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Jimmy threw her a quick look. His brows were low and pulled together, and his lips were flat. Obviously, he’d taken her sigh to be a sign of her being unhappy. Willow was quick to reassure him.
“I’m fine, don’t worry. I was actually thinking about just how beautiful this is.”
Immediately, the look of concern lifted from Jimmy’s face. He pulled the paddle out of the water and turned carefully in his seat so that he could face her. “I think I have the best view.”
“I could probably argue against that. Out of the two of us,I’vegot the better one.” She laughed softly as Jimmy grinned and shoved one hand through his hair, pushing it out of his eyes. “But seriously, thanks for suggesting this. I haven’t been out on the lake in forever.”
“I’m really glad you came out with me. Do you want to snap a couple of shots while you’re here?”
Willow nodded and picked up the camera from around her neck. She took a few photos of the lake, turning around to take a picture of the camp with the water spread out in front of it.
Just a few tweaks, and that will be one of the best pictures I’ve ever taken of this place.
Smiling to herself, she turned back to face Jimmy. He opened his mouth to say something just as a huge splash flung up into the air beside their boat.
“What on earth…?”
Willow laughed, clapping her hands together as her camera fell back around her neck, but Jimmy wasn’t laughing. Blinking, Willow tried to wipe the smile from her face. She hadn’t expected him to react so strongly. “It’s just a fish, don’t worry.”
Jimmy closed his eyes and put one hand to his heart. Even from where she sat, Willow heard him breathing heavily.
“Are you okay?” Leaning forward, she touched his knee. Jimmy nodded but didn’t open his eyes.
“I guess I overreacted a little. Where I’m from, lakes like this are full of gators.” Finally, he opened his eyes, but his smile wasn’t as bright.
She laughed and sat back, but Jimmy caught her hand. Fire burned in her core, and her smile softened. Butterflies flew around her stomach as she looked back at him, catching the way his eyes roved over her.
“Sorry, I just needed someone to hold onto for a minute.” Jimmy let go of her hand, and Willow straightened, the fire in her core still burning freely.
“You can hold on to me anytime.”And now I’m flirting?It was so unlike her to flirt with someone she’d only just met, and she forced her gaze out across the lake, trying to settle her flying emotions.
“I’ll remember that.” Grinning, Jimmy picked up his paddle. “We should probably head back if we want to make that yoga class.”
“Good idea.” Still trying to get her whirling emotions in check, Willow picked up her paddle again, grateful that she wouldn’t have to look into his eyes any longer. This was pretty intense, and she wasn’t really sure how she felt about it all. “I have to change into something more comfortable before the yoga class.”
“Do you live nearby?”
Turning the canoe carefully, Willow and Jimmy began to head back toward the shore. “I have clothes here, so I don’t need to go home. But, yes, I live really close. I share a house with Asher. His parents own Camp Windy Lake, and he’ll take over completely one day.” Pride filled her heart as she talked about her best friend, making her shoulders straighten and her head lift. “Have you met him yet—Asher Webb? He organizes pretty much everything along with his parents.”
“I don’t remember.”
The dismissive, off-hand way that Jimmy shook off her description of Asher formed a frown across Willow’s brow. Biting her lip, she fell silent, decided not to say anything more about him.
“You won’t be late for yoga class, will you?” Jimmy jumped out of the canoe and pulled it to shore, stopping for a second to let Willow get out. “I’ll definitely see you there?”
“I’m not going to stand you up, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
A flash of relief caught Jimmy’s smile. “Great. I’m really looking forward to this.”
“Me, too! I won’t be long.” To her surprise, Jimmy stepped forward and bent his head to kiss her cheek.
“Can’t wait to see you.” He stayed close, but Willow didn’t lift her head. There was no way she was going to kiss him already, even if that was what shethoughthe wanted.
“See you soon.” Giving him a small smile, she turned on her heel and hurried up the shore, back toward the camp.I’m not going to do it. I’m not going to look over my shoulder at him.Biting her lip hard, she forced herself to keep going.
Her cheeks were burning, but she resisted the urge to press her hands to them.He seems really great.
Smiling to herself, she wandered toward the main building, where she kept her things in Asher’s office.
