Page 30 of Fairy Tale Lies
Mortification flooded her. “‘Sorry. I didn’t realize…”
“Don’t apologize.” He moved. “It’s only my slacks are becoming uncomfortable.”
Warmth bloomed throughout her, and this time it had nothing to do with embarrassment. It also woke her dormant wicked side. Before sanity could return, her hands lowered farther.
The bike swerved, and she screeched.
“Shit. Sorry. Took me by surprise,” he said hoarsely, after straightening the bike. “Won’t happen again.”
“Yeah, well, to be safe, I’ll keep my hands above board.” She slid her hands to his shoulders, both frightened and thrilled at his reaction.
“Damn it,” he muttered loud enough to be heard over the engine.
She laughed at his sullenness, scooting back and taking in the surroundings. They were on an old white bridge, crossing a vast expanse of water. She recognized the place. Belle Isle.
“I haven’t been here since I was a little girl.” She was delighted. “I came here once on a field trip, shortly before the zoo closed.”
“Bits and pieces of the zoo remain, but it’s fenced off. The aquarium and gardens are open on the weekends.” He tilted his head toward a pretty glass conservatory and a lovely old brick building with a green metal roof. “Anyway, I know the perfect place to park. From the western end of the island, we’ll be able to see both Windsor and Detroit.”
“Sounds wonderful.” She snuggled closer.
After he parked, they walked along the cracked and pitted path, then onto the grass, making their way to an old retaining wall. Sitting, they talked of nothing and everything.
He made it easy to relax and enjoy the flawless summer day. He was comfortable in his skin. She found it soothed her normally anxious disposition.
In all honesty, she hadn’t wanted to come home for the summer. Her degree required an internship, and her father insisted his place was perfect for her to get on-the-job experience. As usual, he was right. However, dealing with Blake and Mother wasn’t easy. The only bright spot had been her new friendship with Rae.
And now Jacob.
Greta raised her face toward the sky and closed her eyes. The sun sparkling off the Detroit River and the warmth of Jacob next to her was delightful, and contentment oozed into every pore of her body. “Do you come here often?”
“Not much now. As a kid, I was here all the time. We came here with my parents, and there was the annual family reunion with my mom’s side.”
Greta had a pang of wistfulness. “I’m jealous. It sounds like fun. Most of my family’s get-togethers were either related to Father’s business or some boring social event hosted by my mother.”
“My father was a cop and my mother a librarian.” He grinned. “We weren’t invited to many black-tie events.”
He didn’t sound regretful or disappointed, simply matter-of-fact. His life was different from hers.
She wanted to know more. “Will you tell me about your family? Do you only have the one brother? Wilhelm.”
“Oh, hell. Please, if you ever meet him, don’t call him Wilhelm.”
“Sorry, Will.” She peeked one eye open to glance at Jacob. She’d remembered him telling her this. She’d hoped teasing him would gift her with another one of his sexy smiles. It had worked.
“Yeah, he’s my only sibling. And there’s nothing to tell. My life’s boring. Let’s talk about you. I’m sure it’s much more interesting.”
“Doubt that. Come on.” She nudged his shoulder. “Are you afraid you’ll let spill an awful secret? Do you have a wife in Canada and throngs of nameless children running around?”
Jacob burst out laughing. “No, I don’t have a wife or any kids. Thank God. Where do you come up with this stuff?” He sounded both amused and appalled.
“Sorry. I have an overactive imagination. It tends to head straight to worst-case scenarios.” She smiled and squinted at him. “Guess you’d better tell me. Who knows what I’ll think up?”
“No kidding.” He turned, then bumped her lightly on the shoulder. “Seriously, what don’t you already know? You’ve read my business files.”
“That’s your professional life. I want to know you, not Rework.”
“Like I said, I’m boring. My life is my family and work. I have a couple of close friends I hang out with from time to time. Mostly I work.”
