Page 86 of Patio Lanterns

“Really?” Robin asked. “Does that mean you’ve reconsidered selling your place?”

Lila nodded. “You’ve given us plenty to think about. Safe to say we’ll be taking our time to weigh all the options instead of jumping on the first offer to come our way in forty years.”

Rick could still feel Carl staring at him. As odd as it was to encounter a fan, it was also flattering to know that his small degree of fame hadn’t completely faded into oblivion.

“You must have a ton of stories from your gridiron days,” Carl said.

“Oh, he does,” Robin said.

“Actually, we have the neighbours over a few times during the season to watch the Argos. We set up a big screen on the deck, load up the grill. Sort of a backyard tailgating party. You’ve gotta join us sometime.”

“Both of you, I hope,” Lila said, her eyes moving from Robin to Rick.

“That sounds like fun,” Robin answered for them both as if they were already a couple. He liked it.

“Sure does,” Rick agreed. “Can’t wait.”

“Hot damn, wait ‘til I tell the guys,” Carl said, reaching out to pump Rick’s hand again. “It was nice meeting you. Maybe we could grab a beer sometime.”

“Yeah, let’s definitely do that.”

“Don’t be a stranger,” Lila said, giving a little wave as they walked away.

Smiling, Robin looked up at Rick. “Look at you, making new friends at the lake.”

“Look at me? You’re positively glowing,” he said, absorbing her radiance. “How do you feel right now?”

“Like a weight has been lifted.” She tossed her head back and laughed, giddy and carefree. “Like I could fly.”

“That eulogy was incredible, Robin. I mean it. Not only did you do your mother proud and prove to your sisters that you’re a force to be reckoned with, but you may have also single-handedly saved Lake Whippoorwill.”

She waved it off. “I just spoke from the heart.”

“And by doing that, you said some very powerful things that resonated with people,” he said. “Twice in one evening, as a matter of fact.”

Her eyes met his. “Is that why you decided to come after all?”

“I came to tell you that I’m sorry. I should’ve trusted your heart, and mine,” he said. “I think I got so wrapped up in being discarded, that I lost sight of how much I have to hold on to.”

“Next time you’re feeling that way, come talk to me first, okay?”

“I will,” he said. “And I’m sorry for overthinking things. You’ve made me see that we need to live in the moment, enjoy what’s right in front of us, and focus on the present instead of getting stuck on what might happen.”

“That makes me happy,” she said.

“You make me happy,” he said, reaching down to lace his fingers through hers. A thrill of excitement ran through him to be doing something so forbidden, yet came so naturally. Being openly affectionate with Robin in front of nearly all of Lake Whippoorwill might have seemed reckless yesterday, but tonight, with his heart feeling so full, such a deliberate and loving act of defiance had never felt so right. “I want to take this adventure with you.”

Robin looked down to where their hands were joined together. “You sure?”

“Positive.” With every breath, he drew more confidence. “Would you like to dance with me?”

She looked up at him, her beautiful eyes shining. “Very much.”

Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her in close and clasped her hand to his chest. His heart truly was in her hands. Closing his eyes, he indulged his senses as they memorized the moment—the smell of her soft, fragrant hair, sweet like gardenias, the heated curve of her cheek, the heavenly feel of her supple breasts pressed to his chest. He leaned into letting go, losing himself to the sensual feel of her body moving in rhythm with his. It was as intimate as they could get while fully clothed in a sea of people. As she pressed in tighter, her hips grazed his fly, garnering an instant response from his dick. So naughty. He sucked in a breath, summoning the strength not to reach down and squeeze her ass through her dress.

“You’re coming home with me tonight,” he whispered close to her ear. “And when we get there, I’m going to take my sweet time touching you, teasing you, tasting you. I’m going to make it so good for you that the neighbours are going to need a cigarette.”

“Mmm…” she moaned as she rolled her hips against him. “Let’s go.”

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