Page 62 of The Other Half

“I’ll be waiting,” I said, dissolving back into his arms. It was only an hour, but already I missed him.

After one last kiss goodbye, I drove home and collapsed on the couch. Knowing I couldn’t keep lying to Jake, I pulled out my phone and dialed Grandpa.

“Davenport residence,” Eleanor’s voice greeted me.

“Hi, Eleanor! It’s Cassie.”

“Cassie? Oh! Cassandra! Oh, hello sweetheart. How are you?”

A happy sigh started the sentence. “I’m amazing, Eleanor. So very happy.”

“I can’t tell you how good it is to hear that. Your Grandpa said you’ve been doing great. We’re so proud of you, honey.”

“Thank you. That means so much to me. I’ve learned so much here. And I’m happy for the first time in longer than I can remember. This was so good for me.”

“Good for you, Cassandra. You deserve it.”

“Hey, is Grandpa around? I need to talk to him about something.”

“He’s in board meetings all day today. But he’ll be home around five.”

“Shoot. I work at five.”

“Work. It’s still shocking to hear you say you have to go to work!” She laughed.

“I’m finally over the shock,” I said, joining her laugh. “Now I kind of like it!”

“Well, good for you! A hard day’s work is good for the soul.”

“Well, I miss you. And Grandpa.”

“We miss you, too. I’ll tell him you called.”

“Please do. I really need to talk to him tomorrow.”

“I’ll make sure he calls.”

“Take care, Eleanor.”

“You too, Cassandra.”

We hung up, and I groaned. I was hoping to discuss my situation of keeping the truth from Jake so I could tell him on the boat today. But without Grandpa’s blessing I didn’t dare break my promise. I’d let Grandpa down enough already. Just one more day and I knew I could convince Grandpa lying to Jake wasn’t right and get him to agree. I’d come so far, letting Jake, and maybe Jo, know who I was wouldn’t send me backsliding to the life I’d left behind. The one that paled in comparison to the one I was living now.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Jake

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“Everyone in?” I asked, glancing over to Cassie who held Poppy in her lap beside me. Hank was lying by my feet where I stood holding the wheel of my center-console.

“We’re all in!” she answered. The hot July sunshine lit up her golden hair, but it was her smile shining the brightest.

Pushing the throttle forward, we started slowly out of the marina until I got out past the ‘No Wake’ zone. As soon as we cleared the last buoys, I pushed the throttle forward. The bow of the boat lifted, and the wind whipped through our hair while we cruised out of the harbor. Cassie’s smile only grew and matched mine. It was rare that I boated for pleasure and not fishing, but today I wanted to enjoy the weightless feeling Cassie had given me. And there was no better way for me to soak in the joy she’d given me than a day floating beside her on the lake.

Since succumbing to my desire last night, the battle waging inside me was over. Even though I’d thought happiness and love weren’t in my future, one night with Cassie had changed it all. One kiss, one touch, and I knew she was worth the risk. Not that I could have resisted her even if I’d tried. This was one battle I’d lost before it even started. It was lost the first time I looked into those emerald eyes.

As we cruised along the shore, I pointed out all the landmarks dotting the landscape. As busy as things got in Door County in July, there was always a reprieve when I was out on the water. Having spent my life out here, I didn’t pay much attention to the impressive sights. They had become part of my daily scenery. But seeing Cassie’s eyes devour every inch of them had me pausing to remember the true beauty of this place. It was almost as beautiful as her.