Page 15 of (Un)Expected

My lips puckered at the word “slower,” used to hearing it as a slight. Adam must have picked up on the shift in my demeanor, because he chuckled.

“I meant that as a compliment. Back home, even away from the city, it’s like the world is moving too fast. There’s never a moment that’s not scheduled or about my schedule. It’s nice to take a couple of weeks to unwind.”

I nodded, pretending to understand when I didn’t. I thrived on my alone time, needing it to unwind from the social demands of my job. I couldn’t imagine not having that. “I was surprised when you showed up. I was expecting a full entourage.”

“Thought I’d be some high-maintenance guest?”

“Absolutely,” I chuckled. “After Diane said I was supposed to be at your beck and call, I was prepared to be miserable.”

“Not my style,” he said, smirking as he leaned back in his chair. “But something tells me you’re going to be seeing a lot more of me.”

SIX

Adam and I left the restaurant sometime later, our stomachs filled and our throats sore from laughter. The hours had passed seamlessly, like talking to an old friend rather than someone I just met. We told stories, laughed about our families, and even traded some of our dreams for the future. By the time we got into the car to drive home, I felt lighter than I had in months.

But that all changed as my car traveled along Main Street, and Adam placed his hand on mine. “I’m not ready to call it a night yet.”

My fingers instinctively tightened on the steering wheel.That’s not what he meant. Shit, is that what he meant?Maybe I should have thought about the ending of this evening before I agreed to come out. It wasn’t that I was opposed to taking things further with Adam in the future, but tonight, I wasn’t ready. No matter how easy it was to spend time with him, I was still holding back. Whether it was nerves or wariness, I wasn’t sure.

Luckily, before my thoughts spiraled too far out of control, Adam continued. “Show me more of your town?”

“Really?”

“Of course,” he said. “You’ve spoken so highly of it tonight. I want to see it through your eyes. Show me what makes it so special.”

The earnestness of his words made my heart grow, lifting away my panic. I pursed my lips as I thought of the perfect place to take him. Many came to mind, all the parts of Saint Stephen’s Lake that made it home, but there was only one place I wanted to be tonight.

When the sign for Guardian’s Beach appeared on the side of the road, I flicked the blinker, turning into one of the empty parking lots. The pristine strip of rocky beach came into view as soon as I parked, the lake highlighted by the full moon.

At the sight, the same relief washed over me as it did three years ago. I could still remember that night clearly, the way the waves broke through my weathered walls, allowing me to finally let go of my fears and regrets. Ever since that night, I’d come here often. Whether it was a difficult choice or a bad day, this spot called to me. It wasn’t a secret I shared with anyone, but something about Adam told me that it would be safe with him.

He softly exhaled as he climbed out of my car. “This is beautiful, Alex.”

I nodded as I joined him. “It’s one of my favorite places in the whole world.” I lifted up to my tiptoes, pointing across the lake. “You can see the hotel right down there.”

Adam stood at my side, letting out a contented sigh. I almost wished I was experiencing this place for the first time like he was.

I’d learned the hard way that there are many wonders people take for granted, the magical marvels visitors gaped at, yet residents walked by every day like they were ordinary. New York was a prime example of that. After a lifetime in the city, I barely even noticed the sights and wonders others beheld. I’d wasted too much time ignoring the world around me. I refused to do that now.

Even if I spent the rest of my days in Saint Stephen’s Lake, I would never let go of this feeling.

The light breeze ruffled my hair as we walked toward the shore, bringing in the clear coastal air. I kicked off my shoes as we walkedalong the rocky sand, dangling them from my fingers. Some laughter echoed from the public section of the beach, a frequent gathering place for high school kids.

But here?

It was only us and the moonlight.

Taking Adam’s hand, I led him to a washed-up log, prompting him to take a seat. He did without hesitation, and I almost giggled.Well, my first impression was dead wrong.I honestly thought he’d go running the moment we walked into The Lost Tavern. Most celebrities would probably have had a heart attack if they saw the peanut shells on the floor and the grease-stained kitchen walls.

But every time I thought I had Adam figured out, he surprised me. He was nothing like the cocky playboy portrayed in the media. He’d been the perfect gentleman all night, with nothing more than a couple of light touches on my hand or wrist.

It was nice, spending time with someone new, with no expectations or judgment of my past. While my friends were amazing and always there for me, they knew me, faults and all. It felt freeing to be able to hide the bits of my wounded pride and relax with another person.

Adam nudged me with his shoulder. “You went quiet on me.”

“Just thinking how much fun I’ve had tonight,” I said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a night like this.”

“Same here.”

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