Page 52 of His North Star
James was like the sunshine glistening off the ripples of the lake. Bright and beautiful. And fun. I studied his five o’clock shadow along his jaw and his smooth olive complexion. The way the gentle breeze whirled through his black hair. His shoulder muscles flexing as he rowed.
My oar vibrated in my hands as it clanked against James’s. I lifted mine at the same time he lifted his. Our paddles interlocked midair, sending us both rocking.
A chuckle bubbled out of me. “Sorry. My mind was in the clouds.”
“I didn’t know I resembled clouds.” He winked.
Way to be stealthy.
“I can’t help it when the view is so breathtaking.” My eyes widened. Wow, that was awful and cheesy.
“Hmm.” He took a long, lingering look from my hair to my legs. “I believe that goes both ways.”
My sun-warmed body overheated at his compliment. “Want to head back, or do you want to keep going?” I asked. If we went back to my place, we’d finally share our first kiss. The longing that fizzled within my abdomen was about to explode. The last time I had this much anticipation within me was when I still had hope that Ty and I would one day be a couple. Sure, Blake evoked quite a rush of heat in me, but none of this magnitude. Since I knew Ty was out of the running, I fully planned on exploring this feeling with James.
“I believe I was challenged to a race.” He smirked. Using his oar, he splashed a little water my way.
I gasped when the cold water hit my upper body. I moved to spray him back before remembering the last time didn’t end well. During my hesitancy, he took the opportunity to splatter me again.
“Oh, no you don’t!” I dug my oar in, spraying James.
“Whew.” He shrieked when the water hit his face. “That’s cold!” He swiped the water off, shivering.
I flicked water in his direction again before he grabbed his oar and retaliated. After a few more rounds of splashing, streams of water trailed from my hair down my back.
“I call a truce,” James said, hands up.
“Quitter,” I joked. My hair probably resembled a drowned rat. I smiled at James anyway. If he truly cared for me, he’d accept me, hideous or not.
“I know when I’ve lost a battle.”
“Smart man.”
“Not to toot my own horn, but yep.” He grinned.
“Let’s get back and dry off.” I paddled on the left side of the kayak, turning myself around.
“Are we racing?” He asked too cheerfully.
My arms were shot, but I wouldn’t deny James this opportunity. Maybe he’d take pity on the loser and kiss me better.
“You’re on,” I challenged. I shoved my paddle deep into the lake, my protesting shoulders screaming for me to stop. I pulled ahead for all of five strokes before James sailed past me. He turned back after he passed and winked. I slowed my pace and fixed my gaze on James’s strong back.
My heart thumped loudly. I kept the paddle straight, no longer dipping it into the water. I continued watching James dig his oar into the lake until he looked like a thumbnail floating on the surface. As James moved farther away from me, I determined I’d talk to him about making in-person dating a priority. If he agreed,thenwe’d kiss.
I refused to repeat every mistake I’d made in the past. Like how Blake and I had kissed on our first date. I’d become addicted to the way his lips warmed mine. Our breakup hit me like a quarterback being sacked. He left me breathless, with my heart smashed to the ground.
James and I would be different.
My oar scraped against the rocks at the bottom of the lake. James had his kayak up on the sand. His life jacket was draped over the top. He stood with his hands resting lightly on his hips. His olive skin complemented his navy blue swim trunks.
“I was getting worried I’d have to come rescue you,” James said with a glint in his eye.
I pulled my kayak ashore. “What if that was exactly what I planned?”
He smiled, and my heart flipped. It was time to let go of my past and focus on James—on the future.
“I guess I’ll have to make it up to you.” He strode toward me, then enveloped me in his arms.
