Page 40 of It Started at the Lake

“I’ll need help with my newsletter.”

“Done. Anything else?”

Her head tilts to the side. It reminds me of her sons who inherited their hair from her. I’m not sure of Becca’s age, but she has to be in her fifties or sixties. At first glance, I’d say she’s in her forties. There are barely any crow’s feet around her eyes, and one small forehead wrinkle, and that’s it. I can’t see any gray hairs.

It’s only her grown sons that help me get a ballpark figure of how old she is. Did she age this well naturally? Has she had botox or other work done? Regardless, she’s gorgeous and nice. I’m excited to work for someone so easy-going. And to get to know another member of Evie’s extended family.

I’m checking the email Becca sent me about what she wants to post the next few days when the scent from the black hoodie I wore on my first night surrounds me.

“Hey, Mom,” Bennett says, pulling up the chair next to mine. There are six other chairs. Why did he pick the one closest to me?

He’s dressed in tan shorts and a light-blue linen shirt. Typical summer clothes, and yet for some reason, I can’t stop stealing glances of him.

When did he get here? Wait. I covertly sniff. Is that cologne coming from him? Did I use Bennett’s sweater the first night here? Why wouldn’t he tell me? And why haven’t I noticed before that the two smells are the same? Does Bennett not use whatever this alluring fragrance is all the time?

Inhaling deeply, I luxuriate in the aroma before refocusing on my task.

“It’s a good thing this desk is so large,” Becca jokes. “With all three of us in here, we’d be bumping elbows otherwise.”

Bennett and I are bumping elbows, but what I’m confused about is if it’s on purpose or not. For someone who hasn’t wanted to be around me, he’s getting quite cozy with me on this table.

“What are you working on?” I ask Bennett. “You didn’t want to go hiking?”

He finally looks at me. His cobalt irises are brighter in the stream of light coming in through the windows. His tone is normal. Friendly even. Like the boat never happened. “I’m helping my mom research her next book.”

Aw. That’s really sweet of him. And terrible for me. The past few days weren’t the best, but at least I wasn’t worried about falling deeper in like with him since he left me alone. Keeping my distance is the smart thing to do because the more time I spend with him, the more I ache to have him touch me again. Now what will I do with him working by my side every day?

“I need his expertise.” Becca smiles brightly at her son, her pride beaming from every pore.

Bennett gives his mom a yeah, right look. “You want it. You don’t need it.”

Becca gives up. “However you want to phrase it, I’m grateful for your help.”

“Well, I’ll leave you two to do your research.” I stand, taking my laptop with me. If Bennett is here, I can’t be. “I’m going to head up to my room and get started on tomorrow’s posts.”

Becca places a hand over her heart. “Thank you, Camille. Reach out if you have questions.”

“I will.”

I leave Becca and Bennett in the library. Evie drew me a map yesterday and I finally know where I’m going. It takes me only minutes to get back to my room. I settle on the bed, diving into who Becca is as an author, what her brand represents, what book she’s currently promoting, and what she wants me to do this week.

I’m grateful for something to occupy my mind other than Bennett.

My creative juices flow. Hours pass as I analyze which posts get her the most views, jot down new ideas, create graphics, and put together reels. Getting to use my degree and gain experience I can put on my resume for when I graduate is more than I thought possible after my internship not working out. This is exactly what I needed for a job. I can’t stop smiling at how well this turned out.

I don’t realize it's dinner time until my stomach lets out a growl loud enough I’m pretty sure people in Canada can hear the angry monster recreating whale sounds in there.

Tracking what time I finish work on a spreadsheet, I shut down my computer and head to the kitchen. Dancing tonight doesn’t sound fun. I’ll skip the club and hang out on the rock instead. I don’t have to worry about asking permission from Bennett either. He mentioned at lunch he was going dancing with everyone tonight. I’ll have the place to myself. It’s the perfect way to spend my night.

CHAPTER 18

Bennett

Dressed in shorts and a striped shirt, I twist my fingers around a few curls in my hair, getting them to lay exactly as I like. My stomach squeezes as if it’s trying to juice a lemon. Why am I doing this? Mom doesn’t know what’s best for me. I do.

My phone pings with a text. Picking it up from the counter, I read the message.

Henry: Hey. We’re in the car. Want to ride with us or meet there?

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