Grabbing the bag with towels and a change of clothes for Jacob, I toss it over my shoulder and head out of the room, meeting Aria in the hallway.
“Ready?”
She nods. “Ready.”
I reach for her hand and we walk downstairs and out of the house. Part of me wants to take Aria somewhere else for the afternoon so we can be alone. Knowing I can’t, we walk hand in hand to Savannah’s. Aria’s quiet on the short walk, and I can’t help but wonder if she feels uncomfortable at spending the afternoon with Zara. I can’t blame her. I want to believe Zara has changed, that she really does want a relationship with Jacob, but I can’t push down the niggling doubt that she’ll up and walk out of his life like before.
Aria
I’m on cloud nine after finally spending time alone with Jack. We’ve hardly seen each other since Zara arrived. I understand, but I miss him. Despite the mind-blowing sex, it’s not enough to take my mind off the pool party, and nerves swirl in my stomach as we walk toward Savannah’s house. I’ve done my best to avoid Zara completely over the past week, and other than a quick “hello” in passing, I’ve succeeded. The party will be the first time we’ve spent more than a few minutes together, and I’m not looking forward to it. Jack squeezes my hand, pulling me from my thoughts, and I smile as I look across at him.
“You okay?” he asks, his eyebrows pulled together in a frown. “You’re quiet.”
“I’m okay, just a little apprehensive about being around Zara. I’m sorry.”
“Hey.” He tugs on my hand, forcing me to stop walking. He stands in front of me and lifts my chin with his finger. “Don’t ever apologize,” he says as my eyes meet his. He sighs and drops his forehead to mine. “Part of me wishes she wasn’t here. I don’t want her in my life, but I have to for Jacob.”
I reach my hand up and cup his face. “I want that for Jacob too, Jack. I really do.” And I do. I just wish she wasn’t living in our pockets.
“It won’t always be like this. She won’t always be around all the time.”
“I know,” I whisper, brushing my lips against his. I still have no idea what my future looks like, I just know Jack and Jacob have to be in it.
“Come on, everyone will be waiting for us.” I take his hand and we walk in comfortable silence the rest of the way. We haven’t even reached the house yet and we can hear screams and laughter coming from the backyard.
“Looks like they started the party without us.” He pulls me into his arms. “Think they’ll miss us if we sneak off?”
“Yes!” I exclaim, smacking him gently on the chest.
“Yes, they’ll miss us, or yes, we should sneak off?” he asks, wriggling his eyebrows.
I burst out laughing. “Yes, they’ll miss us! We’re already nearly forty minutes late.”
He lowers his head and pulls me in for a kiss. “Another half an hour won’t hurt, then,” he teases, his mouth dropping to my neck.
“No.” I giggle. “We can’t.”
“There you are,” a voice shouts from behind us. “Food’s almost ready.”
“Damn!” Jack whispers in my ear, humor in his voice. “We’ve been spotted.” Turning around. Brody raises his hand in a wave as he heads toward us, a smile on his face.
“What have you two been up to?” he asks, his eyes going from me to Jack. “On second thought, don’t answer that. I think I can guess.”
My cheeks flush with heat, and he laughs.
“Where are you going?” I ask in an attempt to change the subject. “You’re not usually one to pass up on food.” I grin at him and he rolls his eyes.
“Quinn has a craving for sparkling water and Sav doesn’t have any. She always hated sparkling water before she was pregnant.” He shrugs. “I’m just heading into town to grab some.”
“I have some in the refrigerator at the ranch house. Just have that.”
“If you’re sure?”
“Of course.” He smiles gratefully before jogging off toward the house, and I grab Jack’s hand.
“Come on. I’m starving.” I tug him toward Savannah’s, and he chuckles.
“Worked up an appetite?”