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Her smile faded a bit, and her thoughts traveled to her past relationships.

“Do me a favor.”

“What’s that?”

“Guard it, but not from me.”

Carla closed her eyes. It was like Jacob knew she thought he was inconsistent.

“So, if we venture into something like…” She paused, the words lodged in her throat.

“Say it.”

Carla exhaled long and hard. “Something like love, you promise not to break my heart?”

He wished he could be where she was right then. To look in her eyes and allow her to see his sincerity. If anything, Jacob needed it, to also see her earnestness.

“Two broken hearts in the middle of the night, trying to navigate the highway of love.”

“Jacob, you don’t have to worry about me. Since you do know my vibe, then you know I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize our friendship.”

He would like to believe that, and at that moment, Jacob decided to let down his guards.

“The universe won’t let me run from you, Carla. I’ve tried.”

His honesty astonished her. “Why?”

“You know the answer to that.”

She sighed, silently agreeing. “I’m not your past, and you’re not mine. We already agreed to be open and upfront with one another. Let’s do it with no reservations. A clean slate, so to speak.”

His eyes tightened as his smile rose. “I’d like that.” He parked in his driveway but didn’t rush to go inside. “Tell me your dreams, Carla.”

“My dreams?”

“Yes.”

She inhaled. “Well, I’ve dreamed of walking through a garden of green vegetation with you. Taking in the outside scenery on a trail, maybe seeing a waterfall. Possibly getting wet.”

“Hmmm.”

He hadn’t meant her dreams literally, but he listened to what she said nonetheless.

“Visiting a pottery studio where you sit behind me, and we create together.”

His heart jigged, eyes closing as he envisioned the scene she painted.

“Maybe feed each other fishcakes for lunch.”

His eyes shot open. “Fishcakes?”

She laughed. “Yes, I heard they were the best in Barbados.”

“Barbados…”

“Mmhmm. I heard there was a virtual studio downtown where we could visit the island and have this experience.”

“Or…” his deep voice stroked. “We could visit Barbados.”