Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

LUNA

I haven't seen him in almost three years. The boy, well man —definitely man— who has always captured my attention and made me giddy.

With my legs wrapped around his waist and my arms circling his neck, I know I've overstepped. Sure, we've spoken and exchanged texts over the years, but I very much doubt he expected to be launched at.

Tone it down, Luna.

That's what my mom has always said to me. I know I'm too much for most people, and that's probably why I've struggled to make friends. And even though I can be a bit much, aside from college, I've never left Cocoa Beach. I'm a home bird at heart, sticking to what I know. Routine and familiarity bring me comfort, and at thirty-one, I doubt I'll change.

Zach Evans is a hunk of a man. Just watching him on-screen in his hockey gear does something to me. It always has. From when he played in high school to the moment he signed with the Scorpions, I've been mesmerized by him. All six foot five inches of muscle, largely covered in tattoos with his floppy light brown hair. Ugh, and don't even get me started on those turquoise-blue eyes.

Just one more minute, Zach.

I know I should probably climb down from my perch on his hips, not least because my ex-boyfriend is standing right behind us. But I figure I can stretch this out for a second or two longer while I take him in, his woodsy scent having always been addictive.

When I was dating Luke, I found Zach attractive, but I guess I never allowed myself to think much beyond that. It wouldn't have been fair to Luke. Zach and I have always been friends. When he went off to college in Tampa and I headed to Texas, I realized just how much of an impact he had on me and how much I missed him. I missed his laid-back personality. He kept my frantic mind grounded. He didn't care if I said everything that was on my mind; he always had time for every word. And the way he'd let me talk at him about the stars, even if he had no clue what I was babbling about—he gave me space to be who I am.

Which is why my full self is on display right now as I grab his hand and check out his latest tattoos. Zach Evans carries an air of mystery, and it fascinates me. I know he has layers, and I can't lie and say I'm being exclusively deep—I've thought about what lies beneath those tailored black shirts and thigh-hugging shorts a time or two.

Luke points to Zach's plate. "Food will be cold in a minute, buddy."

I feel myself flush because I definitely overstepped, and it was never my intention to make anyone uncomfortable. Slowly, I back away, keeping my back to the group of friends behind us and my eyes on Zach. "I'll see you by the fire."

Before he can answer, I turn and stride over to where Hudson and Sarah are talking and sink into the cool, soft sand, inwardly cursing myself at how that went. Luke mentioned a couple of days ago that Zach was coming home for the offseason, and since then, I've been reminding myself to act casual and unaffected.

Mission accomplished, Luna.

"How about a s'more?" Sarah, my old school friend but now more of an acquaintance, leans across Hudson and hands me one.

I take the treat from her and devour it in one bite. "Thanks, I hope you have more than one left for me."

Hudson winces. "Snooze you lose, Luna; we couldn't hold out forever."

I shrug. "Better late than never."

I would've been here much earlier if it wasn't for the ton of marking I had to pile through. Sometimes, I wonder why I chose to be an art and design teacher, or a teacher at all. I sold my soul to long nights and early mornings, helping my students master their craft. But it's rewarding, even if underpaid and exhausting.

Running sand through my fingers, the soothing sensation helps to calm my nerves. I've never been good in social situations, opting to stay home and make best friends with my couch and movie collection.

Hayley, one of my favorite people from school , stands from her position on the opposite side of the fire. She fixes her mini skirt before making her way over to Zach, flicking her hair like she's in some sort of shampoo commercial.

I've never liked her. Yeah, she's gorgeous, and at twenty-eight, she still emanates prom queen vibes, but I've seen it all before, and it doesn't impress me. Beauty's skin deep, and she's shallow. Kind of a bully too, as some of the girls in her year discovered, and unfortunately, she never changed.

She's definitely Zach's type, though. A blonde runway model with slim, long legs and a pouty mouth. She reminds me of his ex-girlfriend, Amie. What a delight she was, and a freakin' stupid bitch. When news broke of his split with Amie, Zach told me she cheated on him. I mean , really. It doesn't get any better than Zach Evans.

"Didn't take her long," Hudson drawls from behind me as I watch Hayley wrap an arm around Zach's waist and plant a kiss on his cheek. He brings her in for a hug, and I want to say he looks awkward, but there's a fair chance I'm seeing only what I want. "She's always had the hots for him, and now I guess he's fair game," he tags on.

