Page 77 of When You Had Me Adapting

“I still like my tea, but it’s not as awful as I remember.” Her lips curve upward and I wonder if she’s talking about me or the drink. She picks up her e-reader again and begins to read. We sit there for a while drinking our coffee in silence and enjoying each other’s company.

The lake water is still, and morning dew covers the surface of the wood deck. I feel at ease with her next to me, and I know deep in my gut that this is what was always missing. I have seen some of the most magnificent places in the world and photographed some of the most extraordinary animals, but nothing compares to sitting next to Lacey.

“So, whatcha reading?” She cuts her eyes at my interruption.

“It’s an enemies to lovers book and the enemies are finally becoming lovers, so shush.” Her eyes dart back down to the page.

“The enemies are becoming lovers? That’s a thing?”

“Yes,” she says, not looking up from the book.

“Can I see?” I stand and grab her e-reader. She lets out a shriek.

“He tastes as delicious as he looks.” I begin to read out loud. “He deepens our kiss, taking one of my breasts in his?—”

“Go get your own book.” She tries to grab it back, but I hold it above my head and even though she’s 5’7”, she can’t quite reach it. She may be tall, but I’m taller.

“Let me read it, Lace.” I spin around and start reading out loud again. “Taking one of my breasts in his hand. He flicks my nipple?—”

“No, give it back.” She’s jumping now and I can’t help but continue to tease her. It’s obvious she’s not wearing a bra and the swell of her tits bounce with every jump. It’s fucking torture to watch.

I put it behind my back and she wraps her hands around me to try to grab it. We playfully wrestle back and forth for a few minutes. She begins to tickle me and I burst out laughing. “You’re gonna have to do better than that if you want it back,” I tease through heavy breaths, trying to tickle her back one handed.

Our bodies are wrapped around each other. I can feel her breath on my neck and I’m surrounded by her sweet scent. We catch each other’s stare and for a split second I think about kissing her.

“Whatcha doing?” Poppy sings.

Lacey’s body tightens and I can’t help but smile. She slowly turns to find our friends standing in the doorway. Her cheeks are a deep pink. She finds the device and yanks it out of my hands before standing up straighter.

“How long have you two been there?” she asks.

“Long enough,” Logan says.

Lacey looks back at me and shakes her head with a playful grin. “I’m gonna go get ready.” She pushes by them. Poppy lets out a little giggle and takes a sip of her coffee before following after her. Logan steps out on the deck. “Want to share what that was about?”

“I was giving her a hard time,” I laugh.

“You sure about that?”

I exhale and grab my coffee mug. “You sound like Tanner.”

“It just seemed like maybe it was more than that,” he adds.

“Man, I wish.” We move over to the railing of the deck. He leans forward on his elbows.

“Why not tell her how you feel?”

“Because I finally have her back in my life and I don’t want to lose her. If I don’t get the job in Atlanta, then I’m going to have no choice but to leave again. The Australia job would be at least six months and that’s if everything goes according to plan. I want to tell her, but I need to make sure it’s the right time. Make sure she and I are on the same page. I need her to know I’m serious about our future. You know?”

He nods. “Can I help in any way?”

“No man, but thanks.” I take a sip of coffee. “I’m gonna go get ready.” I turn and walk back into the house.

Tanner: Logan said you need our help

Jacks: What’s happening?

Logan: After our conversation, I filled T in and we decided we’re going to help you get her back.

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