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He smiled and stood, tugging her up. “Good. Because I do.”
* * *
Lake Muskoka sparkledas they sat enjoying a late lunch at the Moon River Lookout, a classy restaurant in Bala with an amazing view over the water. After dining alone these past days, eating something she hadn’t prepared was a treat in itself, and having someone to talk to was nice. But for that person to be Dan… Her heart was full.
“Are you enjoying that, Princess?”
Sarah glanced up. His smile had that usual melting effect on her insides. Was he even better looking than two weeks ago? “I love it.”
Something flickered in his eyes, and she caught her breath. Tried to relax. Smiled. “I’ve never heard of Muskoka salad until today, but this is really delicious. And these ribs!”
He laughed. “I do like a woman who enjoys her food.”
“Well, you must really like me, then!” She blinked. “I mean, I really like food, so…” She frowned. “I don’t think I said that quite right.”
Dan’s smile grew tender. He gently picked up her hand. “I think you said it right the first time.”
She looked down at her lap. This was terrible. She had to tell him.Neededto tell him. She couldn’t let him keep treating her like a queen when she was leaving. In three days.
“Hey, Princess.” She glanced up. His gaze was warm. “What are you thinking about?”
“I, uh…” She swallowed. “You never told me what you’ve been up to these past weeks.”
Disappointment flashed then disappeared. “Been busy with training and team stuff. We’ve got a bunch of new guys that’ll stir things up.” He shared about an upcoming hockey clinic he’d visit with some teammates, helping out young kids with their skills.
“You’re such a kind man.”
He flushed. Ha. Big tough hockey player was embarrassed.
“So, Sar?” She looked up from where she was trying to chase down an errant cherry tomato. “Tell me about Lou.”
Oh. “I, um, don’t think Ella heard me properly.”
“Yeah, even with your accentSarahandLousound kind of different.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Well, if you must know, I was having an insecure moment, and didn’t want this fabulous-looking woman peering down her nose at me.”
His brow creased. “Fabulous-looking woman?”
“Ella. Is she a model or something?”
Dan shrugged. “I don’t think she’s that pretty, but then”—he reached across to hold her hand—“she can’t hold a candle to you.”
God bless him. He even seemed serious. She ducked her head. “So anyway, I just said my name was Blue.”
“Blue?”
She shrugged. “Ange calls me Blue sometimes.Blueorblueyis an old Aussie slang expression for a redhead. It’s meant to be ironic but a sign of affection.”
“Affection, huh?” His eyes darkened, and he leaned closer to rub a lock of her hair between his thumb and forefinger. “Blue it is, then.”
That look of intention. Nerves fluttered through her body like a dozen tiny wings.
He reached for her hand. “Let’s go, Blue.”
They spent the afternoon pottering around Bala’s shops. He’d insisted on buying her souvenir after touristy souvenir, saying she’d need them for when she went home. The way he looked at her when he said that—a kind of searching question—made her heart sore. She bit her lip. She needed to tell him. Must tell him. She had to be honest. He deserved nothing less.
Dan handedher into the boat. Sarah placed the packages on the floor, then settled into the seat next to his at the front. Soon they were slipping past Bala’s outskirts and heading out onto Lake Muskoka’s sparkling blue.
