Page 77 of Right in Front of You

“I think it’s time to call it a night, sweet pea.” I passed her into Nick’s arms. She climbed onto him like a little monkey, then rested her head on his shoulder, and closed her eyes.

“I’ll help you guys off,” I said, gathering their backpacks onto the rowboat.

“Are we all going to fit on there?” Molly asked.

“We’re not leaving yet.” I grinned.

“No?”

“Jo and Nick will drop Nathan off at home. I know you have the day off tomorrow, so we’re staying the night here. On the boat. Just the two of us.”

“Oh.”

“Jo brought some toiletries for you. There’s a bathroom and two bedrooms downstairs.” I didn’t want Molly to feel uncomfortable. No pressure and no expectations. I only wanted her relaxed. She’d been working so hard the past seven years that she deserved a little getaway from the city, and even from life. “Are you okay with that?”

“There’s nothing I’d love more.” She rubbed her arms up and down. Nights on Pebble Lake tended to be chilly. I removed my sweatshirt from the bag my brother had brought for me and pulled it over Molly’s head. “There. That should keep you warm.”

“Thank you.” She blushed.

We said our goodbyes and waved to the crew of four until they disappeared around the corner.

“Now, I need to get out of these jeans and put on a comfortable pair of slacks. I’d suggest you put something warmer on as well. Will you join me on the deck in a few minutes?”

“Yes, of course.”

Tonight was going to be a night that neither Molly nor I would forget.

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