Page 79 of Inevitable

And then it was my turn. I just stood there, mouth agape, staring at his stupidly handsome face. “Hey.”

“Hey, Sumner.” He gave me a side hug just like the one he’d given Lea. “Good to see you.”

We settled onto the blanket, and I busied myself with the food while everyone else talked. How could he seem so at ease? I thought I might burst out of my skin. This was too much—too risky. We were playing with fire.

A family walked by in the distance, the children skipping along as they sang a song. I picked at my salad and tried to avoid looking at Jonathan. I was afraid if I did, my attraction to him—or worse still, what we’d done—would be completely obvious. My guilt painted across my features for all the world to see.

I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn’t hear much of the conversation. Eventually, Dad left with the trash, depositing it in the bin before heading off in the direction of the restrooms.

“While Ian’s gone, I wanted to talk to you guys.” Lea leaned in, lowering her voice.

“What’s going on?” I asked, suddenly alarmed.

“Well, your dad’s forty-fifth birthday is coming up, and I’m planning a big weekend for him.”

I laughed, feeling more at ease. “Of course you are. Just tell me what you need from me.”

“I just need you to show up—both of you. And maybe give a short speech about Ian.” She glanced at Jonathan. “I’ve hired one of the best event planners in LA—Juliana Wright.” She said the name like it would mean something to us.

“Alexis’s friend?” Jonathan asked, surprising me.

“That’s the one.” Lea smiled. “Anyway, it’s going to be epic! But please keep it a secret.”

“Of course,” we both said in unison.

“So, Jonathan—” she leaned in, placing her hand on his forearm “—what can you tell me about this Jack guy Sumner’s been spending so much time with lately?”

Jonathan looked at me, head tilted. “Jack?”

“Yeah. You know—” I widened my eyes, silently imploring him to play along “—Jack. Tall. Good-looking.” I wanted to laugh when a muscle in his forehead twitched. “Looks like he could be a professional surfer.”

“Oh dear,” Lea said, placing a hand to her chest, her features filled with concern as she glanced between the two of us. “Was it a secret that they were dating? Sumner assured us they weren’t violating any rules, so I just assumed it was common knowledge.”

“I typically try to steer clear of gossip,” Jonathan said, sidestepping the issue. “But good for you, Sumner.”

“So, what can you tell me about him?” Lea prodded. “She’s been very secretive.”

Jonathan chuckled, leaning back on his hands as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “Jack. Jack. Jack.” Lea bent forward, hanging on his every word. I thought I was going to be sick.

“Jack is…” he said, then turned to me. “Well, Sum, how would you describe him? What do you like about him?”

I glared at him, though it was unlikely he could see my eyes from behind my sunglasses. So, I forced a smile. “Oh no, I’d much rather hear what you have to say about him.”

“What’d I miss?” Dad asked, taking a seat on the ground next to Lea.

“Jonathan was just telling us about Jack.”

Dad furrowed his brow then nodded. “Oh, Jack. Right.”

“You have no idea who Jack is,” Jonathan ribbed him.

“I—” He held up his pointer finger. “Yes. Jack is the guy Sumner’s dating. I just didn’t think it was very serious.”

“Not very serious?” Lea laughed. “She’s spent almost every night with him the past few weeks.”

Dad lifted his shoulder, clearly not wanting to be drawn into the conversation. I could only imagine how he’d feel if he knew that Jack was actually Jonathan. I doubted he’d be so blasé about it. But Lea was right—we weren’t serious. I was leaving soon, but that hadn’t stopped me from developing some serious feelings for Jonathan.

“Ah, well. An office romance is fun as a summer fling.” She turned to my dad, placing her hand over his heart. “The best love stories always have a touch of the forbidden. Don’t they, dear?”