They’d successfully kept their relationship under wraps for three weeks now. They still texted jokes to each other, although the humor had turned a bit more risqué. They still had their friendly chats in the shop, and, depending on where Hazel was sleeping that night, they’d eventually find their way to Zoey’s bedroom or back to her dad’s old desk, now well fortified with blankets, cushions and pillows.

She’d even come to his place a couple of times, but she was so worried about the neighbors seeing her car that she’d parked on Main Street and walked the four blocks to his house. Which meant, as a gentleman, he had to get dressed and walk her back to her car. Where he wasn’t allowed to kiss her, because it was Main Street and someone might see them. It was annoying, but worth it.

Because the sex was spectacular. It had nothing to do with what they did physically. It was the way sex with Zoey made him feel. The way she gave herself to him so completely, yet never lost herself in the process. She was a partner—giving and taking and being direct about what she liked or didn’t like or wanted him to do again right away. It made the experience unlike any other he’d had with a woman. Making love with Zoey was just that good.

It wasn’t until this very moment, as she breezed onto the sunny deck wearing that dress and that smile, that he realized how challenging today would be. Keeping his feelings for her to himself—especially in front of friends and family—was going to be hellishly difficult. As Owen and Finn greeted her and made room for her to join them, Mike found himself standing and stepping away.

“Where’re you goin’?” Finn asked. “You can’t leave when a pretty woman arrives at the table.”

A wave of panic rose in his chest, making his lungs burn. This particular pretty woman was his best friend. His lover. The one who insisted they keep things fun and light and casual. And secret. She was staring up at him now with wide eyes and a blush of pink on each cheek. He couldn’t possibly stay anywhere near Zoey and pretend he wasn’t falling in love with her.

Oh, damn. He was falling in love with Zoey. The thought made him go both hot and cold all at once. Thrilled and terrified. He realized they were all still staring at him.

“Uh... I promised Mary I’d help with...things.” He stammered out the words and bolted into the house. He blinked a few times to acclimate his eyes after sitting in the sunshine. Mary stopped plumping pillows for Sam and looked over in surprise.

“Did you get stung by a bee or something?”

“No. Why?”