“Sneak? I’ve been calling you, but you’re too busy drawing and singing to hear me.”
She worked to catch her breath. “That’s it! I’m buying you a collar with a bell on it.”
He chuckled before jamming his thumb toward the water. “We finished the roof. Let’s go.”
“When did you become the boss of me?” She shot him a look, but the twinkle in her eyes made him grin.
“I’ve been the boss since you showed up uninvited in my orchard when we were five and never left. Now come on.”
She closed up her sketch pad and stored her AirPods in their case before stuffing them, along with her colored pencils, into her giant bag. “Where are we going?” she asked, hefting the bag onto her shoulder.
“For a boat ride.”
“Now?”
“Yes, right now. The guys and I have been busting our rears on the barn all week. I need a break and so do you.”
They traipsed down the path to the dock, and he climbed into the old aluminum johnboat that Jake was convinced was as old as he was—if not older. But the small boat still did its job. Jake held his hand out to Emily, and she took it. When her warm fingersentwined with his, he tried to ignore the zip of heat that traveled up his arm.
What was wrong with him? He’d held Emily’s hand a million times over the years. Maybe he was coming down with something. Scarlet fever? Yup, that had to be it. It was just a hot flash caused by a terrible illness. That was the only explanation that made any sense.
Emily settled on a seat in the center of the boat, and he started the engine before they glided out toward the middle of the lake. Above them, the sun began to set. He turned off the engine and the boat bobbed gently while the waves lapped up against it.
Soon his aching muscles began to relax. He relished being out on the lake—breathing in a whiff of the water and taking in the sound of the happy frogs croaking nearby while he peered at the familiar lights on the shore. This was his lake. Well, technically, it wasn’this, but it was home, and being out here with Emily made it feel even more special.
She opened her giant shoulder bag, plucked out her sketch pad, and flipped to the picture of the logo before shoving it into his hands. “I know you saw it earlier. What do you think?”
“It’s great, but you’re wasting your talent. I’m not selling the cider. Not now, not ever.”
She eyed him. “Did you get your stubbornness from your mom, your dad, or both of them?”
He chuckled.
“Yup. Definitely from your dad. Your mom is more apt to compromise.” She took the sketch pad back. “The cider will be a great addition to our fall market. I’ll find a way to convince you to sell it. You’ll see.” She paused for a moment, her eyes flashing with determination. “You really haven’t told your folks about it?”
He shook his head. “Nope. You’re the only one who knows.”He held up a finger. “But I need to add that you were snooping when you found it, so I technically didn’t tell you about it.”
“You haven’t toldanyoneat all?”
“No, no one.” He tilted his head. “What are you getting at?”
“What about Claire?”
He snorted. “She’d never want to hear about my lame attempt at making cider. She just wants me to move to Nashville with her.” He turned on the engine and motored out farther into the lake.
The boat glided through the water, and Emily looked lost in thought while she squinted up at the sky above them. The radiant prism of colors from the sunset created a halo around her, making her dainty features even more striking.
Why hadn’t he ever noticed how pretty she was?
He shoved down that question just as Emily focused on him. “You’re staring at me again. What’s up?”
Oh no.
Had she heard his thoughts? His stomach constricted.
“Nothing.” He shrugged and tried to sound casual despite his rocketing heartbeat. “I was trying to read your thoughts, but my Carmichael ESP is a bit rusty. So tell me—whatcha thinkin’ about?”
She pointed to the sky. “The sunsets are always glorious here in Splendid Lake.” She paused. “And they’re the best to paint,” she added, her words soft and full of reverence.
