Grant blinked in confusion. “What?”
“Get out of the car,” she repeated, gesturing for Grant to pull off to the side and park.
Grant obliged, his heart hammering as he climbed out of his Tesla. What in the world was she doing here? “Is this a carjacking? Because you should know, this car is a pain up here. I have to stop in Primrose Valley to charge it.” He attempted a joke, but his voice fell flat thanks to the nervous jitter in his stomach.
Reaching over the console, Eliza popped open the passenger door. “Get in.”
The magic effects of her infectious grin set Grant’s erratic pulse at ease. “So, it’s a kidnapping?” he teased, hopping inside.
“I prefer to call it luring you to an undisclosed location with the promise of your favorite foods.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so?” Grant chuckled as he secured his seat belt, marveling at the magnetic charge between them.
How was it that no matter how much time had passed, or what transpired between them, they so easily fell into a place of comfort, like coming home after a long journey.
“Are you a better driver than you were in high school?” he asked with a grin.
“What do you mean?” Eliza shot him look as she lurched onto the main road. “I was a great driver.”
“Sure you were.” Still smiling, Grant leaned against the headrest, relishing the crisp, cool breeze whipping through his hair. “Didn’t you put Mrs. Locan in the hospital during your final road test?”
“No! She got stung by a bee and went into anaphylactic shock. If anything, I’m a hero. I got her to the hospital in record time.”
“And who opened the window that let in the bee?” Grant raised one eyebrow, suppressing a laugh.
“Fine.” Eliza smirked. “I see how it is. Better be careful, then.” She eyed Grant’s open window with a mischievous glint.
“Good thing I’m not allergic.” Grant sank deeper into the frayed upholstery, at once relaxed and uncertain. Would they talk about their argument that morning? Or pretend like it never happened?
As if reading his mind, Eliza murmured, “I’m so sorry, Grant.”
She kept her eyes on the road, but Grant noticed the way her fingers clenched around the steering wheel and the slight tremor in her jaw.
“I shouldn’t have said those things to you earlier.”
“It’s okay.” He shrugged. “You were right, anyway. Ben’s not my son. I shouldn’t have taken it so personally when you asked me not to speak in front of his class.” Grant wasn’t sure if his words were meant to console Eliza or himself.
She stole a quick glance in his direction before refocusing on the road, her grip tightening until her knuckles blanched.
For the rest of the drive, they rode in silence, save for the radio turned on low to an oldies station. Grant didn’t mind the absence of chitchat and was reminded of countless drives in the countryside when they’d play all their favorite songs, seeing where the road led them.
When Eliza turned into the entrance of Willow Lake, Grant smiled, recalling fond memories of their childhood spent around summer bonfires, racing on paddle boards, and holding rock-skipping competitions.
“We’re here,” Eliza announced with a dramatic flourish.
“What exactly does this kidnapping entail?” Grant’s stomach flipped as his mind jumbled with possibilities. Although, simply being in Eliza’s company already made this the best evening he’d had in years.
“A picnic dinner comprised of your favorite foods and a chance to win back your title of rock-skipping champion.” Eliza slid out of the driver’s seat, turning back with a heart-stopping smile. “I hope you’ve been practicing.”
* * *
As the sun dipped behind Lupine Ridge, the golden sky mirrored across the still water, drenching everything in soft sepia tones.
Eliza released a contented sigh, digging her toes into the cool blades of grass. While she’d had no idea what to expect when she picked up Grant earlier that evening, the night couldn’t have turned out more perfectly.
She’d managed to keep her rock-skipping crown, with an even dozen skips on her fourth try.
Grant had peaked at six. Eliza giggled at the thought.
