“Come on, Kace.” He climbed out of the car and then stuck his head inside. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
She smiled and launched herself out of the car and met him at the front, where he threaded his warm fingers with hers, her skin humming as an electrical current shot through her veins. Their shoes crunched along the rock driveway as they jogged past the four-car garage, past the huge deck that ran the length of the back of the house, and down the path toward the lake.
Kacey sucked in a breath as she took in the beautiful lake, sparkling in the light of the moon and the stars.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I forgot how gorgeous the lake is.”
“Well, then it’s a good thing I brought you here, so you can remember how much you love it.” He led her down the hill to the pier that stretched out over the glistening water.
She breathed in the familiar scent of the lake and looked out across the water toward the lights glowing from the Splendid Lake Cabins and Marina resort, which was run by their classmate and friend Brianna Porter and her family.
When they reached the end of the pier, they both sat down, and she took in the sound of the water lapping against the pier and a dog barking in the distance. The sky was clear as the stars seemed to twinkle for only Kacey and Drew.
“Are you cold?” Drew’s voice was a low rumble next to her ear, sending a tremor through her.
She shook her head as happiness bubbled through her. She wouldn’t care if the lake was frozen over as long as she had Drew beside her.
She settled into a comfortable silence and enjoyed the view of the water shimmering in the moonlight.
“I’ve been meaning to ask... are you seeing anyone back in Charlotte?”
Her eyes snapped to his face, but he was looking out at the water, his expression unreadable. “No. Are you seeing anyone?”
“No.” He gave a little laugh and shook his head. Then his tone became more serious. “Have you ever seen yourself getting married and having a family?”
“Someday, but probably not anytime soon.” Kacey ran her hands up and down her legs as she wondered what Drew was getting at.
He nodded and sucked in a breath. “Could you see yourself staying in Splendid Lake?”
With that question, Drew turned to face her. She studied him, wishing she could read his thoughts. “Why all these questions?”
He shrugged and a small smile formed on his lips. “I’m just trying to get reacquainted with you.”
She hesitated. “You know I’ve always dreamed of living in a city.”
“So that’s a no.”
She angled her body toward him. “What about you?”
He let out a breath. “I love it here.”
“Any Christmas wishes?” Kacey could think of one of her own.
He chuckled. “I have everything I need.”
She scanned the glorious dark sky and felt his eyes focused on her, pulling her gaze to meet his. The intensity in his expression made her lose her breath.
Drew reached up and cupped his hand to her cheek. She leaned into his touch as he tilted his head toward hers. Her breath hitched, and her pulse raced as she waited for his lips to meet hers.
“Who’s out there?”
Drew jerked back and looked to where the voice called from the end of the pier. “Dad! It’s me!” He jumped to his feet and held his hand out to Kacey.
She latched on, and he helped her up. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath.
Drew’s father still stood at the end of the pier. “Why didn’t you come to the house?”
