“The lake?”
Rafe knew going to the lake was a mistake just waiting to happen. He wanted this woman with a passion he couldn’t ignore, but he’d never crossed the line with a woman in a relationship, and he didn’t intend to start now. It didn’t matter that she claimed she was breaking up with her boyfriend. Rafe wouldn’t do that to anyone. There was a damn good chance her idiot-ass boyfriend would get with the program once he realized he was about to lose the best damn thing that had likely ever happened to him.
“It’s okay if you don’t—”
“It’s fine.” He nodded, then pulled out of the lot and headed in that direction.
Evidently, he wasn’t listening to his better angels today.
“What’s at the lake?” he prompted, desperate to break the stifling silence.
“No one.”
He smiled. “I didn’t saywho?”
“I know. No one is thewhat.”
Rafe cast a sideways glance her way, grinning. “Are you fuckin’ with me?”
She laughed. “No. What I mean is the lake is quiet, and there’s no one there askin’ you to get them somethin’ or do anything for them. It’s just … quiet. And right now, quiet sounds perfect. I need a few minutes to process.”
“Quiet, huh?” He propped his forearm on the steering wheel and leaned forward. “I can do quiet.”
Half an hour later, he’d found a patch of dirt tucked in amongst the trees not too far from the pier that launched out over the water. It wasn’t used much, although he suspected someone thought putting a gazebo out over the water, several yards from shore, was a good idea.
Despite being in a familiar summer drought, the leaves were firmly planted on the trees, still vibrant and green as tended to happen here. It would be like that for most of the year since they didn’t get the various colors of fall like the decor his brother used to celebrate the season. It was green or nothing around these parts.
Rafe backed his truck close to the water, then shut off the engine. He ordered Bailey to stay where she was so he could open her door. When he walked around, he had his mask firmly in place, his dick wrangled into submission, and his priorities in order. He could spend some time alone with her. No problem. He had mastered the art of resisting this woman. Hell, he’d been doing it for three years. What was another hour?
Once she had slipped off her suit jacket, he helped her out of the truck. To avoid ogling her ass, he led the way to the rear of the truck, intending to lower the tailgate.
“Could we walk out on the pier?” Bailey asked.
Probably a good idea. The tailgate was likely hot enough to singe with the sun beating down, scorching the earth with its intensity.
“Yeah, sure.”
Rafe tucked his hands in his pockets and began walking alongside her as they weaved their way around the outer banks of the lake. Although the kids in town referred to this spot as the beach, it didn’t resemble one with its rocky, unsteady terrain. They were near the pier when Bailey stumbled. Rafe managed to catch her before she fell, his arms curling under hers to keep her upright.
“Thanks,” she rasped, clutching his arms as she attempted to get her footing.
Rafe grunted, holding onto her despite his better judgment. Her breath hitched, but so did his. It took every ounce of self-control he possessed to release her and take a step back, urging her toward the wooden step to the pier.
“Sorry.”
“For?”
“Makin’ you uncomfortable.”
He should’ve told her he was the farthest from uncomfortable as a man could be, but what good would that do? Rafe knew hope when he saw it, and Bailey’s glittered brightly in her beautiful eyes. It was best to let her think he wasn’t interested.
“It’s fine,” he grumbled, gesturing toward the wooden pier. “Ladies first.”
Bailey led the way to the gazebo. Her gaze swung to the ceiling when she stepped inside, shifting quickly.
“What’re you lookin’ for?” he prompted.
“Wasps.”
