I chuckle. “Probably.” I push the water around me with my arms. “As much as standing in a pool is fun. I believe we now have to head back to our rooms dripping wet.” His head recoils, and my eyes close from my choice of words. “That just happened again… sentences taken completely out of context.”
“It’s your intuitive thoughts. I’m just along for the ride.” His smug look signals victory before he begins to walk to the steps of the pool.
My head lolls to the side then bows down, as I enjoy our banter that it seems my soul needed.
“I guess I’ll change, and I think I want to write for a while. Ideas have kind of hit me.”
He grins even more as he leaves the pool. “I’m your muse. Don’t deny it.”
Yes, but I wish you weren’t.
He will forever cross my mind when I write scenes that I will now imagine involving him.
Following him out of the pool, he hands me a big fresh white towel from the shelf at the side for guests. We both pat our bodies, even though it’s pointless, as we’re soaked through.
Then it sputters out of my mouth. “Want to grab dinner later?”
A cheekiness ghosts his face. “I thought you’d never ask.”
* * *
It was actuallydifficult to grab a table at the Dizzy Duck Inn. There is normally a waiting list, as the chef has won many awards. Luckily, having a claim in the hotel has its benefits. Throughout the meal, it felt like we talked about every hobby under the sun, our opinions landing on every opposite there could be.
We decided to skip dessert and instead grab a chocolate chip cookie from the front desk, usually reserved for evening turndown service, after Stone gave Stuart a strong glare. I’ve noticed when Stone clashes with someone, then well… it’s a strong conviction. The cookie travels to my mouth for a bite. Probably an insult to the gourmet meal we just ate, but damn, those cookies are delicious. Besides, we had no plans to turn down and needed some fuel as we opt to head out to the end of the dock.
The moment our feet hit the stone pathway outside that leads to the dock, I notice Stone hesitate.
I know exactly where his mind went. “It’s fine. I don’t mind night when I know where I am and there is no chance of any unwelcome surprises. Plus… I’m with you.”
The corners of his mouth tug from my answer. What feels right is interlinking our arms together as we walk, and I initiate that.
When we reach the water’s edge, with lit candles outlining the length of the dock, we both take in the night.
“Tomorrow, I leave.” I’m sad about it.
Stone sighs. “Figured we couldn’t keep you in Lake Spark forever.”
“Yeah…” No more hours of conversation and subtle looks. “You can send me letters that arrive by boat, taking the long way down the Illinois River into the Mississippi to the Gulf, which means I maybe won’t get them for weeks.”
“How very old-fashioned of us. But why not?”
“Or email works just fine… I’ve heard it’s faster.”
He turns to me and seems pleased with my suggestion. “Sounds like a perfect idea.”
Stone steps closer to me, and my entire body anticipates what his mission may be. I’m wishing for it. Should I be?
“Tell me it’s okay?” It’s a plea more than a question.
I’m with him on what he is insinuating, and I gently nod in agreement.
"I want to kiss you," he states, his voice soft.
"I think I want you to kiss me too."
Lines form on his forehead. "Think?"
A smile begins to form. "I would appreciate it if you kissed me."
