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“Sounds like a plan.” She shields the sun with the back of her hand. “Like a very fun and out-of-character plan.”
“An adventure.” I shrug.
“An adventure.” Teddie agrees. “I’ll text you.” One shoulder rises, and she smiles at me like I walk on water. When she looksat me like that, it only makes me want to be the best man I can be. To protect her and keep her safe from anything life throws her way. Especially assholes like her little fucker ex-boyfriend.
Her fingers wiggle a little goodbye, and she turns toward the library. I wait until she’s inside before I get into my car. I’m already giddy, waiting for this weekend. I’m going to show her that I’m not the big brute she thinks I am, that underneath my tough exterior, there really is a kind-hearted man who would do anything for his woman waiting to break free.
I make my way to the construction site two hours late. My men are already working hard. I’ve got a great crew. I head into my trailer and pull out paperwork, making sure we’re on track for the day, a useless gesture. All I can think about is Teddie’s smile and how excited I am to see it again on Saturday.
Chapter Six
Teddie
It’sa perfect day for a picnic. Stark pulls up at eleven, and I immediately wonder if I’m wearing the right thing. Loose-fitting jeans and a v-neck t-shirt with a flannel around my waist. I look like I’m going to a Nirvana concert, but I need layers. The outdoors baffle me; I’m not ashamed to admit. Weather is something I can’t control, so I at least want to be prepared, even if the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in sight.
Stark looks incredible–outdoorsy shorts in an army green shade and a plain navy blue sweatshirt. I can’t stop staring at his muscular legs.
“I hope you’re hungry.” His mouth raises into a half-smile as we buckle into his car. “I brought a lot of food.”
“One of my main theories in life is that you can never have too much food.” I sneak a glance in his direction. His perfectly groomed beard is begging to be stroked, but I keep my hands to myself.
“I like that theory.” When his eyes meet mine, I nearly melt into the seat. How can one man be so fucking beautiful?
It only takes us fifteen minutes to get to the lake. We park, then Stark digs into his trunk, pulling out a very sophisticated backpack. He hoists it over his massive shoulders and grabs asecond duffle bag. When he looks at me, his face falls. “What’s wrong?”
“I only brought this.” I show off my little wine cooler with its paltry spot for two travel glasses. Stark steps toward me, smelling fresh and slightly woodsy, making me lightheaded.
“That’s perfect.” He reaches for it.
“No, I’ll carry it. You have enough.”
“I want you to be comfortable, Teddie.”
“It’ll make me comfortable to carry this, Stark.” I tease, batting my eyelashes at him so he knows I’m being playfully serious.
“If that’s what the lady wants.” A little dimple in his left cheek appears; how did I not notice it before?
It takes us about ten minutes to walk around the edge of the lake to the foot of the mountain. I say a silent prayer that I’ll be able to do this. I wore sturdy sneakers, but the truth is I’ve never really hiked before. It can’t be that much harder than walking, right?
Five minutes later…
“You doing okay?” Stark leans toward me as we make our way up the steep hill. The entire trip is uphill.
“I’m fine.” I lie. A blister throbs against my big toe, but I don’t want to seem like an idiot. I legit shouldn’t have worn new shoes.
“We’re almost there.” He takes my hand and helps me up the rest of the hill. Tingles ignite all over my body, landing squarely in my core.
“I swear I’m not a total wuss.” I dodge a few twigs, the top of our hill now in full sight.
“I don’t think you are.” Stark jumps a bit in front of me and helps me to the top of our little hill.
“You’re just saying that.” I try not to appear breathless, but it’s no easy task. Especially when I get a glimpse of the view. “Holy shit.”
“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?”
The land flattens out, and before us is a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of the land. The lake lies not too far below us, sparkling in the mid-day sunlight. “It’s insane.” I step closer to the edge and peer over as Stark throws down his pack and pulls out a large picnic blanket.
I twist my shoulders in his direction. “Do you take all the ladies here?” I wag my eyebrows at him, hoping my joke doesn’t come off as serious as I actually am.
