Page 41 of When We Are Falling

Liam raises an eyebrow. “Blake Summerton, huh? I can’t believe she’s giving you a shot.”

Shaking my head. “Trust me, I can’t believe it either.”

Liam grins, finishing up with the spare strings. “You and half the guys in town. But seriously, it’s good to see you happy.”

I nod, my mind drifting to Blake, to the nights we’ve been sharing at my place. It’s been more than a week since we agreed to see how things go, and it’s been amazing. And when I’m not with her, I can’t stop thinking about her.

We’ve spent a lot of time together, actually, and it’s more than just that new relationship honeymoon phase—even though we’re nottechnicallyin a relationship. I’ve been hanging around the Tavern, making sure she’s okay, that I’m there if David shows up again. But thankfully, he hasn’t been around, even though I know Blake is worried.

Liam gives me a knowing look, his words cutting through my thoughts. “You’re smitten, man.”

I laugh, feeling a bit exposed. “Maybe a little. She’s just... she’s different. And not just because of how hot she is. She’s strong, independent, and she doesn’t take any crap. It’s refreshing.”

Liam leans against the truck beside me. “Yeah, she’s pretty much the perfect woman. Just don’t screw it up. Blake’s a good one.”

Tossing a bag into the truck. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

We load the last of the gear into the back of the pickup, and I close the tailgate with a satisfying thud. “Alright, let’s get out of here. I’ve got a date with a gorgeous redhead.”

We drive back to town and park in the marina parking lot, loading ourselves up with all our gear, then walking toward our office, Bandit trotting beside me, only to be met with an unexpected sight.

Blake is already there, leaning against the brick front of our office, wearing cutoff jeans and a midriff baring tank top, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail on top of her head, escaped tendrils of red curling in the heat and humidity.

We hadn’t agreed to meet up until later, but I can’t imagine a better surprise. She looks up and smiles when she sees us, watching us until we stop beside her.

Liam kisses her on the cheek. “Hey.”

She bends down to pat Bandit, then turns to me and kisses me full on the lips. It’s a bold move with Liam right there, the first time she’s kissed me in front of anyone, and I fucking love it.

“How was the jump?”

“It was good to get back out there,” I reply. “I wasn’t expecting you till later. Is everything okay?”

“It’s all good.” She turns to Liam. “Do you mind locking up so I can steal him?”

Liam shrugs. “Sure thing.”

“Thank you. Come with me.” She grabs my hand.

I raise an eyebrow. “Where are we going?”

Her smile widens. “You’ll see. Just trust me.”

“Uh oh,” Liam says, a flop of his dark blond hair falling in his eyes as he shakes his head. “You’re putting Mr. Control Freak out of his comfort zone.”

Blake puts a finger to the red of her lips. “Shhh. Don’t tell him my evil plan.”

She tugs my hand again. I hate not knowing what’s going on, but it’s Blake. Of course I’ll go with her. “Alright, but if we end up in some sketchy alleyway, I’m blaming you.”

“I promise, no sketchy alleyways. Besides, Bandit’s coming too. He’ll protect us.”

We say goodbye to Liam and I whistle for Bandit, who perks up and follows us as we walk the short distance to her car. “You sure you don’t want to give me a hint?”

She shakes her head, her ponytail swinging. “Nope. Just enjoy the ride—if you can, my big handsome control freak.”

“Hey, I prefer the termdetail-oriented.”

“Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Boss Man.”

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