Page 133 of It Happened on the Lake

He was quick to respond, and soon they were clinging to each other again, making love, joining their bodies in a fast, feverish rhythm, crying out in the night, the diamond necklace the only object between them.

When he came again, it was with a roar, and then he fell against her. She hugged him fiercely and felt the pain pulsing between her legs, a perfect pain. Evidence of what they’d shared.

She was left gasping as the cool night air whispered across her skin.

On a long breath, he whispered, “I—I have to go.”

“No.” She didn’t want the night to end. “Not yet.”

“I have to. Really.” He was already disentangling himself, looking across the water to Fox Point and his house. Dark now. “They’ll be home soon, and Dad will check on the boat. He always does. The Triton. It’s his baby.” He was already pulling on his jeans, standing over her.

“I know, but I’ll miss you,” she pouted.

“You would miss me worse if I was grounded.” He tugged his T-shirt over his head and slipped his arms through the short sleeves. “Or it could be worse than that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just that he’s tough. Doesn’t like it when I breakhisrules. Oh, and maybe you should only wear the necklace when we’re alone together. Okay? It’s our secret.”

“Sure, okay.”

“Promise?”

“Promise,” she vowed and crossed her heart.

“Good.” Chase found his shoes but didn’t bother with them, just bent down and gave her one more quick kiss. “You’re sure you’re okay?”

“Didn’t I say so?”

“Okay, then.” Carrying his high-tops, he ran across the sand and splashed into the water and under the overhanging branches of a willow tree where he’d hidden the boat. A few seconds later she heard the sound of the boat’s motor and then saw him at the helm, driving the boat across the lake.

She sighed, caught in her love for him.

Some day they would be together.

Forever.

No more stolen moments, she thought, as he disappeared from sight and she saw a fish leap from the water, its silvery body arcing in the moonlight, the water rippling as it slipped under the surface.

The night was perfect, the softest of breezes caressing her skin as she pulled on her panties and slipped the sandy sundress over her head, then removed the necklace and slipped it into her pocket. It wasn’t an engagement ring, but—

Bam!

The crack of a gunshot split the night.

Echoing against the water.

She jerked as if hit.

What was that?

She froze. One strap of her sundress tied, the other dangling. The area went deathly quiet. No noise from the bullfrogs, no buzzing of insects. Just the thudding of her heart.

Clunk!

Sweet Jesus!

The noise came from above her. Here, on the island.

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