“Of course.”
My pulse spikes, and I swallow hard, forcing the words out before my courage evaporates again.
“I was wondering if,” I drag in a breath. “If you'd want to go out with me today?”
Silence drops over the kitchen for half a second. Her lips part, her cheeks warm, and her scent lifts—subtle, sweet.
“Yes.”
My chest loosens so suddenly I have to steady myself with a hand on the counter.
Lincoln’s grin widens beside her. Milton mouthsfinallylike a dramatic asshole. I ignore both of them.
I clear my throat once more.
“Grab your coat,” I say quietly. “I want to take you somewhere.”
She hops off the stool, slipping her boots on and zipping her jacket with quick, eager movements. She follows me to the door without hesitation, and something deep in my bones settles.
She said yes.
To me.
And I am going to make damn sure she never regrets it.
The car ride starts quiet, but not awkward. More like we’re both trying to get our breathing under control.
She sits close, hands folded in her lap, knee brushing the console. Her hair is pulled into a loose braid, a few pieces falling around her face in a way that makes her look too soft, too breakable, too perfect for someone like me.
I grip the steering wheel a little tighter than necessary.
Halfway down the wooded stretch toward the lake, she turns to me. “Where are we going?”
I give her a quick sideways glance—just long enough for her to read my lips—then smile. “You’ll see.”
She huffs, cheeks puffing a little, and the tiny sound of it nearly unravels me. My hand drifts over, brushing my knuckles over her knee before I can talk myself out of it.
She blushes instantly.
Fuck.
My heart stutters.
We drive past the turnoff to the trailhead. The trees start to thicken, sunlight filtering through the branches in soft golden streaks.
Bayleigh leans closer, looking out the window like she’s trying to memorize everything we pass. When she looks back at me, her expression is open.
I look at her while keeping the road in my peripheral so she can see my mouth. “Can I ask you something?” I say.
She nods.
“Are you nervous? Being alone with me?” I look back toward the road while I wait for her answer.
She considers it, then answers with gentle honesty. “A little. Not because I don’t trust you. Because… this is new.”
I let out a breath and look back at her. “Yeah. Me too.”
Her eyes flicker.
