Free Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) by Rita Garcia

Nicole didn’t have designs on Zack.
    Jezzica wrapped her arms across her chest as though protecting herself from the cold. “I’m not interested in dating. My concern is making a valuable contribution to the community and a success of my business. Doesn’t leave much time for men.” Jezzica made a point of returning Nicole’s intense look to let her know she meant every word.
    Nicole slowed to a stop. “Zack fought hard for what and who he is. Don’t trample on his emotions—he doesn’t deserve it.”
    Whoa, where had that come from? “I’ve been straight with him.” She didn’t elaborate—his friend or not.
    “Sorry, I have a terrible problem with being blunt. Guess I tend to be too protective of my friends.” Nicole flashed her a smile.
    “No harm. So you know—I appreciate Zack. He’s been a great ally since I arrived here.”
    “Thanks, Jezzica. You don’t owe me any explanations—I appreciate your candor.”
    “Here we are.” Jezzica pointed to her cottage. “Nice meeting you. I enjoyed our talk.”
    Nicole nodded. “Me, too. Have a good evening.”
    Nicole continued marking a path in the sand, and Jezzica climbed the steps. She might deny it to Nicole, but she knew the truth and it made her cringe. If she’d loved Geoff, how could she have feelings for another man? She paused and looked at the stars. Am I destined to spend my life alone ?
     
     

Chapter Fifteen

 
     
    Zack entered the bookshop and smiled at Jezzica. “Reporting for duty, ma’am.” He threw her a salute, along with a wink.
    Her laughter jolted the rhythm of his breathing.
    “It’s a gorgeous day—go have fun. You’re on vacation,” she lobbed with a backward wave of her hand.
    “I say we let the crew finish their remodeling job and go explore Serenity Cove together.” He playfully flung the invisible ball back to her.
    Catylen touched her sister’s shoulder. “Go. Enjoy the day.”
    Zack nodded toward Catylen. “You’re welcome to join us.”
    Catylen tossed Zack a sly grin. “My daughters are due in later this afternoon. I need to get their rooms ready at the cottage.”
    Worry lines formed on Jezzica’s forehead. “I’ll stay with Caty. I don’t want her at the cottage alone.”
    “Ted’s on patrol this morning. I’ll let him know she’s there.” Would she really go?
    Jezzica pursed her lips and surveyed the shop. “Give me a few minutes to let the contractor know how to reach me.”
    Zack couldn’t subdue his look of disbelief. While he waited, he called Ted with a heads-up that Catylen would be at the cottage alone.
    Jezzica slung her bag over her shoulder. “I’m ready.” As cheerful as her words were, she stepped back and folded her arms. “Are you sure Caty will be safe?”
    “No worries. Ted will keep an eye on things.”
    They settled into his truck and whizzed down Shoreview Drive. As she pushed her hair behind her ear, a surge went through him. How do I settle for friendship? “Have you visited the harbor?”
    “Not recently. Growing up, my sister and I spent almost every summer here with our family. In many ways, this was as much our home as April Springs.” She pulled out a tube from her bag and coated her lips with a clear lip balm, then smiled at him with a smile that reflected in her eyes.
    The only thing sweeter than her smile was the person inside. Everything about her heightened his senses. He wanted to touch her hair, grasp her hand—he gripped the steering wheel tighter instead. She had established boundaries and he had given his word.
    He made a left into the public parking area. Jezzica was standing by the truck by the time he trotted to the passenger side. They traipsed across the lot and onto the planks of the walkway.
    Jezzica pointed. “The lighthouse is the main attraction of the harbor. It stood over the cove’s shoreline when sailors and commercial fishing boats traversed these waters. If I remember correctly, the lighthouse was taken out of service around