"I know what I want," I finish. "And I know how I feel about you. I've known for years."
He closes his eyes briefly, jaw tight. When he opens them again, there's something vulnerable there I've never seen before.
"You have no idea what you do to me, Tessa.”
He pulls me against him, arms like steel, mouth finding mine. A kiss flavored with sun-warmed skin and cocoa butter, soft and searing all at once.
We stay like that, tangled in each other under the open sky, the quiet lap of waves syncing with the beat of something new, something impossible to ignore.
Just time.
Just him.
And the deep knowing — the undeniable truth that I’ve never wanted anything more than this.
Chapter 17
Liam
By the time we dock the boat and start gathering our things, I’m already planning. Tessa doesn’t know it. She’s still glowing from the lake, her wet swimsuit clinging to every curve, hair pulled into a loose twist that’s slowly falling apart. She’s laughing about how we ate more brownies than we did sandwiches. I watch as she wipes sweat from her temples with the back of her hand like it’s just another lazy day.
But it’s not.
Not for me.
Something’s totally different in me. Tessa’s confession on the boat knocked the wind out of me in the best damn way.“I’ve had a thing for you since I was a teen.”
I don’t think she realizes what that did to me. I was never the guy girls crushed on. Never the heartthrob. Just the older brother of one of her friends. I was pretty quiet and reserved. Head down, do the work. And yet, she had a real thing for me way back then.
And now? She’s not some starry-eyed kid anymore. She’s a woman. Fierce, independent, and funny as hell. She’s stubborn, gorgeous, and driven. She showed up at that raccoon infested, broken-down cabin alone, ready to do the work, despite the incredible mess.
I don’t want to just hook up with her. I want to show her something different. Something permanent.
As we climb the hill toward her place, her hand brushes mine. I take it. She lets me. And that’s all the confirmation Ineed. By the time she’s inside her place getting cleaned up, I’m already pulling out my phone.
There’s only one place that makes sense.
The Grand Lodge.
I scroll through the dinner reservations—luck is on my side. One table left at 7:15 p.m. I snag it. Then I book a suite, nothing but the best. Top floor, corner unit, honeymoon level. Balcony, mountain view, and a private fireplace we probably won’t need.
It’s not just about the room. It’s abouther. I want to make this night something she’ll remember the rest of her life.
When she looks back, she should remember it happened with someone she was crazy about. And someone who felt that way about her. Most of all, a man that demonstrated it by making the event special. Tessa should feel totally wanted and chosen. Because that’s what she is. She’s the one I’d chooseover and over.
I click confirm and stare at the reservation screen for a second too long. It doesn’t scare me. It feels … right.
I slip the phone into my back pocket and wait for her to emerge from the bathroom. As soon as she comes out, I ask, “Did you bring a dress?”
“I did. Two sundresses. Why?”
Because I would like to take you to dinner tonight. And, maybe pack a bag in case we can’t drive back. You know … I don’t drink much. But, I never drive and drink.”
“Okay, Liam … are you sure?”
“Never been more sure.”
“But where would we stay? Do you want me to be the designated driver. I can do that?”
