"Have you been here before?"

"Yeah, when I was young. I have cousins that live a few hours from here."

We get our keys and he shows me inside, drops our bags, then turns with that same mischievous glint. "Come on. There’s one more thing."

I follow him around back, and that’s when I see it…a sleek black motorcycle parked beside the porch.

"Tell me that’s not for show."

He tosses me a helmet. "You ever been on one?"

"No. And that sounds like a terrible idea."

"You trust me, don’t you?"

I hesitate, then tighten my grip on the helmet. "God help me."

Nate chuckles. "Put on a jacket, strap on the helmet, and let’s go for a ride, Little Fields. I promise you won’t regret it."

***

The ride is pure adrenaline, with my arms wrapped tight around him, and the rumble of the bike beneath us. We cut through winding roads like we have no destination but each other.

I laugh out loud at one curve, feeling more alive than I have in months.

He pulls off at a scenic overlook, shuts the engine down, and we take off our helmets. We just sit there, breathing it in. Trees stretch out in every direction, and the lake glistens below us.

"Okay," I say. "That was… reckless. And amazing."

He turns to me, smile softer now. "Told you I’d take care of you."

I don’t know if it’s the air, the ride, or him, but something in me unlocks.

"I needed this," I whisper. "More than I knew."

He leans in and kisses me. Slow. Sure. Like he’s claiming something he’s already earned.

When he pulls back, his voice is low.

"You’re safe with me. Always."

And in that moment, I believe him.

***

We get back to the cabin and take turns showering. I pull on a soft sundress and swipe on a little mascara, nerves fluttering in my chest as I meet him by the door.

He’s wearing a crisp button-down and jeans, hair neatly tousled, sleeves rolled. Effortlessly sexy.

"You clean up well," I say.

He grins. "You haven’t seen anything yet."

The restaurant is tucked beside the lake, glowing with candlelight and low music. Everything feels slowed down, like the rest of the world doesn’t exist.

We order wine and appetizers. I offer him a bite of mine and he leans forward, catching my finger with his lips as he takes it.

A tiny gasp escapes me.