Cubby leans forward and lays a hand on my knee. “Me neither. And you’re right. I set things up this way. Just because we’re not getting married doesn’t mean we have to act like strangers.”
I grunt, then lay my hand on top of his, trying to hide the irritation that’s still rumbling through me. “Nothing to worry about.”
Cubby bats his eyelashes. “I really do like you, Chase. I hope you know that. I’m a handful, and I’ll probably act like a maniac if my videos keep flopping and my dream dies this summer. But just because I’m going to leave, and just because I’m dramatic, please don’t think it means I don’t like you.” He glances around the quiet lake, the sun burning off the fog. “You’re a really special guy. And just bringing me out here, just being sweet and listening even when I’m out of my mind, that means a lot to me.”
My frustration melts. “Yeah. I like you too, Cubby.”
He grins. “Even though I’m probably not going to be rich and famous now?”
“That was never the draw.” I grab a fishing pole, mainly as a distraction from the emotions he’s pulling out of me. “Just wish I could help you out more.”
Cubby taps his finger on his lip. “Well, you’ve already done plenty, and I’m definitely in your debt. But Meg did have one idea. She wants to go camping this weekend. Maybe you could join us, show us a good spot? You could even invite a friend.”
I hand him the pole. “Don’t have to ask me twice.”
“Great!” Cubby waves the rod in the air like a wand. “It’s a date!”
We float in silence for a minute. Part of me knows I’m walking into trouble. Every second I spend with Cubby, I just get more attached.
But I want him. My life is changing, and I don’t know how to fix a damn thing. Yet in the middle of all the confusion, the fact that I want Cubby stands out loud and clear. He came into my life like a pure force of chaos, but now he feels like the one thing I can truly hold onto, at least for now.
“It’s a date,” I agree with a whisper. “Now come on. Let me show you how to catch a perch.”
