Page 112 of Fly Back to Me
“Oh.” I beam, brows shooting up. “Well, that just changes the whole game.”
We cross the threshold, Cade sliding me down until my sneakers touch the tile of the dusky lit foyer. “I started a fire out back. It’s practically sunset.”
“Well, let’s go,” I coo, taking his hand to lead us down the tiny hallway.
When we step through the sliding doors, the burning of the firewood sits under the deep teal sky. A burnt orange trims the peaks of the trees in the distance, signaling the end of the day as the gray ripples of the lake dance.
Complete serenity.
Cade chirps, “Don’t get it twisted. I do like dressing up and going to fancy places every now and then. But uh …” Once we reach the Adirondack chairs, he turns to face me as his hands shove into his jeans pockets. “I guess it’s no surprise I enjoy the simple things in life. You sort of get what’s at face value.”
I stretch a tender smile as he peeks down at his attire.
He’s apologizing.
Sure, I am the type of girl who likes being wined and dined. My face value is just as spot on as his.
“I could learn to love ‘simple’ just as much,” I say softly.
“Yeah, but ‘simple’ gets old after a while,” he assures me.
Our gazes linger on each other for an extra beat before my eyes drag to the Adirondack chairs. There’s a red and navy plaid blanket folded on the armrest of one, and the smell of the fiery timber latches onto me. “Next time, I’ll have to bring marshmallows for s’mores,” I say as I round the furniture.
“Alright, but the chocolate graham crackers are the only acceptable ones.”
We sink into our chairs, and I toe off my white sneakers. “Okay. I’ll be sure to bring those with a box of Cocoa Puffs. Just for you.”
I peer over at him with a smirk, hiking my knees up to my chest. He slumps back, legs spreading as two hands run through his hair. “Come on. You know they’re good.”
My stomach flips as he effortlessly manspreads. And the fact that he’s defending his love for Cocoa Puffs? Well, I’m just turned on even more.
The warmth of the tangerine flames glows on my face, the subtle wind whispering through my tousled locks as I drink in the landscape. “How long have you lived here?” I ask.
“Two years.”
My socks chafe against each other as my feet fidget. “It fits you, you know.”
“Does it fit you?”
“Depends.” I sigh, returning my eyes to him as my chin rests on my knees. “How does it look on me?”
His elbow is supported on the armrest, thumb absently grazing his jawline as he holds my stare. “Like it’s complete.”
A smile blossoms on my mouth, cheek dipping on my knees. My skin heats although the sky drops a shade darker, and the fire radiates over the side of Cade’s face. “What made you leave the bike shop and switch careers?” I ask.
“Sometimes, you just reach a limit on the rewards of a job. I needed something more fulfilling.” He redirects his gaze so that he’s viewing the lake. “I wanted to contribute to people in another way. One where I could interact with them a little more while making more money. It was a win-win. I’m not the most social, but you go a little stir crazy when it’s just you and bike parts all day.”
“I admire that about you.”
His chest bounces through a breathy chuckle. “Come on, just because I changed my job? You’re giving me too much credit.”
“You’re not afraid of change. To step outside your comfort zone,” I clarify. “I don’t know, maybe you make me believe I can do the same.”
“I know you can do the same.” His head turns to me before he leans it back. “It’s not a magical power, Olivia. I’m no different than anyone else.”
“That’s a colossally flawed theory,” I say. “I might be a little biased toward you though.”
I hold my palm upward between us, and he accepts the silent invitation. His palm ghosts mine, the pads of our fingers lingering against each other.
