Sunsets at Seaside(18)

The gravel road forked at the entrance. It ran in a circle through the development with Bella and Jenna’s cottages, the laundry building, and the house where Theresa lived and Jessica was renting down the fork to the left. The big house, as they called it, had been the only house on the property until the land was subdivided and the cottages were built. The road circled by the pool at the far end, and Jamie’s, Leanna’s, Tony’s, and Amy’s cottages were on the right side of the community. Jamie and Caden ran down the fork to the left.

“Glutton for punishment? You know they’ll all be together at our place,” Caden said.

Jamie knew there was a good chance that Bella and the girls were on Bella’s deck with comments at the ready, but their harassment would be well worth the glimpse of Jessica if she was out on her deck.

Caden elbowed him. Jamie followed his gaze to Jenna’s deck, where Jessica and the other girls were gathered around the table drinking coffee. Pepper, Leanna’s fluffy white Labradoodle, barked and ran around their feet. Jamie slowed and crouched to pet Pepper. Caden took a knee beside him.

“You think they scared her off yet?” Caden cracked a crooked smile and lifted his brows.

“I guess we’ll find out.” Jamie looked down at Pepper. “Come on, Pep.” Pepper ran ahead of them and leaped onto Jenna’s deck.

“Morning, ladies.” Jamie felt all of their eyes on him as he rested his hand on the back of Jessica’s chair. It took all of his restraint not to lean down and kiss her cheek, and she surprised him when she reached up and touched his hand. He lifted his index finger and trapped hers beneath.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the hottest running duo in Wellfleet.” Bella reached for Caden’s hand and leveled a stare at Jamie. “We hear you’re going on a date to the flea market today.”

Jessica looked up and smiled, flashing those dimples that shot something warm and nice through his chest. “I told them that we were going with Vera this morning.”

He moved his hand from her chair to her shoulder and smiled down at her. She was wearing a white sundress and a pair of sandals. The tie of a pink bathing suit circled her neck. He glanced around the table at the others, and they were all dressed similarly, other than Leanna. Her brown hair was pinned up in a high ponytail, and she wore a blue tank top and cutoffs, both streaked with red jam. Jessica already fit in like one of the Seaside girls, and she looked about as comfortable as could be.

“Stop by and see me at the flea market, you guys. I’ll give you each a jar of Strawberry Spice, my newest jam flavor.” Leanna sold jam at the Wellfleet Flea Market on the weekends. “I make it with strawberry wine and habanero peppers. You get all the sweet and just enough heat.”

She could have been describing Jessica. He couldn’t help but squeeze Jessica’s shoulder. She was all the sweet heat he needed.

“We will. Thanks, Leanna.”

“Pepper and I have to go set up.” Leanna hugged everyone. “It was good to see you guys. I miss being here, but I have huge orders this weekend, so we’re going to stay at Kurt’s house for a few days. I’ll come by as much as I can, though.”

“We love you, Lea, no matter where you stay.” Amy picked up Pepper and carried him to Leanna’s car. “And thanks for bringing my boy to see me. I’ve missed him, too.” Pepper lavished her face with kisses.

“Where’s Tony?” Caden asked.

“He went for a run on the beach,” Amy said. “He’s surfing at the Outer Beach in Orleans today. He said the swells there have been great lately.”

“Did he behave last night?” Jamie asked. “I thought about chaperoning.”

“I heard you were a little busy chaperoning your own party.” Jenna laughed.

Jessica’s cheeks pinked up.

“Sorry, Jessica. I couldn’t help myself.” Jenna handed her a muffin. “Here. This will help ease the embarrassment.”

Jessica shot a quick glance at Jamie as she took the muffin, then lowered her eyes.

He was surprised she’d share what they’d done with the others, but then again, she could have just said they stayed up talking. If he and Jessica decided to pursue their relationship, he wondered if she’d share the intimate details with them. He pushed away the notion of Bella and the girls knowing about his bedroom escapades.

“On that note, I think I’ll grab a shower. I’ll swing by and get you when Gram’s ready—about ten?”

“Sounds good.” She smiled at him again, bringing back memories of her body pressed against his, which sent a surge of heat rushing through him.