Driftwood Lane (Nantucket #4)(61)

They traded greetings, and the man commented on Meridith’s injury. Jake just wanted him to go, but he remembered how chatty the man had been while Jake installed his windows.

Mr. Stanford engaged them in a lengthy conversation about landscaping while Jake pocketed his hands, trying to think of a polite way to end the conversation. He was saved by the return of Rita and the kids.

Mr. Stanford said his good-byes, and Jake took his seat, relieved. The kids listed the friends they’d seen while Rita and Lee packed up. Jake gathered Meridith’s supplies.

“Why don’t you come back to our house?” Rita said. “We always cook out the night of the tailgate picnic, and since the pool’s up and running we can swim. Unless your ankle’s hurting too much, honey.”

“Oh, can we?” Noelle asked.

Jake noted the way she traded looks with the Lawson boy and wasn’t sure he liked it one bit.

“Well, I suppose we could,” Meridith said. “We’ll need to stop by the house for our suits.”

“Jake, you’re welcome, too, of course.” Lee scratched his beard. “Otherwise, I’m overrun with women.”

Jake glanced at Meridith—didn’t want to wear out his welcome. But Meridith, seemingly undisturbed, was gently tugging her sock onto her foot.

“Thanks, don’t mind if I do.”

After running Meridith and the kids home for their suits, Jake drove the Galaxie to the Lawsons. The family lived in a mid-island home with a sloping front yard and a wide front porch lined with a plethora of daffodils.

The evening was so enjoyable, Jake forgot to return Sierra’s call. He had no trunks, but the adults didn’t swim anyway. They played spades on the patio, and he and Meridith won easily. By the time the kids were piling into the car to return home, Jake felt almost like they were a family. Meridith had, for whatever reason, let her guard down for the day.

He helped her to the car, and they started toward Summer Place in the dark. The wind blew across the open convertible, tossing his hair, and the kids huddled in the back complaining of freezing to death. Meridith pulled her blue sweater closed and hugged herself.

He wished she’d move closer so he could keep her warm. He imagined his arm wrapped around her shoulders, her face tucked into his chest against the wind. It was a picture he liked. Too much. Being near her all day, out of their element, had been revealing.

But it hadn’t revealed something new about Meridith so much as it had revealed his own feelings. Not that he hadn’t been aware of them; he just hadn’t realized they were rooted so deeply.

If only she weren’t already taken. And, okay, if she didn’t believe he was someone else.

Wyatt was right. He was an idiot. He was in the middle of a mess, but it wasn’t too late to ask for help—it was never too late. He sent up a silent prayer as he drove through the quiet neighborhood streets. Usually he made sound decisions and could calculate the outcome. This one had him baffled. And now that feelings were involved—his own—he had more at stake than he cared to.

He turned onto Driftwood Lane. The kids had quieted in the back, their teeth probably chattering too much to talk. Meridith had quieted, too, but when she carefully shifted her leg, he wondered if she was in pain.

“Ankle hurting?”

The night was too dark to read her expression. “I guess I need to keep it propped.”

“Tylenol’s worn off. You should take something before you turn in.”

“I will. I was just thinking about the Goldmans and the Mowerys. I hope they’re faring all right. I feel badly for being gone all day.”

“The Goldmans seem to know what’s what around here, and the other couple seemed pretty autonomous. I’m sure they all had a full day at the festival and are tucked away for the night.”

“You’re probably right.”

Jake pulled the car into the drive. “See, the house is dark.” The engine hummed, accented by the pebbles popping under the wheels.

“She’s a sweet ride. Purrs like a kitten.” He pulled the car into the garage. The familiar smell of mustiness and motor oil assaulted his senses.

He gave the house key to Noelle, knowing it would take him and Meridith a few extra minutes, and the kids took the short cut through the back of the house, probably eager to get into their warm pajamas.

“I’ll be up to tuck you in,” Meridith called after them.

Jake opened Meridith’s door, and she swung her legs out, setting her foot down gently. Jake grasped her hands and pulled. She weighed nothing, a feather in the wind. He helped her navigate the car.

“The basket and stuff—”

“I’ll come back for it. Come on, Hopalong.” He took one arm, braced at the elbow, and put the other around her. Her skin was cool, the sweater a too-thin barrier against the chill in the air. She walked gingerly toward the front of the house, taking the route with fewer steps.

Piper circled them, barking.

“No, Piper. Back!” Jake said, fearing she’d trip Meridith. The dog sure was keyed up.

They navigated the flagstones slowly in the dark. When they reached the steps, a breeze stirred the wind chimes, stirred her hair, and the familiar citrus scent wafted toward him.

“Lean on me,” Jake said as they took the steps. When they reached the top, a shadow by the swing moved. Jake dropped Meridith’s elbow and stepped in front of her, the confrontation with Sean still fresh in his mind.