Page 75 of The Hookup Situation
“Yeah,” I tell him. “Or maybe I’ll retire early and pick up a painting hobby.”
Zane snickers. “Yeah, because if I recall, we had a pact that we’d be friends forever and that we’d raise our kids together.”
I stare at him. “Are you telling me Autumn is pregnant?”
Laughter roars out of him. “No, not yet. Hopefully soon. She’s sent her book out to publishers, and she’s hoping it gets picked up. Seeing how that goes first.”
“Wait, you’re trying?” I whisper. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. I’m not trying to convince you of shit, but I’d love youto be here as long as you’re happy. Snowboarding season is incredible. I hit the slopes every damn day. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in Cozy Creek. During the winter, it transforms into a little Christmas town.”
I smile, letting out a deep breath. “You’re living your dream.”
“I am.” Zane lifts his hand and places it on my shoulder. “Don’t fuck this up. Got it?”
“It’s funny that everyone keeps telling me that,” I say.
“Falling in love looks good on you,” he singsongs as he sees himself out. “Don’t even knock when you show up at Hollow Manor. A side-by-side will be waiting with the keys, fully gassed and ready to go. I’ll even set up wood in the firepit so it’s ready for you to start when you arrive. Bring more supplies with you. A few blankets, towels, a lantern, and extra firewood. It has an incredible view of the Milky Way that reflects off the water. It’s special.”
“Sounds like it.”
“I’m rooting for you.”
“Thanks. Also, can you keep this to yourself? I wasn’t supposed to tell you shit.”
“Hmm, the only thing I remember discussing was a place to look at the stars. That’s about it.” I shrug.
“Thank you.”
After he leaves, I spend the next hour planning a date night by a lake. After ransacking the cabin,I pack supplies into the back of the Range Rover. Blankets, tons of firewood, dinner from the diner, along with a cooler with champagne and strawberries. A few condoms, just in case. I even pack string lights that run on batteries that I found in a drawer. It’s everything I could possibly need. I take the ten-minute drive to Hollow Manor, transfer the supplies into the back of the side-by-side, then patiently wait for her to arrive.
At seven fifteen on the dot, the car delivers Julie. She steps out, wearing jeans, a slinky blouse, a leather jacket, and boots. Her hair falls in waves around her shoulders. Her eyes are blindfolded.
I’m starstruck, looking at how damn gorgeous she is with those kissable lips.
I move toward her and grab her hands.
“Hi,” she says, suddenly shy.
“Hi.” I study her, wondering what she’s thinking right now as the car drives away. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. I wish I could see you …” She gestures at herself. “I can change if this isn’t appropriate.”
“What you’re wearing is perfect. Classy.” I pull her with me, holding her by my side. “Trust me?”
“Yes,” she says, and I pull her with me, helping her move forward. “We’re alone, right? Like, I’m not going to be in front of a crowd of people when I take this blindfold off, right?”
“We’re completely alone,” I tell her.
“Great,” she whispers. “I hear the wind through the trees. Where are we?”
I chuckle. “It’s a surprise. But you’re going to lift your leg and sit, okay?”
She nods, and I help her onto the side-by-side, then climb in beside her.
Immediately, her hand reaches for me, and she holds me tight as I reach across her to buckle her in.
The drive to our special spot will take about ten minutes. The engine is too loud for us to chat, so we just enjoy holding each other. Her laughter mixes with shrieks when I hit bumps and her hair flies in the breeze. It’s a dream—all of it. When we finally stop, I can hear the soft whoosh of water against the shore.
