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Chapter 13
ARI
“Are you sureyou don’t want to tell me where we’re going?”
I’ve been pleading and wheedling and bargaining for the last hour and a half, and Cash still hasn’t given in.
“Nope.” Cash glances over at me, grinning, his eyes crinkling up at the corners.
Gone is the stress from a couple of days ago, when we had the double whammy of Brett’s firing and Kyle’s attempted visit. When Cash woke me up this morning, he looked like a kid on Christmas morning, big smile, tousled hair, and nearly bouncing with enthusiasm.
I tried to burrow back under the covers, but he pulled them off and peppered my face with kisses. “We’re leaving for the day, and the car is arriving in an hour. I have the coffee already made, and we’ll grab donuts on the way.”
Not a bad way to wake up on a Saturday morning.
But I still have no idea where we’re going. Back at the house, I tried cajoling, fishing for hints by asking what to pack, but he just smiled and said, “I already packed for you. Just wear jeans for the trip.”
As we’ve wound our way through the Catskills, my stomach has been nervously fluttering. Not that I think Cash would plan something bad, but because I’ve never had someone surprise me like this before. A spontaneous trip to a mystery location? I can hardly believe it’s happening.
I keep sneaking quick glances over at Cash, still not quite believing he’s my boyfriend, either. Although it feels like so much more than that. After eighteen years of friendship, using the word boyfriend seems too simple to describe this next stage in our relationship.
And he’s so handsome. I’m figuratively pinching myself, reminding myself that he’s mine. Dark brown hair glinting with chestnut as the sun hits it, his golden-green eyes constantly changing, his features so strong, but softening whenever he smiles at me.
“Are you staring at me?” Cash looks away from the road for a second, the corner of his mouth pulling up. “Did I miss a spot shaving?”
My cheeks heat. “No, of course not.” I focus intently on the road ahead of us. “Fine,” I huff. “I was looking at you. You’re pretty good looking, you know.”
After a beat, Cash reaches over and takes my hand, resting it on my leg. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Oh. A rush of warmth fills my chest, expanding.
I never knew it was possible to feel this happy.
Cash flashes me another little smile. “We’re almost there.”
I try again. “Where isthere?”
He sing-songs at me, “You’ll see.”
“Cash…” My growl turns to a laugh.
Maybe if I was better with directions, I’d know where we were going. But as a directionally challenged person, I can barely tell north from south, let alone figure out exactly wherein New York we are. Somewhere near New Paltz, which I know has a university, but I don’t know anything else about the place.
It looks like we’re driving into the country, traveling down narrow tree-lined roads and going under old wooden bridges I would definitely not want to use. We come to a small intersection, and I’m searching for a clue until Cash nudges me. Chuckling, he says, “There’s a sign, Ari.”
Cash knows how easily I get lost, so he always points out signs to me. It’s small, tucked amidst shrubbery, but when I finally see it—
My jaw drops. “Cash.”
Cash turns the car, driving towards a small gatehouse. “Yes?” His voice rings with innocence.
“The Mohonk Mountain House?”
He slows, pulling to the side of the road just before the gatehouse. For the first time today, his expression clouds. “Is that not okay, hun? I thought you’d like it—”
“Cash!” I lunge across my seat to hug him. “Of course… I just… I’ve heard about this place… but I never…” I’m stammering as I try to reassure him.
“Oh.” Smile reappearing, he cups my cheek and brushes his lips across mine. Like an adorable kid again, his face brightens. “I came here with my grandparents once, and I remember it was beautiful. I hope you like it.”
