Page 70 of Love and Other Trials
He was cleaning her fish when she said, “I say we call it. Both of us win. Which means I wear red lace and you wear chocolate sauce.”
His grin lit her up with pure joy. “Not at the same time, however.”
She puffed out a laugh. “That would be a mess.”
“I like this fair and noble way of settling a bet, Elizabeth.” He put her fish in the cooler and wiped his hands down with alcohol wipes. “I’m certainly going to like us both winning. Are we heading to Market Street for a few purchases after we get off the water?”
“How does that strike you?”
He smacked his lips. “Mighty fine, I must say. Are you ready to head back?”
“Are you?” He was the reason they were here mostly, and she wanted to make sure he was happy. “I know it was a big day for you.”
Gazing out at the water, he laid his hands on his knees. “Ariel, this is one of the happiest days of my life. I could almost feel my grandpa thinking I’d done pretty damn well, coming back to fishing like this. With you. Thank you.”
Her heart beat thickly in her chest at the steady way he was gazing at her. “Like I said, I’m glad I’m here with you. No place I’d rather be.”
He extended his hand. She took it. “Me either.”
“Careful,” she cautioned as he pulled her to him and kissed her softly on the lips.
“I was only planning onkissingyou.” He nipped her bottom lip. “Sherlock is watching, after all.”
She could hear the amusement in his voice. “Good point. Besides, I don’t want to tip the boat and end up in the water. Did you see how slimy those trout were?”
He laughed in her ear, planting quick kisses along her neck. “Squeamish. I should have known. You didn’t even clean one fish.”
She poked him. “You offered!”
“I did.” His drawl was husky. “I suppose we should head on back. If I kiss you any more, we’re going to risk seriously rocking this boat.”
Her belly tightened with need. “Start the motor.”
She angled back to her seat as he set them on their way. The wind ruffled her short hair, and for the first time, she actually loved the feel and cut. Her former shoulder-length hair wouldn’t be dancing around her head the same way. Acceptance. Maybe it was the way to go across the board. The sun warmed her face when she turned it up like she was a cute little sunflower. Laughing at herself, she heard Sherlock give a short, delighted bark. Yeah, they’d all needed this.
When they returned, Davey helped them dock the boat. He exclaimed over their catch, and Ariel urged him to take the fish off their hands since they were still at the resort and likely not going to cook. He patted her on the cheek, his ruddy cheeks deepening with his endearing smile.
“I’m going to keep them in the freezer for you—to enjoy when you’re living in your grandma’s house.”
She nodded past the tightness in her throat. “That’s so sweet. You’ll come over and we’ll have our first fish fry.”
“It’s a deal.” He jerked his head to Dax. “He’s coming, right?”
Looking at Dax, she watched him pocket his aviator glasses with a grin. “If I’m invited. Davey, you should know I’m thinking I might be moving here too. I’ve got a new job as a corporate pilot.”
The two men headed toward the Bronco, talking. Ariel was smiling as she followed them. It made her heart swell to see them getting along so well.
At the car, she gave Davey a huge hug. “Thank you for everything.”
“Ah, baby girl, it’s good to see you doing so well. Makes my heart happy, and wherever your grandma is—she wouldn’t want me to speculate any—I’d bet she’s pretty damn pleased herself. You look good, and you’ve got a pretty great fella here.”
She kinda did. Her grin could not be contained. “See you soon?”
“If I don’t see you sooner.” He turned to Dax, and they shook hands warmly. “Nice to meet you too. Y’all come back now. Anytime. Even if you need to get away for a little while to escape the madness. All right?”
“All right,” Ariel agreed, getting in the Bronco when Dax opened her door.
She knew Davey was pleased by the way he nodded at Dax. Moments later, they were on their way with Sherlock, and she was wiggling in her seat in happiness as she gave him directions to downtown.
