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But as I look back out at the lake, Sarah's laughter ringing out across the water, I can't help but feel like I'm missing out on something.
I've never been one for relationships, never been interested in settling down. But Sarah...she's different. There's something about her that just draws me in, something that makes me think that maybe, just maybe, I could be happy with her.
I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts. This is ridiculous. I'm not the settling down type, and Sarah isn't either.
But the bottom line is that, if I want to get in her bed again, we're going to have to be quiet about it.
No strings attached.
Chapter ten
Sarah
Weallgatherforfireworks as the sun sets, Gray and Eli getting things set up while everyone else makes sure the kids don't get too close. Teresa holds the youngest baby, Hope, and bounces her gently as the baby blinks away her nap.
It's so idyllic--tooidyllic.
I never had anything like this growing up, with a divorced mom and a deadbeat dad. My mom passed when I was in college in Eugene, and my dad lives up in Vancouver. It makes me a little heartsick, even as if makes me wonder if I could ever belong.
With the way Jake is looking at me, maybe I could.
He catches my eye from across the yard, the last rays of orange and pink sunlight streaming through the trees and casting a warm glow on us all. I feel myself blush and look away, pretending to focus on the preparations for the fireworks show.
But I can feel his gaze on me, like a physical touch. It's intoxicating and unnerving at the same time. Reagan calls out my name and I jump, breaking the spell.
"Hey, you okay?" she asks, her eyes full of concern. I nod, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Yeah, of course. Just got lost in thought," I say, hoping I sound convincing.
The first sparkler goes off with a hiss, and I'm grateful for the distraction. The kids ooh and aah as the fireworks light up the sky, their faces painted with wonder and delight.
Reagan doesn't relent.
"Is this about Jake?" she asks.
My eyes snap to hers, unable to control my reaction. "What about him?"
Reagan laughs softly. "Sarah...I know you. It was him, wasn't it?"
Of course she knows me;of courseshe could tell something was going on. We've known each other since college, I'm the reason she came to Fern Hollow.
She's my best friend, even if she's now part of the Hart gossip train.
I sigh and nod. "Yes."
"I knew it!" Reagan exclaims, giving me a playful nudge. "You two would be perfect together."
The fireworks continue to light up the sky, but my eyes are focused on Jake. He's laughing and joking with Gray and Eli, but I can tell he's stealing glances at me when he thinks I'm not looking.
The thing is, I'm not sure I'm ready for this. Ready for him. I've been hurt before, and the thought of opening myself up to that kind of vulnerability again scares me.
But then he catches my eye again, and I feel my resolve waiver.
Reagan notices the shift in my demeanor and nudges me again. "What are you waiting for?"
I take a deep breath and stand up, my heart pounding in my chest. Jake notices me walking towards him and meets me halfway.
"Hey," he says, his eyes searching mine.
