I puff out a breath. This isn’t going to be my smartest move, but it’s for Connor. “Okay.”
Ford’s long finger brushes my cheek. “Good.”
My face is blank. “You hunted me down instead of calling?”
He grins. “Of course, you’re easier to sway when we’re face to face.”
It’s because I melt a little inside every time I see you.
“Is Lena driving you home or do you need me to drive you?”
My thighs tighten from the thought of being stuck in a car with him. I know he would walk me to my door, and because I hate the idea of him driving back in the dark, then I would offer him the sofa and drive myself crazy.
My voice nearly croaks. “I’m good.”
I kick a small pebble on the ground and cross my arms over my chest, shaking my imagination away and focusing on his request for family time. “But Ford, let’s just remember that… we had a plan.” Agreed on long ago.
He exhales loudly. “Plans can change.”
His statement stirs something inside of me, hope mixed with fear.
Gently I tip my head up to acknowledge that I heard him. “Night,” I say.
When I walk away, every ounce of me knows he is right. Planscanchange. But that doesn’t mean they should.
By the time I’m back inside, Lena is at our table for dinner, and I join her.
She props her chin up on her hand as she patiently waits for me to explain.
“I just agreed to spend a week of family holiday time at Ford’s lake house.” I take a long breath.
Lena smirks as she holds up the card from Brody and ceremonially rips it in two. “I don’t think we will be needing this then, likeever.”
“I’m in way over my head,” I say, admitting defeat.
3
BRIELLE
I’ve been to Ford’s house a few times. It’s new, or at least he’s been working on it for a year or two. For the most part, he handles pick-up and drop-off, so I never have to drive here. When it comes to Connor, Ford does his best to make it easy for me.
Even though Ford gave me the security code for the gate to the cul-de-sac and for his front door, I still hesitate when my hand covers the handle of the front door. Maybe it’s better if I press the doorbell.
This large modern lake house is as overbearing as the thought of the week ahead. At least I’ll get to stare out onto the lake.
Lake Spark is a small town where people escape the city and enjoy boutiques and cute cafés. It’s also the place where teenage Ford and I would escape to his family’s lake house and get lost in time. I was seventeen when I first met Ford at a party on the lakeshore, and even though we lived in separate towns and he was in college, we made it work my senior year until the summer that changed our lives.
God, why does he want to live on this lake and be reminded of everything?
It’s warm out, so I’m thankful I’m in a black tank top and jean shorts.
The door opens, and Ford greets me with a subtle grin. His white t-shirt and jeans draw me in because it only makes his eyes more intense. “Going to come in or wait for a pinecone or fox to get to you?”
As ridiculous as that sounds, it’s completely accurate for Lake Spark. The woods surrounding the lake attract foxes, and apparently, his neighbor has had a few pinecones fall onto her head on a frequent basis.
“Sorry, just taking in my surroundings.” He steps back, inviting me in with his arm. “The house looks good with the finishing touches, the outside, I mean.” I take in all the changes as I enter his house, and I’m in pure amazement. “Inside too, it seems.” Open-plan and everything state of the art.
“Thanks. The designer really picked up the vibe I was going for. Modern yet country, with a bit of local art thrown in. The pool is finished, and Connor loves that.”
