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I wasn’t thinking, but then, Alice had that effect on me. I stepped closer, lifting a hand and sliding it through her curls, smoothing them back from her cheek and palming it. I couldn’t look away as she peered up at me. “What are you doing, Jonah?”
“This,” I whispered in return, just before I dipped my head and brushed my lips over hers.
That subtle touch sent a fiery jolt through me, startling me. I lifted my head, staring at her, trying to understand us.
Alice looked as stunned as I felt. “What—?” she began, just before a voice called, “Good morning!”
We broke apart, leaping back guiltily. The voice was unmistakable—my grandmother.
We turned together to see my grandmother appear on the path. I hoped she’d only had a view of my back. She would be way too excited to catch me kissing Alice.
“Good morning, Bea,” Alice said as my grandmother approached and stopped beside us.
“Good morning, dear.” She leaned up, pressing a kiss on Alice’s cheek before turning to me.
I leaned down for her to reach me. She kissed my cheek as I curled an arm over her shoulders and squeezed gently before she stepped back.
Her sharp gaze bounced between Alice and me. “So, you’re kissing now.”
A wash of pink rose on Alice’s cheeks, and I felt my own face heating.
ChapterThirteen
Alice
My cheeks burned, and I couldn’t help but look at Jonah. His green eyes were bright, and his cheeks held a subtle flush. He smiled down at his grandmother, shrugging lightly.
Her eyes twinkled with a sly gleam as she glanced back and forth between us again, lacing her hands together and squeezing them. “Well then, I won’t say anything else about it.”
“Yes, you will,” Jonah countered.
I cleared my throat, and he chuckled as she looked from me to him again. “Okay, fine, I probably will. For what it’s worth, I think you’re perfect for each other.”
Jonah pressed his lips together, glancing at me and offering, “I’m sorry. I think you know she’s nosy.”
I took a breath, scrambling for any composure to be found, which wasn’t much. I simply shrugged, replying, “I’m aware of that.” My cheeks were still on fire.
Bea’s gaze sobered. “I am nosy, and that’s fine, but since I’m dying, I will grab a chance when I can.”
Jonah looked utterly wrecked for a moment. My own heart felt pinched, painfully hard.
“Gram,” he murmured.
She stepped up to him, sliding her arm around his waist and squeezing. “I’m just being honest.”
“Do you have to point out that you’re dying? Maybe the doctors are wrong,” he protested.
“Maybe so. But my point still stands.” With that, she stepped back, adding, “I have to go because I have a doctor’s appointment.”
“Do you need a ride?” Jonah asked.
She shook her head. “I can drive perfectly fine.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before turning and climbing into her car.
We watched in silence as she started her car and drove away. I looked over at him, asking, “Are you okay?”
He ran a hand through his hair, letting it fall. When I saw the sadness and worry in his gaze, I wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be fine.
He took a breath, replying, “I guess I have to be. I love her.”
