Saved by Love (Willow Valley Book 3)(8)

When her pulled her back up, he made sure to bring her in a little closer to him than before. She didn't resist.

By the end of the third song they had both sufficiently relaxed and he was able to just enjoy being with her without worrying about what came next. He laced his fingers through hers and guided her over to the bar.

"What would you like?" He leaned one arm against the bar and kept his body turned toward Abby.

"Just a water. Thanks."

He ordered two waters, and when the bartender pushed them across the bar to them, Ethan made no move to head back to the table. "So what do you think of small town life so far? You've been in Willow Valley a few months now, right?"

"Yeah. I like it more than I thought I would." She smiled apologetically. "I don't mean that in a bad way. It's definitely an adjustment to have everyone knowing what you ate for breakfast and where you work and everything. But there's a sense of community here that I've never experienced before. And even though I haven't really gotten to know a lot of people, there's a feeling of belonging too. I don't know if that makes sense." She dropped her eyes as if she were embarrassed.

Ethan squeezed her hand and she looked back up at him. "I know exactly what you mean. I've lived here my whole life, but I've traveled around enough to know that in spite of the busybodies," he cocked his head in Lissa's direction and Abby giggled, "it's a pretty special place. Where are you from?"

She hesitated, then shrugged. "California."

"They have some pretty awesome surf spots."

"You surf?" The incredulous look on her face was almost comical.

"What, do you think this guy is just a backwoods Barney?" At that, she broke out in a full-on laugh that had him grinning too. "What?"

When she finally regained her composure, she took a sip of her water and shook her head at him, still smiling. "It's just that not only do you apparently know that a ‘Barney’ is surfer speak for a terrible surfer, but I swear today when you were messing with that furniture delivery guy, you totally reminded me of Barney Fife."

Now it was Ethan's turn to laugh. "You've got to be kidding me. Barney Fife? I'm mortally wounded. And here I thought myself to be witty and charming."

Abby placed a hand on his thigh and leaned closer with a mischievous look. "Oh, you are, make no mistake about that. And the fact that you surf only makes it worse."

He lifted his brows. "Worse? How so?"

"Just that when I was growing up, my friends and I would go to the beach for the sole purpose of watching the surfers. Well, that, and working on our tans. A surfer was like a dream guy."

He smirked. "Dream guy, huh? I think I can handle that better than Barney Fife." He rested a hand on her hip to keep her close, watching her closely for a reaction. When she didn't pull away he counted it as a win.

"Well, I wouldn't go that far just yet. You've yet to prove you're not full of it about surfing."

"Mmm, well, I may not be able to do that here in Willow Valley. But I am headed on a beach trip to Florida with some friends in a couple weeks. There will be water sports involved. Maybe you should come along and see my physical prowess for yourself." He puffed up his chest and made a face like he was full of himself, causing her to laugh again. He could totally get used to being the one to make her smile.

"So what about you?" he asked. "Do you surf too?"

"I always wanted to." There was a wistful tone to her voice.

"You lived in the perfect place. Why didn't you?"

Her smile disappeared in an instant and she shrugged. "Reasons." She pulled away from him and reached for her glass, keeping it between them like a barrier.

Ethan didn't like how she was shutting down all of a sudden, so he tried to engage her again. "Do you still want to?" When she didn't say anything, he continued. "Then you should definitely come along. I'll teach you how."

The look in her eyes could only be described as conflicted. "I don't think that's a good idea," she muttered before averting her gaze, though her voice wasn't very convincing.

"I promise I'm a good teacher," he cajoled. "We take this trip every year and always have a great time."

The nervousness was back, and this time she spoke more firmly. "Thanks, Ethan. Really. But I don't think so."

He couldn't keep the disappointment from his voice. "I understand. I mean, you did just meet me."

She bit her lip and didn't reply. He could tell that wasn't the whole story, but he wasn't going to push her. He wondered again what made her so wary of him. He could have sworn she wanted to go—at least a part of her.

Glancing toward their table, she took a slow, deep breath. "I think we should get back to the table before they think we've abandoned them completely."

Ethan wouldn't mind if that's exactly what they thought, but he got up and followed her back through the crowded room. He tried to rein in his frustration. For a minute it felt like she was opening up to him. Now, well, now he didn't know what she was thinking.

Braden nodded and tilted his beer in Ethan's direction as they arrived back at the table. No doubt to show Ethan he conceded in the contest for Abby. But Ethan only frowned. He didn't like thinking of Abby like that. Besides, he certainly didn't feel like a victor where she was concerned.