Page 16 of It Started at the Lake

CHAPTER 9

Camille

Why did I say no to the map last night? My stomach lets out a growl as loud as a moose in mating season. I’m standing in a massive empty room with heavy drapes and old artwork in gold frames on the walls. The wood floor is set in a herringbone pattern. Three floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the back courtyard. A grand piano, harp, and a few music stands sit on top of a small stage at the end of the room.

I’m in a ballroom from the regency era.

Do they use this space? Did Evie have her debutante ball here?

Questions I will ask her when she wakes up. For now, my body demands breakfast. Exiting the room, I take a left, back the way I came. Ten minutes (and lots of wrong turns) later, I follow the heavenly smell of waffles and coffee down the hall until I reach the kitchen. Clara and Harvey must have come already, though it’s only seven in the morning. But I’m incredibly grateful they got here as soon as they did. Evie’s a fabulous cook, but Clara? Phe-nom-en-al.

Swiping my mouth, making sure no drool is actually coming out, I step into the kitchen to find Bennett—shirtless.

Would it kill him to get fully dressed?

I’m certainly dying from the view I don’t get to touch.

Also… how am I supposed to eat when Bennett’s flaunting his perfect torso in front of me? And how long can I stand here checking him out before it gets awkward? Five, ten, a thousand seconds? Warmth floods my neck and face. Breathe, Mils. It’s just a chest. A glorious, can’t-stop-staring chest. I knew Bennett was attractive from photos Evie showed me, but seeing him, half-naked, in person for a second time is making it super-duper hard not to flirt with him. My fingers are dying to run across the ridges of his muscles. Must resist temptation. Act normal, stop gawping at him!

“Good morning,” Bennett says, a ready smile on his lips. “I made too many waffles. Would you like some?”

My stomach answers for me by letting out a monstrous yowl.

Bennett laughs. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He hands me a plate with a fluffy waffle on top. Pointing behind him, he says, “There’s fruit, bacon, syrup, and coffee on the counter. Help yourself.”

“Thank you. This looks amazing.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s hope it tastes good. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked anything.”

“Are you not a breakfast person?”

He shakes his head and takes out the next waffle off the iron. “On the contrary. I love a hearty meal first thing in the morning. I haven’t woken up early enough lately to make myself food before work. I usually settle for a smoothie or a protein bar.”

“You sound like me. The only time I get a gourmet meal is because of Evie. Speaking of, did you hear what time they got home last night?”

Bennett takes a sip from a mug. “No. They must have come home after I finally fell asleep. What time was it?”

I hold up three fingers. “This makes me sound like a little old lady, but how in the world do people stay up that late? I’m a zombie by ten. Unless it’s finals week, then caffeine is my best friend, and sleep is my enemy.”

“Oh yes, I remember those weeks. They’re rough.”

“They are.” I drizzle syrup and strawberries on my waffles, take a few slices of bacon, then hop on a stool across from where Bennett is pouring the last of the batter onto the waffle iron. “Are you heading out for a swim or run this morning?” Right, because calling out his lack of clothing is the right way to keep your mind off of how hot he is. Yeesh, Mils.

“Kayaking, actually. Do you want to come? No one else will be up for a while.”

My stomach twitches with a brief bout of unease. I’ve never been kayaking before. Can I do it? How difficult is it? What if I have to pee while we’re out there? Will we tip over? But when will I have this opportunity again? One of the reasons I agreed to come with Evs this summer was to try new things—experiences I haven’t done before or won’t possibly get to do anytime soon. Ignoring all my worries and “what if’s,” I say, “Yeah. You’ll have to teach me though. This will be my first time doing it.”

“First vacation. First kayaking trip. What else haven’t you done before?”

I snort. “A lot of things.”

“Oh.” His lips pull down. “I’m sorry. Well, what else are you hoping to do this summer?”

“Everything.” As much as I can with the time I have available.

Bennett laughs, something he does more than I thought he would, considering Evie said he's had such a difficult time after his wife passed away. “Not a long list at all then.”

“Exactly,” I say, smiling at him.

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