Always(Time for Love Book 4)(6)

Sarah nodded in agreement.

Tears sprung to Brenna’s eyes. “He’s had feelings for me for that long?” And to think it bothered her that she’d been attracted to him for a year. One year compared to ten for him? How could she have been so blind?

“Yes, I think he's had feelings for you for that long,” Gemma said. “But he’s never said anything to me.”

“Same here,” Sarah said.

“But you never spoke about this amongst yourselves?”

“No.”

She stared at them, sensing a deep stirring in her heart. “Do you think he still has feelings for me now?”

Both Gemma and Sarah shrugged.

“Hey, girls,” Amanda said, appearing in her kitchen. “Is everything okay? You haven’t started anything.”

“Sorry,” Gemma said with a grin, and started opening cupboards.

Brenna stared at Amanda. If Ash had told anyone, he would have told his sister. Should she ask her now?

“Bren? What’s up?” Amanda asked.

Brenna’s gaze darted to Gemma and Sarah, but they’d busied themselves with the tasks at hand.

“It’s to do with Ash, isn’t it?” Amanda said. “What did you guys talk about earlier when he took you to the water’s edge?”

Brenna smiled. “We were joking about how cold the water is and how we don’t have a change of clothes.” Images of Ash stripping in the guest bedroom filled her mind, making her flush again.

“Are you imagining my brother in a wet t-shirt contest?” Amanda joked.

Brenna laughed to cover her embarrassment. “No, I’m imagining him naked.”

Amanda gasped. “Bren! Are you kidding me? Is this what you guys were talking about? Tell me!”

With hushed voices, the three shared with Amanda their earlier conversation.

“There were times when I wanted to throttle you for not noticing, Bren,” Amanda said quietly. “But you were with Darren. Even after you broke up with Darren you still didn’t notice. I’ve felt sorry for my brother for years. But I know he’d hate for me to interfere. Plus, I didn’t know what good it would do to tell you, since you weren’t interested anyway.”

Brenna could only stare at Amanda in shock.

“So what did you talk about at the beach?” Amanda asked with a frown.

The rest of what she and Ash had discussed came crashing back to Brenna. “He asked whether I expected to get serious with Lance,” she said, mortification filling her. “I was so frazzled by being in his arms that I didn’t clarify to him I’m not hung up on Lance at all, although I might have given him that impression.”

“Oh, Bren,” Gemma said with a hint of exasperation. “You told him you’re sticking with Lance?”

“Yes,” she said in a small voice. “I’m now sorry I did.”

“That probably explains why Ash is avoiding even looking at you. He’s dealing with another heartbreak—one you’ve caused.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt him,” she cried in dismay. “Maybe I should pull him aside and tell him I didn’t mean what I said. Sure, I like Lance. He’s nice. But I most definitely do not love him. I don’t even think I’ll ever get to the love stage with Lance at all.”

“But you’re not ready to break up with him, are you?” Amanda asked.

Brenna paused, considering the question and scanning herself for a truthful answer. “You know what? I really don’t mind if I do. Deep inside I know Lance is not the man for me. I also know things between us are starting to fizzle fast. I was just too stubborn to admit I’m heading for another failed relationship—that was why I hadn’t wanted to end it yet. But... I feel differently now.”

“And what are you gonna do with Ash?” Sarah asked.

Her lips tugged upwards, the thought of Ash filling her with warmth. “It would be great if he’s still interested in me, wouldn’t it?”

“Bren,” Amanda said quietly. “Ash is seeing someone at the moment—a woman he met at a birthday party.”

Brenna looked at her friend in alarm. “He’s got a new girlfriend?”

Amanda shrugged. “You know Ash. He dates them, then nothing further happens. To be honest, I think you’re the reason why he hasn’t fallen in love with anyone else.”

Brenna breathed in sharply. “So you don’t think he likes this other woman?”

“I don’t know. It’s too new to tell with this one,” Amanda said before burying her face in her hands. “This is why I’ve kept my nose out of this in the past. It’s so stressful thinking that Ash likes you but you don’t like him back. But what if it’s different with this woman? What if it’s now the reverse and you start liking him but he’s no longer available? I don’t want you getting hurt either, Bren.”

“You think he’s moved on?” Brenna asked, dismayed by the possibility.

“I have no idea. I’m sorry. I really don’t know.”

“I want to find out,” Brenna murmured.

“How? Are you gonna ask him straight out?”

“No. I’d have to be subtle. Our friendship is at stake.”

“Please don’t lead him on, Bren,” Amanda pleaded.