I took mental snapshots to store for when I couldn’t be sitting next to him. I started counting down the days—not like the homesick campers, the exact opposite. I didn’t want the summer or our romance to end.
In the background, the radio played golden oldies. Frank Sinatra crooned, “Fly Me to the Moon.”
When he put his pencil down, I pulled him out of the chair. “Dance with me.”
He grinned from ear to ear. “That’s the second best offer I’ve had today.”
Laughing, we swayed to the music. One of his arms securely held me, his other hand had mine next to his heart. I adored being close to him, our bodies touching.
“I like dancing with you.” I bit his neck.
“We fit well together, horizontally and vertically.” He sang into my ear. “In other words, please be mine.” He spun and dipped me.
“Working at camp was the best decision I ever made,” I said.
“And why’s that?”
“Because I’m here dancing with you.”
We locked eyes, our bodies melting into each other. Our kisses were slow, deep, and lazy on a cloudless August morning.
That afternoon I had an epiphany as I gazed at him. “You know who would be a natural at running this camp?” I asked.
Without hesitation, Teddy said, “You.”
“Me? No, you.”
“All I want is to playsoccerevery day.”
“I’ve watched you coaching. You’re incredible with the kids. You’re respected. You’re fun. You’re an inspiring leader. I’d follow you anywhere.”
“You come up with the zaniest ideas. First breaking and entering, and now running a camp, and somehow you coax me into being your accomplice.”
I smiled. “I do, but I’m serious. You should buy Woodlands.”
“Is it for sale?” he joked, but then he paused. “I have thought about it, but now the only way I’d even consider it would be if you did it with me.”
I laughed. “It could work. Look at us, partners in crime and then partners in business.”
“And then our partnership could grow into”—he hesitated—“something more.”
Our conversation had taken an unexpected turn. My understanding had been that we were over when the summer was over. I must have had a confused look on my face because he quickly added, “I’m actually serious.”
“Come on, that’s crazy.”
“We could do it. You said you were considering finding a career when you got home.”
“I hadn’t thought that buying . . .”
“And with Jack here, you won’t return next summer. I can’t have that.” He looked genuinely distraught, but then excited. “Before I get carried away by this idea, I need to know if you’re serious about us owning the camp.”
He stared at me, waiting for my answer. I had no idea what to say. Would I want to make Woodlands my summer home, with him—for the rest of my life? Answering only with my heart, I said, “Yes, I believe I am.”
“The two of us together would be unstoppable,” he said.
“Unstoppable. I like that.”
“Every time I’ve thought this through, I knew it couldn’t work with me living in London from September through May. But with you in New York, it’s possible. Of course, there’s the small problem of the camp not being for sale.” He laughed. “Although, that’s a minor glitch. Then there’s the issue of money . . .”
