Along the way they greeted other bikers and pedestrians walking dogs. Soon, off to the right, the lake glimmered in the sunlight, its tiny islands dotting the surface. He took in the view as he drew in the pine scent.
When they reached the turnoff for Albee Beach, he steered into the parking lot. He continued to the far side where dirt pathways cut through a pine grove, leading to the small beach. His pulse raced at the thought of the upcoming talk. Would she reject his apology and continue to hold a grudge? If so, it would be a long seven months—though he could only blame himself.
He stopped at the end of the pavement and removed his helmet.
Lauren pulled up beside him. “Why are we stopping?”
“Thought you’d like to see one of the local beaches. In a couple weeks this place will be crawling with tourists.”
She dismounted and set the kickstand, then removed her helmet, her blonde hair falling around her shoulders. He peered at her from beneath his lashes as he removed two cold water bottles from his pack. He was glad the lost-waif look was gone from her expression and posture. He’d take her jutted chin and flashing eyes any day over that beaten-down expression she’d worn earlier.
He handed her a water bottle, then headed through the pine trees toward a picnic table that straddled the woods and beach. They had the place all to themselves today. He sat on the bench, facing the water while she walked out onto the sand and took in the view.
The lush forest flanked the crescent-shaped strip of beach. The water was as smooth as glass at the moment, and the low hills onthe other side of the lake rose to meet the late-afternoon sky. A cool breeze blew, refreshing after the ride.
He took a long drink of water. What was Lauren thinking about as she stared across the lake? The wind ruffled her hair and fluttered the sleeves of her pale blue shirt. Her skin was sun-kissed now after spending so much time outdoors over the past month, and her green eyes popped against her tan. It did a little something extra for her legs too.
He jerked his gaze away as she turned and headed toward him. She stopped ten feet from the table. “We should probably head back. We’re having s’mores tonight and I need to get everything ready.”
“That’s not till ten. Have a seat. Let’s talk.”
Her back went rigid and her chin lifted. That guarded look in her eyes returned. “Are you firing me?”
He blinked. “No, I’m not firing you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“According to you, I do almost everything wrong.” She sat stiffly on the other end of the bench, facing the water.
He heaved a sigh. “I know I’ve been a little hard on you but—” He stopped at the glare she cast his way. “Okay, okay. A lot hard on you. I owe you an apology.”
She reared back. “Wow.”
“You don’t have to act so surprised—I can admit when I’ve been wrong.”
“This is new information.”
His lips twitched. “Nonetheless, I’m sorry I’ve been difficult.” He scratched his neck. “It had nothing to do with you personally. It was me. I take full responsibility and I promise to do better from now on.”
Her gaze sharpened on his face as a long moment of silence passed.
He let out a wry laugh. “I’ve obviously shocked you speechless. But I promise I’m not really an ogre.”
“You just—you surprised me, that’s all. People rarely do that.”
He wasn’t sure what that meant. People sometimes surprised the heck out of him.Shecertainly had. “You’re doing a great job at the resort, Lauren. You’ve exceeded my expectations.”
She burst out laughing. “Well, they were so low, how could I not?”
His face burned even as he chuckled. He’d heard her laugh many times, but this was the first time she’d laughed with him. “Okay, okay, that’s fair, I guess. I admit I misjudged you. You just came across a little...” How to put this without offending?
She quirked a brow. “Competent? Responsible? Hardworking?”
“Let’s just say I thought you might be a better fit for the Harborview.”
She waggled her head back and forth as if weighing the comment. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Fair enough.” He took a swig of water. “I have to say, you jumped right in and did the work. I have no complaints.”
“I probably shouldn’t mention the overbooking mistake I made today, but it’ll probably get back to you anyway.” She explained what had happened earlier with the Lawsons.
