“Yeah,” Noah says, reaching for his water glass. “This afternoon.”
“We all went,” Maya jumps in. “Except Mom. She stayed in the cottage reading her soft porn.”
“It’s not pornography, Maya!” Caroline exclaims, her cheeks flushing, while everyone laughs. “It’s just romance, which is very tasteful, for your information.”
“Do the trails go around the whole lake?” Cassidy asks, her eyes bright with interest. “I’d love to go riding tomorrow.”
“There are a few different trails,” Daniel explains. “The one we took follows the shore for about two miles, but there’s another that goes up into the hills with some incredible views of the valley.”
“The ridge trail is my favorite,” Maya adds. “You can see three different lakes from the top, and there’s a little gazebo where you can stop for a picnic.”
The conversation shifts naturally to all the activities around the property. Daniel describes the hiking paths throughthe woods while Caroline chimes in about the small farm nearby that sells fresh produce and homemade pies.
“What else is everyone planning to do this weekend?” Caroline asks, looking around the table. “Besides celebrating Daniel’s birthday tomorrow evening, of course.”
“I’d like to try kayaking,” Cassidy says, her perfectly manicured hand resting on Rick’s arm. “Rick promised to teach me a while ago, so now we finally have a chance.”
Rick nods, smiling at her with practiced affection. “First thing tomorrow morning, before it gets too hot.”
“We could all go,” Maya suggests. “Make it a group thing.”
I catch the quick flash of irritation on Rick’s face before Cassidy smiles and says, “That would be fun.”
“I’d rather hike,” Noah says quietly. “Maybe take some photos on the ridge trail.”
I turn to him. “I’d like that too.”
His eyes meet mine, and I see relief there—that I chose his plan over Rick’s without hesitation.
“The hot tubs are fantastic too,” Daniel says. “Especially in the evening, when you can watch the sunset over the lake.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely,” Maria chimes in. “Are they outside?”
“Yes, there’s one behind each cottage,” Caroline explains. “And they’re huge. Each one could easily fit six people.” She looks over at me with an encouraging smile. “What about you, Connor? What would you like to do tomorrow?”
“I think I’d like to do that trail with Noah,” I say. “After that, maybe go for another swim in the lake and then try the hot tub to warm up.”
“That’s a great plan,” Maya says immediately. “Count me in for the lake and hot tub.”
I turn to Noah, trying to gauge his interest. “Would you swim with me tomorrow, if we warm up in the hot tub after?”
Before Noah can answer, Rick cuts in. “Noah hates hot tubs,” he says casually, setting down his fork. “Makes him lightheaded.”
I feel it immediately. It’s not what Rick said—which could easily be an innocent comment from an old friend—but the way he said it. Like he’s reminding me he knows Noah in ways I don’t.
Noah hesitates, his fingers tightening almost imperceptibly around his wine glass. “I’ll try it,” he says finally, looking directly at me. “For you.”
Something about the way he says it—for you—makes my pulse quicken. I know he’s playing along with our act, but the willingness in his voice feels real.
I smile at him, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on his cheek without really thinking about it. It’s meant to be casual, to sell the boyfriend narrative, but Noah’s skin is warm under my lips, and he smells faintly of that cedar body wash from our bathroom.
When I pull back, I catch Rick pointedly looking away, his jaw tight as he takes a long drink of wine. Noah’s cheeks are flushed, and he reaches for his water glass, avoiding my eyes.
“Look at that,” Caroline coos, clearly delighted by this display of affection. “You’re already bringing him out of his comfort zone. The hot tubs are really spectacular. You can see all the stars without getting cold.”
“Perfect date spot,” Maria adds with a wink in our direction.
The dinner continues, plates being cleared and replaced with some kind of molten chocolate cake and ice cream that tastes like it has to be at least two thousand calories. The mood around the table keeps warming with every glass of wine, everyone relaxing into the evening a little more.
