Page 88

Jon rolls his eyes and points over his shoulder, still looking at me and Zach. “Sorry about this bunch. They fancy themselves as a comedy pairing.”

Zach wraps his arms around my waist and kisses the side of my jaw. “Are we gonna tell them or keep them hanging?”

I turn to face him, our lips inches away.

“I actually think you two are worse,” Kate drawls. “I can’t take all thislovey-doveycrap.”

“I don’t know.” Zach turns to Kate. “You and Tom looked cozy at the gala. Maybe that icy heart of yours is growing soft.”

She throws back the rest of her wine and waves her glass in the air. “He knows where I stand. I like him, but we’re just having fun.”

Jon clears his throat. “I’m still waiting for the tea.”

Just then, Jensen comes to join us, standing next to Jon. He nods around the group, and I don’t miss the way he lingers a second longer on Kate. “Yeah, spill.”

“You’re all a bunch of nosey bitches, you know that?” Zach’s hands tighten slightly around my waist. “But since you’ve been hounding us for months, you might as well know we made it official last night. We’re dating.”

I’m deaf. Felicity shrieks as she launches herself at both of us. Her effort puts mine on the beach to shame. “This is awesome!”

“Jersey moment tomorrow.” Kate winks over at me, and I feel my face flush.

Jensen shifts awkwardly, stuffing his hands in his pockets and looking down at the ground. The tension between those two is palpable, but it’s like the rest of the group glosses over it.

“Ugh, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.” I already know it’s not a good idea.

“We can talk about it later,” Zach whispers reassuringly in my ear.

“Food’s ready!” James shouts from the kitchen.

Jon turns and then points to his brother, Adam, who’s making his way down the hallway and past the door with a bowl of greens. “Favorite sibling gets first dibs, bro.”

“Hopefully there will be some left for you then,” he replies over his shoulder.

I laugh, sliding off Zach’s lap and following everyone else to eat, but Zach pulls me back into him and waits for everyone to leave before turning his turquoise eyes on me. He tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “Am I moving too fast?”

I place a hand on each of his huge muscular shoulders. “No. But I can’t deny I’m worried about what we do when I head back home after this weekend.”

Taking my hands in his, he interlaces our fingers and holds them at his side. “You mean everything to me, Luna. We’re going to work it out, and even if you live three thousand miles from me, I’ll look into trade options.”

My heart sinks. Living in Florida is not what I want for him. But honestly, the more time I spend in Seattle, the more I wonder if that’s what I want for me too.

“Come on. Let’s eat the best food you’ll ever taste.”

“You mean better than your frittata?” I jest.

His head whips around as he guides me toward laughing and voices coming from the dining area. “Here’s me being the loving, doting boyfriend, and here’s my girlfriend giving me yet more shit.”

We take the remaining two seats next to one another as huge plates of food start being handed around.

Quickly, I take out my phone to tap out a reply to Mom.

Me

I’m sorry, it’s been kind of hectic here.

Mom

You start seeing someone and suddenly fall off the face of the earth.