Page 45 of Novel Problems

“It’s actually been surprisingly pleasant,” I said, grinning. Based on Blake’s and Jenny’s exhausted appearances, we’d lucked out. A relaxing float in the sunshine with Hannah seemed infinitely preferable to a vigorous paddling session, especially given how hectic things had been recently. And at least we’d discussed our kiss, even though the outcome wasn’t what I’d hoped.

Hannah, who’d also sat up, turned around and shot me a small smile. My stomach fluttered. It looked like Hannah agreed.

Blake, focused on the matter at hand—rescuing us—ignored my comment. “So, how should we do this? Should we give you one of our paddles?”

I nodded. “Yeah, that’s probably the easiest option.”

“Okay, I’ll pass it over to you, George. Do. Not. Drop. It.” Blake stared at me sternly.

I rolled my eyes and reached for the paddle, even though Blake had every right to be concerned. Thankfully, the paddle transfer went smoothly, and within minutes, we were slowly heading back toward the kayak rental shack. I finally seemed to be getting the hang of paddling, my body and the paddle working together to rhythmically slice through the water.Huh. Maybe kayaking isn’t so bad after all.

We were only a few feet from the shore when we hit something, sending a jolt through the boat.

I frowned. “Do you know what that was?” I asked Hannah, unable to see from where I was seated.

Hannah peered over the front of the kayak. “It looks like there are some rocks.”

“I think I’ll just jump out then and pull the kayak onto shore. I don’t think either of us have the kayaking skills to navigate rocks—no offence—and the water looks pretty shallow here.”

Hannah turned to me. “Are you sure? I can get out.”

“No, it’s fine. You’ve got sneakers on, you don’t want to ruin them. At least I’m wearing flip flops.”

“What did that waiver say about foot entrapment and dangerous riverine fauna?” Hannah asked. Her voice was teasing, but I thought I sensed a genuine underlying concern.

I chuckled. “Don’t worry. There hasn’t been a shark sighting for years.”

“Sharks?” Hannah’s mouth opened wide. “Maybe you shouldn’t?—”

Ignoring Hannah’s concerns—people went swimming in the Hudson all the time—I held onto the side of the kayak and clambered out, trying not to rock the boat too much in the process. I winced as my feet and then legs hit the cold water. The bottom of the river was rocky, and the water was deeper than I’d anticipated, well above my knees. Bracing myself, I carefully waded toward the front of the kayak. As I came level with Hannah, my foot slipped on a slimy rock.

Fuck.

My gut clenched as I lost balance.

Without thinking, I grabbed the side of the kayak to stabilize myself. But the kayak, as I’d already established, was not steady.

The kayak tipped sharply toward me.

“George!” Hannah yelped as her body slammed into mine, sending me falling backward and Hannah following.

Cold water engulfed my torso as my butt hit the riverbed, my hands shooting back to brace my fall just in time to stop my head going under. A second later, Hannah landed on my lap, squealing as she made contact with the water. I wrapped my arm around her upper back to steady her.

We gazed at each other, wide-eyed, our faces only inches apart. Despite the shock of the fall, I was acutely aware of Hannah’s lips only inches from mine, my hand on her warm back and her shapely butt pressing on my upper thighs. A shot of electricity shot down my spine.

Oh boy, are we going to kiss again?Because I know for sure I want to.

“Are you guys okay?” Blake yelled from the shore, shattering the moment.

We blinked at each other and then the absurdity of the situation seemed to hit us both at the same time and we burst into laughter.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Blake called.

Hannah clambered off me and stood, then held out a hand to help me up.

“I’m so sorry I landed on you. I hope it didn’t hurt too much.”

“I don’t know why you’re apologizing. I’m one hundred percent at fault for capsizing the kayak,” I said as I grasped her hand and rose to my feet.

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