Page 10 of Begin Again

I hesitate for just a moment, more for show than anything else. “Sure. It’s a big lake. Plenty of space for both of us.”

Our shoulders brushed lightly as he falls into step beside me, sending a pleasant tingle up my arm.

Theo catches the way I shiver just slightly at the contact, and judging by the smirk that tugs at his lips, he’s fully aware of the effect he’s having on me.

Annoying.

And unfair.

We walk along the water’s edge, the breeze carrying the fresh scent of pine and damp earth. Valkyrie stays just ahead of us, darting in and out of the shallows, pausing only to pounce at her reflection. No complicated emotions to navigate, no lingering glances to ignore. Just pure, unfiltered joy.

“So,” Theo says after a beat, hands tucked into his pockets. “What exactly pulled you away from your computer screen today? Just Valkyrie’s boundless energy, or did you finally remember fresh air exists?”

I shoot him a sideways look. “You act like I never leave the house.”

“Do you?” He raises a brow, eyes glinting with amusement.

I scoff. “Yes, I do. In fact—” I reach into my bag and pull out a pristine, leather-bound sketchbook, flipping through its perfectly untouched pages. “This is what I’m planning on doing while Valkyrie frolics.” The weight of it feels different in my hands, more personal than a tablet. More vulnerable.

Theo glances down at it, his smirk deepening. “Oh wow. No creases, no smudges—this is a serious commitment. Looks brand new.”

“That’s because it is,” I admit, brushing my fingers over the crisp paper. “I haven’t drawn with pencil and paper in a long time. Everything’s been digital recently.”

His gaze lingers on me, thoughtful like he’s picking up on a truth I didn’t mean to show.

“Well,” he says, tilting his head. “I’m honored to witness this momentous occasion.” Then, without missing a beat, he grins. “So, are you gonna draw me like one of your French girls, or…?”

I burst out laughing, shaking my head. “Absolutely not.”

Theo gasps dramatically. “Wow. Shot down immediately, you aren’t even going to pretend to think about it?”

“Somehow, I think your ego will survive.”

Theo exhales, then tilts his head toward me. “You know, I was going to be smooth about this, but—let me take you out.”

I blink. The easy confidence in his voice catches me off guard. No games, no hesitation. He just puts it out there.

“Out?”

“On a date, Selene.” He takes a deliberate step closer, the warmth of his presence making my skin prickle. “You know, a thing where two people who clearly like flirting with each other go somewhere and get to know one another better? You’ve heard of those, right?”

I cross my arms, pretending to think. “Hmm. I don’t know… you do talk a big game, Hot Shot. Can you back it up? I’d hate to waste my time on something mediocre.”

Theo’s eyes narrow playfully. “Oh, come on. What do I have to do to prove myself? Let Valkyrie tackle me into the lake to prove my worth in some dramatic display of manly sacrifice?”

I glance at the water pretending to consider it. “That would be entertaining.”

“I’m sure it would.” He drops his voice just enough to send a shiver down my spine. The way he stares into my eyes makes it impossible to look away. “Please. Say yes, Selene.”

I should say no. I should keep things uncomplicated, especially after how my last relationship ended. I’ve always been careful, always the one to walk away first. But… I don’t want to. Not this time.

“Fine,” I say, rolling my eyes for good measure. “One date.”

Theo’s grin is immediate, victorious. “You won’t regret it.”

I shake my head, but I can’t fight my smile. “We’ll see about that, Hot Shot.”

Walking along the lake we find a picnic table near the water, the sun warms the wood beneath us. Valkyrie, thoroughly soaked, sprawls beside us on the ground, panting happily.

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