“I smell like you,” I whispered before going in for another kiss. Today I was surfing that postcoital wave, an aura of hope floating around my heart that had overtaken the edge of sadness for what this man had suffered.
“Or like us,” he murmured as he rested his cheek against mine. “Whatever it is, I like it.”
“Me too.”
“Thanks for last night. For listening. For not freaking out.”
“It means everything that you trusted me.” Cuddling against his chest felt so right, like we were closer than we’d ever been. Maybe he felt it too.
He stroked my hair and held me, our breaths melding as we lingered in that perfect and oddly peaceful moment. Finally, he sighed and kissed my temple. “Time to get those samples and head home. I tried messaging Greg, but there’s no reception,” he said. “If we aren’t back this afternoon, they’ll worry. Anyway, I have to call home and check in.”
“Let’s go, then.”
“Wait.” He pulled out his phone, holding it at arm’s length and pressing his face against mine. “Smile, beautiful.” After a quick inspection of the photo, he turned and captured my lips again for a long kiss, then patted my ass. “Better get moving.”
We hauled our kayaks into the water and settled into a steady paddle stroke. The idea of another day on the water with Jake was pretty much perfect. Today was my chance to let last night’s revelations sink in, far away from the distractions of our usual routines. But maybe that was what we needed; our opportunity to seek our new normal, whatever that might be.
Chapter 12
The moment I opened the door, Beth stepped inside and wrapped her arms around me. “You’re okay. I worried when you weren’t back from kayaking on Monday night.”
“I told you I was fine.” I shared a conspiratorial look with Jake over my friend’s shoulder and mouthed, “Told you so.”
“I took good care of her.” Jake pushed both of us toward the living room, allowing the hovering Greg space to enter my apartment. He and his friend exchanged fist bumps. “Feeling better?”
“Much, now that I’ve had a couple of days to recover.” Greg gave Jake a quick hug. “Sounds like you enjoyed a little adventure, but I told Beth to relax, that you’d never let anything happen to her friend.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “Apparently, Jake’s a proverbial Boy Scout when he’s out on the water.”
“That’s the everyday Jake, but who says I need a big strong man to take care of me? You all act like I’ve never paddled in my life.” I folded my arms over my chest and glowered at the three who were now crowded around my kitchen island, munching on my carefully assembled appetizers. “I’ll have you know that those emergency camping supplies were mine.”
“Ha, yet he still rescued you from an icy bath.” Beth dashed the back of her hand over her eyes. “You could have died.”
“Actually, she rescued herself with a seamless kayak recovery.” Jake slid his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. “You two should join us next time.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “Noooo.”
“Turns out Bethie isn’t fond of open water. Or boats.” Greg dipped a chip into the guacamole, scooping a healthy dose. “This is the best guac I’ve ever tasted.” He loaded another chip with the mixture of creamy avocado and cherry tomatoes that I’d whipped up after I’d gotten home from work.
“Oh. Thalassophobia,” Jake said.
“Thala-what-what?” Beth giggled.
“Thalassophobia. Fear of open water.” Greg started on the veggies and dip.
“Figures you two would know that.” I wrinkled my nose, which Jake promptly kissed. “Guess they did teach you something during those ten years of university.”
“Sass.” Jake swatted my butt. “Too bad, Beth, you’re missing some great times on the water.”
“I’m good with the solid land kind of fun,” she said.
Jake laughed. “Well, salut.” He lifted his glass. “To amazing friends, and Amara’s incredible cooking skills. Glad you two could join us tonight.”
I raised my brows at Beth, but she just smiled.
“Did you get those results from the water testing?” Greg asked after everyone had devoured most of the appetizers.
“In the office.” Jake set aside his glass. “Want to review them?”
“Oh, here we go,” Beth said. “You promised no shop talk.”
“I need the figures for our Thursday team meeting. It won’t take more than five minutes.” The man kissed Beth, then he and Jake headed toward the den.
“Better not,” my friend said. The moment the door closed, she giggled. “I thought they’d never leave. I’m dying to know what’s happening with you and Jake. You two seem settled and domesticated.”
“You should talk. I see those star-filled eyes and that lovey-dove glazed look.” A snicker escaped. “Maybe I should be worried, but you haven’t been this happy in forever.”
“I’m beyond happy.” She fluttered her lashes. “Greg is great, and he passed the test when I told him I didn’t like boats. Even guys who make their living from the ocean love a bit of dry land now and then.”
“True enough, though given what Jake does, it’s nice to understand his love of the water.” I topped up her glass. “While we were out there, he shared about his wife.”
“Ohh, tell me.” She grabbed my hand. “What was it? Car accident?” Then she frowned. “Oh, worse?”
“Much. She overdosed,” I said. “Jake found her.”
“That poor man.” She pressed a hand to her mouth. “No wonder he wasn’t talking. Was it intentional?”
“Yeah. She was battling severe depression.”
Beth swirled her wine and took a long swallow. “He probably has PTSD. Didn’t you say he has nightmares?”
“Don’t get all social worky, okay? No analyzing my boyfriend.”
“I can’t help it. I’ve dealt with kids who’ve lost parents and siblings. The fallout isn’t pretty, especially in the case of suicide. How’s he handling it?”
“Not alone, that I can guarantee. When I said all in, I meant it.”
“So, now you’ll meet his daughter?”
“One hurdle at a time.” In my view, that Jake had finally opened up about his wife was a major step forward; time to
