he'd gotten together with Alisha, they'd been fourteen. Jace hadn't even started shaving yet. They had been young and immature.
Alisha had been right about one thing earlier, though. Jace had ignored obvious signs—he hadn't wanted to think they'd grown apart. It'd been comforting to be with the same person for ten years, and even more so thinking about spending the rest of their years together. But convenience didn't make for a good relationship.
He studied Sky as she spoke about her childhood. Her eyes lit up and her hands moved around as she described things. Pixie jumped up onto the bench next to her, and watched, her head moving back and forth as if watching a tennis match. Sky had such a zest for life, and it was contagious. Jace had spent the last several years just existing. He'd thought that it was better than opening himself up to hurt again.
Now he doubted that. He wanted what she had, and hopefully, spending time with her was exactly what he needed—he wanted that to be what he needed.
Sky leaned her elbows on the table and studied him. "So, what about you? What was your childhood like?"
He stiffened. Panic ran through him. What was he supposed to talk about? All of his happy memories were tainted with the deaths of his dad and brother, and the fact that his mom couldn't remember him. He certainly couldn't talk about his teen years—they were all filled with Alisha as the center of his world.
Sky's expression clouded slightly. "It's okay. We can talk about something else. Like the—"
"No, I can tell you about my life growing up." His mind raced for a safe memory, maybe something as light-hearted and carefree as she'd just shared. "My brother and I used to run around town, getting into all kinds of mischief. We thought we were international spies for a while, and Conner convinced me everyone in town was hiding top secret information from the president." Jace chuckled and shook his head. "In fact, I overheard the mayor speaking about something to one of the ladies from the Ashland Belle Society. I confronted him, and boy howdy, he was madder than a wet hen."
A slow smile spread across Sky's gorgeous face. "Oh, no."
Jace nodded. "It didn't go over well for me or Connor. Our dad tanned our hides like never before. We never played spies after that."
Sky covered her mouth. "That's awful."
He shrugged. "That's what we got for meddling with the mayor. Certainly not our best idea, but we learned to be more careful with our antics."
"Sounds like you two were best buds."
"We really were." Sadness washed over Jace. It'd been a terrible hit when Connor had been killed. What made it even worse was how sudden it was—and so soon after Dad's passing.
She opened her mouth, and then closed it. Guilt stung at Jace for making things so hard on her, but he couldn't bring himself to opening up and telling her everything. Not yet, anyway. Hopefully, she would be willing to wait around until he could tell her more. He wanted to say something, but everything was so convoluted. Where would he start that he didn't have to explain everything in his life?
Several beats passed before Sky spoke. "People always think that Aspen and I were inseparable, but really we weren't. I mean, it wasn't like we didn't get along or anything. We just aren't an extension of each other, like people think twins should be."
"I got that feeling." He wanted to say more, to talk about his family, but the words wouldn't come. As much as he wanted to trust her, he just couldn't. It was likely a matter of time before he opened up, but that was exactly it—he needed the time.
"Family can be tough." Sky gave him a sad smile. It was almost like she was telling him that she understood his struggle.
"It sure is. Complicated, too."
"I couldn't agree more." She reached across the table and slid her hand in his. "We don't have to talk about that. Do you want to walk around town or the beach?"
Jace didn't really care what they did as long as they were together. She was the first person in such a long time that he'd actually enjoyed spending time with, and he couldn't get enough of her. He'd have agreed to just about anything. "Whatever you want to do."
He picked up their trash and took it over to the bin. When he returned, she had most everything else returned to the picnic basket already. He helped her with the rest and grabbed the basket.
She laced her fingers through his again. Oh, how he loved that simple gesture. His hands felt so large and rough against hers. Warmth ran through him that had nothing to do with the springtime weather. They walked along the path to the sidewalk and headed toward the cottages.
Jace hoped that everyone in Indigo Bay saw them together. He wanted to shout from the rooftops that he was falling in love again, this time with the most beautiful and kindhearted woman alive. Instead, he turned to her and smiled, hoping the intensity of his eyes said what he couldn't get his mouth to say.
