“Then how…” His voice trails off as I turn in his arms.
“They’re powerful people, Lake. Whatever little telephone game she’s playing is working and they’re blocking me left and right.”
“Are you sure it’s them?”
“It’s too much of a coincidence after I called Cameron this morning.”
“Your boss?”
“Yeah, he said he couldn’t write my letter of recommendation,”—I look at him from under my lashes—“per the higher-ups.”
Lake opens his mouth and then closes it, hugging me tight against his body. He just holds me and I let myself soak in his warmth, my body melting against him.
“You’re gonna find something great.” He says the words confidently and I want more than anything for him to be right. “In the meantime,”—his hands slide down to cup my backside—“I need you to get dressed.”
“Then why are your hands on my ass?”
“Because you look hot and I can’t help myself.”
I snort, shoving at his chest as I move back toward the closet. “I look like a swamp monster, Lake.”
“No way. Ask any guy—the messy bun and big sweatshirt is sexy.” His gaze rakes over me, sending a little shiver down my spine. “Trust me.”
Don’t mind if I do.
15
PEN
Butterflies swirl in my belly as Lake navigates the road up to the lodge. I haven’t been in Wintervale for a Sterling family dinner in a long time, and that alone has me filled with both excitement and trepidation.
“It’s gonna be fine,” Lake says from the driver’s seat.
“I know, but…” I worry my bottom lip. I haven’t seen any of them other than Wren since the wedding, and her words about their father paying off Carter’s parents sits heavy on my shoulders.
Does Lake know?
Should I tell him?
It’s just one of the many things that the Haneses have left tainted in their wake. I can only imagine the way they talked to Elora and Winston, mortification heating my face as I look out the window.
“Did you know about the money?” I ask, still not looking at him.
“Is that what you’re worried about?”
“Do you know how much?” I press, turning in my seat to face him, my voice rising the closer we get to his parents’ house.
Shaking his head, Lake parks the truck and looks at me. “Enough to get Carter and his parents the hell out of Wintervale.” His expression softens as he leans forward and presses his lips gently against mine. “And not enough for you to worry about.”
“You’re really set on teasing me today.”
“Just a little.” He grins, his stupidly handsome face a breath from mine. “Don’t move.”
He murmurs the command before sitting back and pushing out of the truck. Laughing, he pulls open my door and holds out his hand.
“You’re the worst,” I lament, taking his hand and sliding out of my seat, my boots hitting the ground with a soft thud.
“Maybe, but it got you out of the truck,” Lake says unapologetically as he leads me up the driveway toward the lodge. He doesn’t let go of my hand, and the small gesture has me nearly in tears by the time we reach the door.
