Page 50 of It Started at the Lake

Evie’s hand flies to her mouth. “Oh my heck, am I interrupting something?” Her eyes go wide. “Because if I am, I am so sorry.” She points between Millie and me, grinning. “But you two would be so great together. If that’s what you both want.”

“Okay,” I say loudly, talking over Evie’s ramble. “Where are you taking Millie?”

Not that I care or anything. Millie is free to spend her time however she wants.

“Sand volleyball with Eric and his friends,” Evie says. “But I see she’s busy, so I’ll go on my own.” Evie flies out of the room as quickly as she came in, not giving Millie a chance to respond.

“I hope you didn’t want to go,” I say lightly, a slight tease to my tone.

Millie packs away the photo materials. “I would have if she stayed long enough for me to give an answer, but it’s fine. I’ll go next time.”

My stomach ties itself into a knot, like the big soft one I get every time I go through an airport. “When would you like to schedule my photo shoot?” I’d rather get this unpleasant task over with as soon as possible. “I need time to book an appointment at the salon.”

Millie’s hands still. She eyes me.

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips.

She faces me head-on, running a hand over her jaw. “You know, it’s probably not a bad idea to touch up those grays.”

Excuse me. I don’t have gray hair!

She continues, “Miles is only twenty-five in the book. You’re too old, professor.”

Wait… does Millie not find me attractive? I’ve caught her staring at me a dozen times, and her cheeks often turn red when I tease her about it. But am I reading the situation all wrong? Am I too old for her?

What does it even matter? We’re friends. Friends don’t care how the other person looks or what year they were born.

She smirks, her eyes glowing with humor.

Ha! She does like how I look. “I’ve always heard women like mature men.”

Millie taps her chin as she studies me. “Not always. But there are exceptions.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Am I an exception?” My tone is low, coarse as it exits my throat.

Guess my flirting is better than expected.

“Most definitely,” she whispers. She slaps a hand over her mouth, staring at me like she

shared a national secret with the enemy.

An influx of heat like I’m getting in the hot tub rushes through me. I try to keep my lips neutral, but they refuse to obey. A smile spreads across my face. She definitely finds me attractive.

That’s great news for our fake relationship. I can platonically say Millie is a beautiful woman, though it doesn’t change anything on my end.

“I’ll clean this stuff up later and figure out a time for pictures with you tomorrow,” Millie says.

“Alright. What are you doing the rest of the day? Want to find Evie and play volleyball?”

She glances at the door. “Yeah, actually, I think I will. Are you coming?”

Uh, yeah. We need to keep our momentum going in front of the family. “Absolutely.”

CHAPTER 23

Camille

We’re standing in the backyard around the fire pit. Stars are shining. Crickets are chirping. A soft breeze wafts up from the lake. It’s a perfect summer night for sardines.

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