Page 43 of The Beachside Rental

A bright flash of lightning lit up the dark sky.It was immediately followed by a thundering boom.All of the lights went out.Gus let out a little whimper.

The booming sound that had vibrated through the duplex was definitely more than thunder.If Simon had to guess, he’d say the lightning might have struck a power pole and taken out a transformer.If that was the case, they wouldn’t be getting power any time soon.

His thoughts turned to Jenna.He should check on her.First, he needed to get Gus some dinner.It would help calm him.Gus loved food.And with a full belly, he might find a comfy spot to curl up and go to sleep.

“It’s okay, boy.I’ll get you some food.”Using the flashlight app on his phone, Simon scooped some kibble into Gus’s dinner bowl.

Once he placed the bowl on the floor next to Gus’s water bowl, he didn’t have to say a word.Gus was right there, ready to wolf down his dinner.

“Okay, buddy, I’ll be right back.”Gus didn’t pay him the least bit of attention as he continued to eat his dinner.

Simon moved to the front door.He opened it.Before he could take a step outside, Jenna appeared.Another flash of lightning silhouetted her body.

He took a step back.“Come in.”

He didn’t have to ask her twice.Once she stepped inside, he closed the door, blocking out another strong gust of wind.

“I don’t know why anyone would want to sit out a hurricane.This storm is enough for me.”He was perfectly frank about it.He couldn’t imagine tempting fate with Mother Nature.

“I agree.”

“So, what are you doing in the dark?”he asked.

“I was just going to have dinner.Grab Gus and come over to my place.If you haven’t made anything, you can share mine.”

“I was just about to get something when the power went out.Are you sure there’s enough for two?”

She nodded.“There’s plenty.”

A hot meal?Count him in.But he didn’t want to let on just how appealing he found the idea of not only sharing a meal with her but also spending more time together.There was still so much he wanted to know about her.

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.“Are you sure?”

“That I made too much food?”There was a teasing tone to her voice.“Yes, I’m certain.”

“But I could just eat over here.I don’t have to intrude on your space.”

Her brows crinkled up.“Are you saying you don’t want to share a meal with me?”

“What?No.That’s not what I’m saying.”

“Good.”She turned.“Gus?Come here, boy.”

There was the light clicking of nails on the vinyl flooring as his dog rushed to Jenna’s side.The traitor.The dog had totally fallen for their neighbor.Not that he could blame Gus.

“Shall we go?”Her voice drew him from his thoughts.

“Sure.”

Just then there was another clap of thunder.It reverberated through the house, making the floor and walls tremble.Gus let out another whine.He did not like storms at all.

“It’s okay, boy.”Jenna knelt down and wrapped her arms around his dog.

Simon was certain that Gus was totally eating this up.In that moment, he wished he could change places with the dog.He wouldn’t mind having Jenna’s arms wrapped around him.

As quickly as the thought came to him, he stopped it.What was wrong with him?They were friends.Nothing more.

It was the storm.It had them all out of sorts.That must be it.Because there was no way he was falling for his neighbor.No chance at all.