Page 86 of One Southern Summer

“Have you ever anchored in the cove at the western end of the lake?”

“No, I don’t believe I have. Good plan.”

They rode in comfortable silence with the warm breeze washing over them. Avery turned her chair toward the windshield and slipped her sunglasses on. His gaze lingered on her slender neck and warmth flooded through him as he thought about trailing hot kisses from her collarbone to her ear.

Easy, there. That’s not what tonight is about.

He took another sip of his drink then put it back and concentrated on steering the boat safely across the lake.

A few minutes later they arrived in the cove. Cole slowed down, the boat rocking gently from the wake of another passing vessel. He turned off the engine then dropped the anchor. A handful of other boats had anchored out, facing the western edge of the lake. They still had several hours until sunset, but plenty of people were taking advantage of the gorgeous weather and spending the evening on the lake.

Cole opened the cooler and brought out the fruit and cheese tray.

Maybe he should skip the small talk and romantic hors d’oeuvres. Stalling only delayed the inevitable.

He sat down across from her on the bench seat, deliberately putting space between them. His hands trembled so he tucked them beneath his thighs on the buttery-yellow seat cushion.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Her flirtatious smile and spark in her eyes muddled his thoughts. “Oh?”

A tiny ribbon of doubt slithered in.

Two tiny divots formed in her smooth brow as her smile faded. “Wait. Is this bad news?”

“Um, well—”

“Because if it is, I’d rather hold off. You can tell me another time. We have too many wonderful things to celebrate tonight. Let’s deal with the negative stuff tomorrow.”

Oh, no. He palmed the back of his neck. Avery took a dainty sip of her drink. He finished his off then stood and dropped the empty can in the container under the sink.

“W-would you like some cheese and crackers or fruit?”

“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”

“Avery.” Her name left his lips in a pathetic groan. He sank down on the seat farthest away from hers and tunneled his fingers through his hair.

“Cole, are you all right?” She set her drink in the cupholder then moved closer. “You’re not quite yourself tonight.”

Before he could respond, she sat beside him and pressed her hand against his arm.

“Wait. Is this about the photo?”

Panic welled. He couldn’t move. Couldn’t think. Not with her sitting so close and her blue eyes locked on him. “What photo?”

“Someone took a photo of Pax and me sitting in the waiting room at the hospital. They shared it in an online group and evidently people are...commenting.”

He clenched his jaw. “What kind of comments?”

“Does it matter? I didn’t look. Harper mentioned it to me. People are probably being nosy and thoughtless. If you had seen it, I just wanted you to know there was no reason to worry.” She slid her palm up his arm and started massaging the knots at the base of his spine. “Wow, you’re all worked up. I’m sorry if I’ve added to your stress. Did something happen while you were away?”

“It’s not—it wasn’t—my trip was fine.” He blew out a long breath then faced her, resting his hand on her knee. “More than fine. Mom and I had a great conversation and the fundraising was successful.”

Her expression softened. “Good, I’m so glad.”

“Avery, I—”

She silenced him with a finger pressed against his lips. “Can we just enjoy being us? Please? Whatever’s on your mind, I promise we’ll get through it together.”

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