Page 87 of Tangled Up In You

"You all definitely do them right." She let out a sigh of appreciation as her gaze moved across the lake and the majestic towering mountains. "This is another beautiful view, Adam. There's no shortage of them here. The water, the mountains, the blanket of stars… It's peaceful and inspirational at the same time."

"It's nice in the winter, too, when the snow covers everything."

"I barely remember what it's like to live in the snow." She turned to face him. "I'm going to have to buy new boots and a heavy coat. It's so warm tonight. It's hard to believe winter is not that far away."

"You've got about six weeks. Right now, you just need to enjoy the last of the warm weather."

"I am enjoying it. In fact, I wish I had my bathing suit. The lake looks so inviting."

"Have you been in it yet?"

"I've been too busy. But I do want to feel that water." She gave him a mischievous look. "Have you ever gone skinny-dipping in the lake?"

"No. Have you?"

"Once, a long time ago. I did it on a dare with Hannah and Keira. Gianna and Chloe refused. Then they stole our clothes and we had to run to the parking lot stark naked."

He smiled at that image. "It sounds like fun."

"It was." She paused, a gleam entering her eyes. "Why don't we do it?"

His nerves sharpened at her words. "You want to strip down and go in the lake?"

"It's dark. There's no one around but us. And it's your birthday. You should do something bold on your birthday, celebrate another year around the sun."

"I…" He meant to say no. He needed to say no. He didn't skinny-dip. That wasn't him.

But he wouldn't mind seeing Molly strip out of her clothes and jump into the water.

No. He shook his head, feeling like he was going back in time to the worst place, the worst night. Gina had wanted to go to that club. He'd told her he didn't like the area, but she'd smiled at him, and he couldn't say no.

This felt like the same moment. The situation was different, but the lake could be dangerous. "It's not a good idea," he said. "You could get hurt. It's too dark to see the rocks."

"Well, I wasn't thinking of diving in, just wading out…" She paused, her brows drawing together. "What's wrong, Adam?"

"Nothing. I don't think it's smart. We can go in the lake when it's light out," he said, running a hand through his hair, his breath coming too fast.

"I'm not going naked in the lake when it's light out."

"So wear a suit," he said, his tone short and clipped.

"You're pissed off at me, now?" she asked in wonder.

"No." He blew out a breath. "I'm angry with myself. I want to stop the voices of caution from coming into my head, but they're always there, because…well, they're just always there."

"Were they always there? Or did they appear after Gina died?"

"They got a lot louder after she died."

"I get it."

They sat in silence for a few minutes. "Damn," he swore.

"What?" she asked warily.

"I hate this feeling."

"What feeling?"

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