Page 58 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"Maybe another time."

"I don't think so."

"I can be just as persistent as you, Justin."

He smiled. "You like to compete, don't you?"

She was saved from answering, as the boat hit the wake from the Whisper Lake ferry and took a big bounce. Lizzie instinctively grabbed his arm as she practically fell into his lap. She laughed again as she smiled up at him.

His hands tightened on her arms, and he couldn't help but kiss her. She was too close. And he'd never been one to miss an opportunity.

She stiffened for a split second, but then gave into the attraction between him. He could taste the sugar from the scones on her lips. Or maybe that was just her sweetness. Whatever it was, he wanted to go on tasting her forever, but the boat bounced again, and she pulled out of his arms, looking quickly toward Captain Mike.

"He's not watching us," he assured her.

"I know." She tucked her wild hair behind her ears. "I just really wish you weren't such a good kisser."

"Right back at you. You're hard to resist, Lizzie."

"So are you." She cleared her throat. "But we need to keep trying."

"Do we?"

"Yes," she said firmly.

"Okay," he agreed, but he suspected they would end up in each other's arms before the week was done. "However, we may get thrown together again. You do realize that my grandparents set this up, right?"

Her gaze widened. "You and me? This is a setup? Are you sure your grandpa doesn't just have allergies?"

"I'm positive that that is not the reason they bailed on this trip."

"I can't imagine why they'd want to set us up."

"They like you. Hell, you might even be the reason they decided to renew their vows here at the lake."

"I'm sure I'm not the reason. They love the lake, and they invited their friends here. This isn't about me and you." She frowned. "Although, it is kind of weird that she canceled and wanted me to come with you."

He smiled. "Face it, you were set up."

"Well, you were set up, too, and you don't seem too upset about it."

"I'm not. I'm having fun. You were right, Lizzie. This lake is changing me. Or maybe it's you."

"It's the lake and the mountains and the people. It all gets into your soul. You don't even realize it's happening. You just feel better, more alive, less stressed."

"Do you feel better being out here?"

"Yes, I think I needed the break as much as you did. It's been a busy two years. And the last two months have been especially hectic. I feel like I have so many balls in the air, and I have to keep juggling or they'll all come crashing down. Did you ever have that feeling with your company? Did you ever have any moments where you weren't sure you could do it?"

"In the very beginning, yes. I had a lot of big ideas, but not a lot of big money. It took a lot of creativity to figure out how to fund what I wanted to do and then do it. I'm sure there were moments I came close to the edge of failure, but I just didn't stop long enough to let the fear take hold."

"That's how I've been moving along, but I'm afraid I won't be able to outrun all my problems."

"Don't worry about that now," he advised. "The problems will be there when you get back."

"That's true. I just want to enjoy the lake. It is pretty perfect, isn't it?"

"Yes. I had no idea I'd like it this much." He'd also had no idea he would meet a woman at the lake who he liked this much.

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