Page 32 of Lakesides and Longing

“I’m not tired, and I’m going a little stir crazy.” He worried that she might offer to come with, but he needed time away from her.

She nodded. “Okay. I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Blake took Tria down the street past Phil and Ida’s house. The lights were off, which was a shame, because Blake might’ve stopped by and chatted with them for a while.

As he circled back, he wondered if Paige was right. They probably wouldn’t last without something happening. But his feelings were all mixed up. He was falling for this crazy girl, and he didn’t know why.

She was everything he never wanted. She was new agey and artsy. She believed in psychics and astrology.

And yet, he didn’t see her as someone he just wanted to sleep with because she was pretty with a nice body. He wanted to love her.

He came around a corner, and Tria spotted a squirrel and practically yanked his arm out of the socket. He pulled her back, and she whined.

She couldn’t have what she wanted either. He jammed a hand through his hair.

He had a feeling that before this summer was over, he’d have more than his fair share of drama.

And he couldn’t figure out what he was waiting for.

If it would happen eventually, why not enjoy it while he could?

CHAPTER23

Paige woke late the next morning. Blake was gone, and the wall of pillows between them remained intact, but the sheets on the other side had definitely been disturbed, so he’d slept there. Besides, she hadn’t had any nightmares.

She skipped down the stairs, but didn’t see Blake or Tria anywhere. The front door opened.

“Yoo-hoo, are you two lovebirds up?” Ida called.

“Come on in,” Paige yelled back.

She entered the kitchen and found it strangely dark. She flicked on a few lights. A plate of muffins sat there and a dish covered in tinfoil, with a note on top.

Went for a drive. Won’t be home until late. The casserole needs to cook for thirty minutes at 350. Tell Ida and Phil that I’m sorry I missed them. There is a pitcher of mimosas in the fridge. -B

Paige turned on the oven and popped the casserole in, trying to ignore the sense of dread settling in her stomach. Blake had never left without talking to her before. He’d gone on drives alone, but he’d always asked her to go with first. She wasn’t sure what to make of this.

“Where’s Blake?” Ida sat on a stool with a flourish while Phil went to set up the yoga mats.

Paige forced a smile. “He’s off touring today.”

Ida raised an eyebrow. “And you didn’t want to go with?”

“No. I want to work on some paintings today.” She wasn’t going to open up and confess that she really did want to go with him. She missed him.

“Hmph. Okay. Well, I still want my mimosa.”

* * *

Paige was rarely lonely.She’d lived for nearly two years alone before Blake showed up, and she always managed to amuse herself. But the house felt empty all day long. She worked on her art, cleaned up, and went on two walks.

When the sun finally set, she turned on a movie.

Blake still hadn’t come home.

At midnight she finally went to bed.

CHAPTER24

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