Page 73 of Small Town Sizzle

I shrug, handing her a glass. “I wanted to make a good impression.”

She clinks her glass against mine, her lips quirking up in a smile. “Well, you’re off to a great start.”

We talk as we sip our wine, the conversation flowing easily. I learn more about her—how she loves books but hasn’t had much time to read lately, how she’s been trying to balance everything with Alex, Jaz, and work. I tell her about my work overseas.

At some point, we move to the blankets by the water, lying back and looking up at the stars.

“It’s beautiful out here,” she murmurs, her voice soft.

“It is,” I agree, though my gaze is on her, not the sky.

She turns her head to look at me, catching me staring. “What?”

“Nothing,” I say, smirking slightly. “Just… you.”

Her cheeks flush, and she shakes her head, laughing lightly. “You really are smooth, aren’t you?”

“Again, not trying to be,” I say, leaning closer. “Just honest.”

She looks at me, her green eyes searching mine. The air between us feels heavier, charged.

“You’re full of surprises, Garrett,” she says softly.

“Good ones, I hope,” I reply, my voice just as quiet.

“The best kind,” she admits.

The night stretches on, the conversation shifting between playful teasing and deeper, more intimate topics. I find myself relaxing in a way I haven’t in years, and when she laughs—really laughs—it feels like a win every time.

When the wine is gone and the air turns cooler, I grab one of the blankets, wrapping it around her shoulders as we sit by the edge of the lake.

“You know, I’m not usually one for surprises,” she says, glancing at me. “But this… this was nice.”

“Nice?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow playfully. “Just nice?”

She grins, nudging me with her shoulder. “Don’t push your luck.”

I chuckle, leaning back on my hands as I look out over the water. “I’ll take it.”

“Whose place is this anyway?”

“My dad built this when Ethan and I were really young. It’s a hunting and fishing cabin. It doesn’t get a lot of use, but Laura has always taken care of it.”

“Oh wait, I’ve been out here before,” she giggles as she looks around with wide eyes. “Laura has hosted a few things here. I’ve never been out to the lake, though. The inside of the cabin is gorgeous. I guess I always just assumed she rented it.”

“Nope, it’s ours.”

“Oh, wow. There’s an amazing fire pit on the back deck and fireplace inside.”

“Is that your way of telling me you’re cold?” I chuckle.

“Maybe.”

I stand up and reach back to help her up. “Then let’s go inside.”

She takes my hand, and I pull her up, tugging her into me as I do. She stumbles a bit and falls into my arms like something out of a movie. Our eyes lock, and the corners of my mouth turn up slightly.

I lean forward and brush my lips against hers ever so gently. My arms go around her waist as I pull her into me. She lets out a quiet whimper as she molds herself to me.

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