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“I did skip breakfast.”
They left the shop and got into his car.
Once buckled in, it felt like she was in a dream. The scent of fresh cut grass from alongside the road and the glorious way the sun sparkled in the clear, blue sky made it a perfect summer day.
He pulled into a clearing in Crawford Notch. In front of them stood a small cabin. “It’s my little getaway. The fishing is unbelievable.” He offered a sexy grin.
“It’s adorable.” Excitement mounted at the thought of being alone with him.
He got out, rushed over to open the door for her, and held out his hand. She knew she was in trouble by the devilish look in his eyes, but she had no regrets. Her grandmother had insisted there are things that have no explanation, so she tried to let herself trust her instincts. One look at the outline of his muscular thighs in jeans made her quiver in anticipation.
He locked his gaze on hers. “I can’t believe you’re here with me. God, you’re beautiful.” He lifted a shopping bag out of the back seat before he went back to her side.
At a loss for words, she leaned up against him, hoping her actions spoke for themselves. Once inside, Krista couldn’t believe her eyes. The place looked like something out of a magazine. Rich wood paneling on the walls shined. A potbelly stove in the corner surrounded by a brick floor brought character to the room. In the center sat a wooden table with a red-checkered tablecloth draped perfectly on top. The cozy nest had all the amenities one needed.
“What a lovely little hideaway.”
“I come here to unwind. It’s been in my family since I was ten.”
“What’s in the bag?”
“Only the best for you.” He smiled.
What a difference from the last man in her life. She never thought it would happen, but she knew Jon was a keeper, despite his up and down antics. Her hunch was right. His inner goodness shined through.
“You’re so thoughtful.” She smiled at him.
He removed a box of gourmet butter crackers, a block of a creamy, white cheese, a bunch of rich purple grapes, a box of chocolate-covered strawberries, and a bottle of wine, and arranged them on a large round coffee table. “I thought we’d have our own private little party.”
“What’s the occasion?” she asked.
“Meeting a woman like you calls for a celebration.” Jon slowly moved closer and kissed her gently on the lips, grazing her arm with his fingertips.
She didn’t fight it. It felt natural, and she welcomed his affection. Maybe it was the atmosphere or his romantic gesture; whatever the reason, she was going for it.
In the back of her mind, she still didn’t understand why he’d left so abruptly the night before. And what had caused him to have a change of heart in the middle of the day? She had her doubts about his feelings after he’d ended the night early, and found his complete change in demeanor suspicious. There wasn’t room in her life for games.
Nevertheless, she’d give him the benefit of the doubt after going to the trouble of arranging a fabulous afternoon luncheon. A man who took the time for details couldn’t be all bad.
He turned on the stereo to a station that played classical piano music. “If it weren’t so warm, I’d light the stove. Maybe in the fall we’ll come here again.”
Mention of the future made her nervous. She shook it off, knowing he meant no harm.
Jon moved over to the table and lit two white pillar candles. In minutes, he’d arranged the food and added the wine glasses. After he poured the wine, he handed her a glass.
“Thank you. Everything looks delicious.”
“To a fresh start,” he said as he raised his glass and took a sip.
She placed a few crackers, cheese, some grapes, and a couple of strawberries on her plate and sat on the sofa. She took a bite of the fruit. “Delicious.” Her eyes wandered to his broad chest, and chills trickled across her back.
Jon sat next to her. He kept his gaze fixed on her throughout lunch. It was fun getting to know more about each other, and she found things fell together as if the master plan led the way.
“Have you ever gone fishing?” he asked.
“Once, back in Jersey, when I was a teenager. My friends and I went on a boat ride. I got so sea sick.” She placed a hand on her stomach as the bad memory surfaced. “It wasn’t pleasant.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. There’s an over-the-counter medicine that can help. I’d love to take you out on the lake. If you’d rather stay on shore though, I know a great little spot. Maybe we can even have another picnic.”
