She looked out of the window, her brows drawn together.
“Are we going to another town?”
Tate had wanted to surprise Cat, especially after the morning she’d had with Josh’s incident. At least for tonight, he’d hoped they could put what was happening aside for a few hours and enjoy themselves.
“Do you trust me? I think you’re going to like this. If you don’t, it won’t hurt my feelings. We’ll just do something else. Anything you want.”
That wasn’t the whole truth. It would kind of hurt his feelings, but he’d get over it.
“Are you asking me to be adventurous? Okay, I’m in. I trust you. Up to a point.”
“That’s wise. Just relax and leave the evening to me.”
She smiled when he turned down the road to the lake. They’d had many happy times out here with their friends…and alone.
“Tate Winslow, you sly dog. Did you bring me out here to kiss in the moonlight?”
The sun was setting, and it would soon be dark. A fact he’d counted on. But it wasn’t quite like she was thinking. Normally, he’d turn left toward the public area of the lake, but this time he turned right down a twisty road to the far side of the water, where he hoped everything would be ready.
There were lights on in the small cabin next to the lake. Cooper had purchased this plot of land and the cabin so he could “go fishing” whenever he wanted. What it really meant was he needed a place to go for a few days when he had writer’s block. Jane said that she was happy to get him out of her hair when he was like that because otherwise, he’d drive her crazy.
There was already another car there, and Tate sighed inwardly in relief. He’d given Sam and Cooper a homework assignment, and he was depending on them to deliver.
“I’ve never been to this side of the lake before. Is it a party? Who all is going to be here?”
“There are only private homes on this side of the lake. And it’s not a party. They’re just helping me out a bit.”
He’d cashed in a few favors to make this happen, but he hoped Cat would like what he’d planned. He’d wanted to do something he was positive no one else had ever done for her.
He parked the car off to the side, his gaze sweeping the circular clearing next to the lake where his brothers had set everything up.
Movie screen? Check.
Comfortable lounge chairs? Check.
Outdoor heater? Check.
Piping hot pizza and cold wine? Double check.
“What on earth…?”
Cat was also taking it all in, her eyes round with amazement. He’d definitely surprised her. The only question that remained was whether it was a good surprise.
“Movie and pizza,” Tate said. “Under the stars and next to the lake. Hopefully, a little more comfortable than when we were kids.”
“Just call us and we’ll come clean up when you’re done,” Sam said. “Don’t worry about anything. Oh, and here’s the remote for the movie screen. It’s all cued up. Is it your favorite movie? Interesting choice.”
The movie wasSomewhere in Timewith Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Cat’s mother had introduced her daughter to the film, and since then it had been a firm favorite. Tate liked it, too, although not nearly as much as Cat did.
“Fuck you,” Tate replied under his breath. “It’s Cat’s favorite.”
“That explains it. Chick movie.”
“It’s not a chick movie,” Tate denied, although it was a tad half-hearted.
“It’s a chick movie. But I get it. Sometimes, a guy just has to go with it. Anyway, have fun. Shoot us a text when you’re leaving.”
“What will you do while we’re here?” Tate asked.
