Page 120 of Sincerely, Your Enemy

But one thing’s certain.

These are going to be the longest five miles of my entire life.

I thought I liked hiking.

Normally, I’m able to enjoy the process, but I’ve spent the past two hours hounding TJ with questions about the surprise he’s got planned, with no success.

Oh, and the real kicker? TJ blindfolded me a few minutes ago. He wouldn’t tell me why. Just that we’re almost there.

I didn’t argue, mostly because I appreciate the effort he’s putting into this, but I’ve nearly fallen on my ass at least five times since he became my eyes.

“Don’t let go!” I scream in between laughter.

TJ’s been having the time of his life messing with me and watching me struggle.

He laughs harder. “Me? You’re the one who needs to hold on tighter.”

“TJ, don’t make me pick up a stick and beat you with it!”

“That won’t be necessary. We’re here.”

I feel him stop, and I stop, too, pouring all of my energy into listening to my surroundings. I hear…water. Maybe a waterfall?

“So I can take off my blindfold?”

I’m already reaching for it when TJ stops me. “Not yet, baby.”

I suck in a deep breath, the anticipation making me restless, and shift my weight from one leg to the other. I can hear TJ unzipping his backpack and moving around. He keeps me on the edge of my seat for a few minutes—although it feels like years—before finally putting me out of my misery.

I feel his presence behind me as he undoes the bandana he tied around my eyes, and the fabric falls.

My ability to breathe and my composure leave me all at once.

A gorgeous waterfall cascades in the distance, and under it is what I can only describe as the clearest lake I’ve ever seen—hence the name, Crystal Lake, which is plastered over a wooden sign on my left.

Sunlight creates dappled patterns over the stones surrounding the waterfall, and tall trees tower over us, creating a sanctuary away from the rest of the world.

But the view isn’t what brings tears to my eyes.

There, a few feet away from us, is a blanket laid out on the ground with a bottle of wine, a jar of peanut butter, and a jar of pickles.

He didn’t.

I can’t believe he remembered.

My palm flies to my mouth, tears welling in my eyes until my vision is so blurry I can’t see a thing. That’s when I feel TJ’s arms circle my waist from behind.

My boyfriend inches forward, presses a kiss to my cheek, and whispers, “You were right. We never got to have a proper first date. I figured it was time we changed that.”

A tear slips down my cheek.

“Shit, are you okay? I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

I don’t bother trying to come up with an articulate sentence, spinning to look at him.

TJ cups my face with one hand, wiping one of my tears away with his thumb. “Did I do this? I’m so sorry?—”

His unnecessary apology is silenced by my mouth crashing against his. TJ stumbles back a step, startled by my kiss, but quickly steadies himself, his hands darting to my waist and clutching my body as tight as he possibly can.

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