Page 34 of The Beachside Rental

She wanted to give him a sarcastic:yes, Dad, but she couldn’t do it.The thought of her father had the words dying on her tongue because in that moment, she missed him very much.Her father would drive to her place and make sure she had everything secured for the approaching storm.She missed him.

It felt like there was a lump in her throat when she said, “I will.”

Neil’s gaze moved to Simon.“You too.”

Simon nodded.“And don’t worry.I’ll give Jenna a hand if she needs it.”

“I won’t need help,” she said a little too quickly.She just didn’t want them to think she couldn’t take care of herself.

“Okay.See you guys tomorrow.”And then Neil was out the door.

She looked over at Simon.“Are you ready to go?”

He nodded.“I’m sure Gus needs to be let out.”

They made their way back to his cart.Most of the parking lot was now empty as everyone headed home because a lot of people had work the next day.But with the looming storm in the forecast, she wasn’t sure how many tourists they could expect from the mainland.In this instance, less tourists might be best.The locals needed time to secure their homes and not worry about tending to the tourists.

Simon only made one wrong turn on the way home.He was definitely learning his way around Bluestar.Not that it was hard, considering it was a small town.

They had just stepped onto their communal front porch when they turned to each other.If this was a real “date,” this was the point where he would take her into his arms and kiss her goodnight.So, when he took a step toward her, the breath hitched in the back of her throat.

And then his head dipped.He really was going to kiss her.Her heart pounded, echoing in her ears.

Her eyes fluttered shut as she anticipated the feel of his lips upon hers.She was surprised by how much she wanted this to happen.And then she felt his lips.

Ever so lightly his mouth brushed across her cheek.

Wait.What?He was supposed to have kissed her lips not her cheek.

When her eyes sprang open, he was standing there, smiling at her.“Thank you for a wonderful evening.I really enjoyed it.”

She meant to say something, but instead, she stood there tongue-tied while he walked away.

It wasn’t until he was inside his place that she realized she hadn’t even told him that he didn’t have to come to her family dinner.She wanted to apologize for the way her brother pushed the subject of him attending.She was willing to make up an excuse for why he couldn’t attend.

But she hadn’t said any of that.Instead, she was focused on the disappointment of him kissing her cheek.She knew it shouldn’t matter to her—in fact, she should be relieved—but it did matter to her.

Was he playing games with her?One minute he’s into her, and the next he’s not.

A strong gust of wind stirred her from her thoughts.Maybe she was just overthinking this whole thing.Maybe what she really needed was some sleep.

She turned and went into her half of the duplex.Sleep definitely sounded good.But she already knew when she closed her eyes that she’d be dreaming about him.

Chapter Ten

Whatisthatannoyingsound?

Simon groaned as he was drawn from the most enchanting dream.He blindly fumbled around on his nightstand for his phone.When he finally found it, silence descended back over the bedroom.

He rolled over and let sleep claim him once more.Jenna’s image reappeared—only every time he approached her, she would slip away.

Something struck his cheek, jarring him awake.His eyes sprang open.His gaze darted around, and then he realized it was Gus’s paw that had awakened him.The next thing he knew, a cold, wet nose pressed to his cheek.

“Not yet, Gus.”Simon rolled away from the dog.

His breathing slowed, and he drifted back to sleep.Jenna walked into his dreams.

Thump!