Page 134 of Love Bleeds Red
“Oh, are you cold?” Jasper asks. “I can grab you another sweatshirt from the car.”
Falin looks like she’s about to strangle him. This is peak entertainment. Bailey catches my eye and our looks mirror each other.
“Actually,” Falin says, “Leon, didn’t you mention earlier there was some spot you wanted to show Bailey? Something about the view?”
What is she talking about?
I blink at her, confused for a moment, but quickly realize what she’s doing. Creating an excuse to get Jasper alone while giving Bailey and me some privacy.
“Oh. Right. That spot by the lake,” I say, playing along.
“What spot?” Jasper asks. “That sounds cool. I wanna come.”
“Oh my God,” Falin says, exasperated. “Just come here.” She gets up from her chair and just about drags Jasper into the tent. He must catch the hint finally, since he doesn’t object.
She zips their tent shut, calling out “Bye!” in an exaggerated tone. I can’t help but shake my head at the whole performance.
“Well that was… something,” Bailey says, settling back into her chair.
I blow out a breath and nod slowly. “Subtlety isn’t her strong suit.”
“I can see that.” She smiles and her face lights up against the firelight. “So should we actually go look at this mysterious lake spot? Or was that just Falin being devious?”
“Oh, there’s a spot. It’s going to blow your mind,” I lie through my teeth.
She raises a brow. “Oh really?”
“Absolutely. Prepare to be amazed by my extensive knowledge of this place I’vedefinitelybeen to before andtotallydidn’t just make up on the spot.” I stand and offer her my hand with mock seriousness. “Your tour guide awaits.”
She laughs but lets me pull her up. “By tour guide, do you mean guy with a questionable sense of direction who may or may not get us lost in the dark woods?”
I try to make a shocked expression but it probably comes out like a goofy grin. “Me? I’d never.”
“Well, now I’m totally at ease. How could I possibly refuse such a romantic gesture?”
“Exactly, I’m basically the king of romance. Just wait until you see how I dramatically gesture at... whatever we find out there.”
We step away from the fire just as a husky moan sounds from inside Jasper and Falin’s tent.
“Oh God,” Bailey says. “That’s our cue to leave.”
She intertwines her fingers with mine, sending sparks up my arm. It’s such an innocent touch but it’s everything after what she’s been through.
I lead her toward the lake, trying to make it look like I know where I’m going, but actually hoping we don’t trip over a rock or run into any wildlife. The moon is nearly full tonight, which is honestly a miracle because otherwise we’d be stumbling around in complete darkness. Should have grabbed a flashlight, but it’s too late now.
Almost like I planned it, we eventually get to the lake’s edge and find a clearing with a rock, large enough for both of us to sit on.
“You actually pulled it off,” she teases. “It’s beautiful over here.”
“And best of all, away from Jasper and Falin right now.” We laugh and settle next to each other.
The playful energy from our walk here starts to shift as we sit in the quiet. Sounds of nature fill the air along with the roll of water lapping gently against the shore. Bailey’s body is close enough to mine that I can smell her shampoo, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her. I want to lean in, wrap my arms around her, feel her soft skin against my fingertips.
When I hear my name, I blink, realizing I was completely absorbed with studying her details. “… right, Leon?”
“Uh… yeah, sure.” I clear my throat and hope I didn’t just say yes to some ridiculous question.
“So… how’s your mom doing?”