She smiled back and squeezed his hand. Did that mean she got the message? He'd been out of the dating game so long, he wasn't sure he knew what he was doing. He squeezed her hand back, determined to do everything right this time.
Nineteen
Sky replied to the last blog comment and closed her laptop. Her fans had loved the post about the Happy Paws Pet Shop. She'd focused not only on the adorable setup, but also their line of pet fashion. They had coats, shirts, hats, and even pajamas for dogs. It was the perfect combination for her fans—pet-loving fashionistas.
As usual, there were some hecklers. The more popularity her blog gained, the more came out. The online trolls always found something to complain about. This time, they were saying that animals shouldn't be kept as pets for people's entertainment. Sky didn't even have to respond because her followers had already jumped in and put the haters in their place.
She stretched and rose from her chair. Her legs ached from sitting for so long. She really needed to invest in a standing desk or maybe even a treadmill desk considering how much time she spent in the chair. That was something on her list to do after she found a place to settle, and the more time she spent with Jace, the more she wanted to stay in Indigo Bay.
Her heart fluttered just thinking about him. It had been a few days since their picnic, and she'd only seen him in passing for a moment. A pipe had burst in one of the other cottages, leaking and causing flooding. Jace had been dealing with that, repairing the leak and preventing further water damage.
He'd been pretty stressed when she'd run into him, so she gave him space to focus on his job. It sounded like it would take a lot of time and effort to get the whole thing taken care of. She'd offered to bring him some food, but he said he was fine.
It might even be a good thing that they had the time apart. He'd mentioned that things were moving fast between them. Sky didn't mind personally—she was used to a faster pace of life than everyone in Indigo Bay. Probably from her time living in Seattle. When she'd returned to her hometown of Enchantment Bay, things had felt slow.
She glanced at her phone. She'd been inside the cottage for the last two days. It was time to get outside and have some actual human interaction. She loved talking with her blog followers, but there was something special about actually talking with someone in person, face-to-face. Besides, maybe she would run into Jace.
If she were being honest with herself, that was the main reason she wanted to head out. Sky tried to remember which cottage he'd said had the water problems, but it escaped her.
"Wanna go for a walk?" she called out, not sure where Pixie was hiding. Little skittering footsteps sounded from the direction of the sliding glass door. Pixie appeared and crashed into Sky's legs. "Watching the ducks again?"
That had become the pup's favorite pastime activity other than sleeping.<
br />
"Give me just a minute to freshen up." Sky went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. She didn't look bad for a non-video recording day, but she didn't want to look not bad if she ran into Jace.
Sky turned on her curling iron and fixed her makeup while it heated. She curled a few locks and then ran her fingers through it, giving it a nice wave around her face. Once she was satisfied, she practiced her smile a few times.
Pixie was by the back door again, watching the ducks. Her head moved back and forth, following one of the ducklings in particular.
The doorbell rang. Sky's heart skipped a beat, hoping it was Jace, but she knew better. The mail always came this time of day, and she was expecting several packages.
Pixie barked and ran for the front door, the birds completely forgotten. Sky opened the door, saw the pile of boxes, and called a thanks to the mailman, who waved as he climbed back into his truck.
She squatted to pick them up when she noticed the bush to her left had been cut back. Leaving the boxes, she stepped onto the grass, the cool blades tickling the soles of her feet, and studied the shrub. It wasn't her imagination. The plant had been trimmed significantly, and it looked a lot better.
Something else was different, but she couldn't quite place what. Sky put her hands on her hips and studied the side of the cottage. The paint—it had been chipped near the window, but now it was flawless. She couldn't even remember where the paint had been chipped.
Her heart warmed, spreading throughout from head to toe, feeling like a warm embrace.
Jace had done all that work, but when?
Pixie pranced out and sniffed the grass.
Sky scooped her up and hugged her. "Look what Jace did for us, Pix."
The pup licked her cheek. Sky rocked her back and forth, staring at the shrub and new paint. He'd been thinking about her, and as tired as he had to be, he'd gone to the effort of making her cottage nicer—though it had been just fine before. He didn't often say much, but this gesture spoke volumes.
Sweet Dreams (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series Book 1) Page 7