"He isn't a piece of meat or a fat bank balance," I snipe back, knowing full well Hudson wasn't suggesting he was. But it pisses me off that this is exactly how Hayley sees him—a good-looking meal ticket.

"Woah, okay, girlfriend," Hudson mocks. "What's got your panties in a twist?"

I throw down the sand I've gathered in my hand and blow out a long breath. "Nothing."

ZACH

"Oh, you're too funny!" Hayley swats at my chest once more and throws her head back in faux laughter.

I didn't say anything funny. In fact, I haven't said one amusing thing since she approached and interrupted my conversation with Luke about my plans for the beach house.

"Well, if hockey doesn't work out, maybe I'll consider a career in stand-up," I reply, bringing the beer bottle to my lips. I should at least try and be polite since I'll likely run into her again over the next three months. "How's the flower business going?"

"Amazing!" she squeaks. "Ah, maybe you should stop by and see my store. I could hook you up with a couple of arrangements." She pauses and smoothes a palm over my chest again . "That is…if you need them for a special someone."

Christ, this is cringeworthy. Even Luke's made himself scarce.

"No special someone," I reply in a deadpan fashion before turning to the group in desperation. "Maybe we should join the others?"

I look over my shoulder to catch Luna's illuminated face fixed on me. As quick as lightning, she whips her head away and stares back into the campfire flames. I've barely seen her tonight, and that's kind of disappointing. We haven't really spoken since I told her about Amie, and even then, that was all about me.

"Yeah, maybe," Hayley responds. But I'm already on my way over to the campfire when she catches up to me. "I've got some s'mores if you're interested. I don't mind sharing."

I love s'mores. "Thanks, but I'm not a fan."

As we reach the group, Hayley grabs my hand and leads me to her side of the campfire, opposite Luna. "Well, come sit next to me; we've still got so much catching up to do."

I'm about to pull my hand away and politely decline her invitation when Luna stands and brushes sand from her fair and freckled legs. They're nice legs, slender yet shapely, and I wonder if she still goes swimming in the ocean like she used to.

"I'm going to head home," she calls out to the group. "Early start tomorrow." She grabs her sandals with one hand and smiles sweetly at me. "Nice to see you, Zach. Welcome back."

"Yeah, nice to see you too." There's a dejected look on her face, and for Luna that's rare. She's always been sunshine through and through. But I don't get a chance to add anymore because, like a shot, she's across the beach and out of sight.

"Do you want this all delivered, sir?"

"Yeah, please. I don't think I'll get it on my truck."

The woman behind the counter rings up my final bill. I've spent a small fortune on supplies for the beach house, but an inspection of the floorboards this morning shows they're rotten. Plus, I've allowed for a full replacement of the front porch.

If I can't mend my own heart, at least I can bring this place back to life.

I climb into my truck and wind down the window. My F150 is old, but she's a keeper. The most loyal girl I've got aside from my mom. I bought her when I turned seventeen and kept her here when I moved away, but my dad's kept her ticking over the years. Cranking the engine, I pull out of the hardware store parking lot and head back to my place. I need to swing by the grocery store since I arrived last night with the bare minimum of supplies, but that can wait—I've been desperate to run along the beach since the minute I got here.

Pulling up in my driveway, I immediately see a pink package set on the front porch. Heading up the rickety stairs, I notice it's wrapped in a white ribbon with a small card tucked inside. I pull out the note and open it up.

Zach,

Just thought maybe you haven't had time to head to a store yet, so here's some breakfast.

Hope to see you soon.

Luna x

The chilled package contains waffles and pancake mix, bacon, eggs, syrup, coffee, and milk. Jeez, I don't think anyone's ever done something like this for me before. I wonder how she knows where my beach house is, but I guess Luke must've mentioned it since I've owned it for months.

I pull out my phone and scroll to her contact.

Me

You delivered me breakfast? Thank you.

Luna

I remember you like waffles and pancakes. But there's other options too, just in case. Enjoy!

I pause over the keyboard. Should I?

I do. There's enough here for two if you want some.

Ah, I'd love to, but I'm at work. Just stopped by and dropped the package off.

Okay, but I owe you breakfast.

You don't owe me a thing. Welcome home.