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“Ithought we were annoyed with him because he was being a douche over his friend’s feelings?” Ayla was lacing up a pair of shoes made of little more than heel and string that crisscrossed perfectly around her shapely calves.
She’d been badgering me to go to the harvest festival with her, and telling her about my date was the only way to get her off my back. She’d dusted her eyes in orange and black and wore a little headband with bunny ears to accessorize her black dress.
I sighed. “He was. And now we’re having a night out. And unless Ezric shows up, it won’t be a problem.”
“Ezric,” Ayla hissed in disgust. “All right. Well, Iwon’tbe home tonight.”
She straightened on the death-defying heels and winked. “So enjoy your date, and anything else, and you can tell me about it tomorrow.”
After she left, I touched up my makeup and wound my braid around my head like a fiery crown. I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard, so I opted for my green skirt and a dress shirt.
Finally satisfied, I headed down to the lake.
It was drizzling, but I didn’t go back for an umbrella. Wet clothes were a nuisance, but I could handle a bit of water and I hated carrying an umbrella around with me.
At this hour, everyone was already in bed or at a party, so I was alone on the lawn. As I approached the lake, I saw Deus—or more accurately, I saw the boat.
The little white rowboat sat on the edge of the lake, shining with fire. As I drew closer, the fire resolved itself into at least two dozen tealights, bobbing gamely against the misty rain.
A picnic basket sat in the middle of the lights. Deus stood on the shore, under an umbrella, holding a rope to keep the boat from drifting away.
He’d exchanged his jeans and tee for black slacks and a shirt that looked remarkably like a suit. The top two buttons were open, showing off a tantalizing inch of his chest.
“You made it.” His smile dazzled brighter than any candle. “I was a little afraid you’d missed what I said.”
“What is all this?” I half laughed, looking at the boat.
“Well, you joined the study group on Monday even though you were uncomfortable, and it seemed to help you. I thought maybe going in the water with you might help me.” He shot me a sidelong glance. “It’s stupid, isn’t it?”
“No, it’s not stupid.” I decided not to tell him that I’d hated the study session and never wanted to participate in another one. “It’s…”
Sweet. Trusting. Bold.
I smiled. “It’s nice.”
“Good. Now… how do we get in?” He looked so apprehensive that I had to laugh again.
“Here, let me.” I took the rope from Deus and pulled the boat in.
Once it was firmly against the bank, I guided Deus on how to climb into it. His loafers were entirely wrong for the evening’s activity, but he didn’t complain.
In fact, he didn’t speak much at all as he got into the boat. His fingers gripped mine, tightening until I squeaked as the little rowboat rocked under him.
“Sorry,” Deus gasped, grabbing hold of the side. His skin was pale, and his ever-present glow flickered.
I followed him, careful not to disturb the tealights and thinking that maybe this whole idea was nonsense. The whole thing was endearing nonsense.
“Do you know how to swim?” A new suspicion flitted across my mind as I picked up the oars.
“Not so much, no.” He ran his sleeve across his glistening brow and tried to flash one of his carefree smiles.
It completely missed the mark, and was more of a grimace. “I always tried to stay away from the water in case I panicked and fried nearby swimmers. And then the anxiety about doing that just made everything worse, and… well, I’ve just learned to avoid swimming areas altogether.”
“Right. Are you sure you’re up for this?” I leaned forward and patted his thigh, trying not to notice how muscular it was beneath my palm.
Deus brushed my cheek. “Yes. I’m absolutely sure. It’s important I learn to be comfortable around water.”
Sitting back, I took us out on the lake with smooth strokes. The smell of salt made my skin itch. If only I could submerge…
