Page 35 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

"Full speed ahead, captain!" I replied. With that, we pedaled off from the shore and began gliding across the smooth surface of the lake.

As we pedaled, the rhythmic splashing of water mingled with the soft creaks of the pedal mechanism. Each stroke caused a gentle swoosh while ducks quacked nearby, their sounds echoing softly off the water, creating a tranquil soundtrack to our leisurely evening.

On the shoreline, willow trees hung low, their branches gently caressing the sparkling water. Occasionally, a soft breeze would rustle their leaves, causing them to sway in a dance as old as time.

"It's so peaceful out here," Susan said, trailing her hand through the water.

"I think everyone could use a dose of this tranquility," I admitted, my gaze fixed on her as the sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, reflecting in her eyes.

Fishing out another strawberry from the small bowl, I offered it to her. As she took a delicate bite, a dab of juice escaped and trailed down her chin. Leaning in, I gently brushed it away with my thumb. Her eyes widened for a moment before her face softened, and she leaned in closer to me.

"Thank you..." She whispered, her cheeks flush with color. I felt an irresistible pull towards her. I leaned in slowly. Susan's lips parted slightly, her breath catching. Then our lips met in the softest, sweetest kiss I had ever known. She tasted of strawberries and sunshine, a delightful combination.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer as we lost ourselves in the kiss. The world around us faded away. In that instant, it was just the two of us alone together under the sunset sky.

When we finally broke apart, Susan's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes shone. She gave me a radiant smile that melted my heart all over again. No words were needed in that perfect moment.

As the fading light reminded us it was time to head back, we reluctantly turned our little boat toward the shore. My mind was still reeling from that incredible kiss. I couldn't remember ever feeling this way before.

Just then, I thought I heard a faint rustling in the bushes near the shore. I glanced over for a split second and caught the glow of a phone screen in the shadows. Had someone been spying on our private moment?

I shook my head, unsure if I'd really seen anything. Either way, nothing could dampen the euphoria I felt right then. It had been the most magical evening I could ever imagine sharing with the woman who had walked into my life and filled it with joy and laughter when I least expected it.

We peddled back to the shore, my mind still swimming with the memory of that perfect kiss. As we stepped out of the little boat, I noticed Susan shiver slightly in the evening breeze.

"Are you cold?" I asked, quickly slipping off my jacket and draping it around her shoulders.

She looked up at me, surprise shining in her eyes. "Oh, Nate," she breathed, "you're too kind." She snuggled into my jacket, the gesture setting off a riot of butterflies in my stomach.

"Anything for you, Susan," I replied with sincerity. I pulled her close as we strolled together along the water's edge.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Susan spoke up. "Thank you for planning such a wonderful surprise today. This has been the most romantic date ever."

"You’re welcome," I responded, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me."

She stopped and turned to face me, her eyes shining. "Mission accomplished," she said softly. Standing on her tiptoes, she placed a tender kiss on my lips.

As we continued our lakeside stroll, I couldn't keep the goofy grin off my face. The sound of Susan's laughter mingled with the gentle lapping of the water. I didn't think life could get any more perfect than this.

Chapter fifteen

Susan

The soft shuffling of books being sorted was the only sound in the quiet library. I leaned against the returns cart, scanning titles and authors to determine where the books belonged on the shelves. The task was methodical and comforting—a perfect way to get lost in my thoughts.

Of course, my thoughts kept drifting back to Nate. The memory of our impulsive kiss on the peddle boat played on a never-ending loop in my head. I could still feel his touch, the warmth of his hand cupping my cheek, drawing me closer until our lips met in a moment of undeniable connection.

The library doors burst open, jolting me from my daydream. I looked up to see Emily marching toward me, her face pinched with concern.

"We need to talk," she said, holding up her phone to show me a photo of Nate and I locked in our passionate embrace on the boat. "What's going on with you two?"

A blush crept up my cheeks as I stumbled over my words, desperately searching for an explanation that would appease her worries. "It just...happened unexpectedly. We've been spending more time together and—"

Emily cut me off, her skepticism slicing through the air like a sharp blade. "I know my brother," she interjected. "He doesn't just spontaneously commit like this."

Guilt gnawed at me as I realized that Emily's concerns mirrored some of my own. Had our love truly blossomed, or were we caught up in the whirlwind of forced proximity?

"I care about him," I said gently. "I know this seems fast, but it feels right." Even as the reassuring words left my mouth, I couldn't ignore the flicker of doubt in my heart.

---