Page 41 of The Love Hoax

“Mhhm.”

“What?”

“You’re screwed.”

I make a mental note to address the post-wedding explanation. Maybe Adam will say we realized we weren’t meant for each other. Nah, too vague. Or we took things too fast. Or the age gap was too much to overcome? Hmm, maybe. We need to figure this one out.

I shove the throw aside and drag myself off the couch, walking barefoot to the back windows. The pool shimmers in the daylight, steam rising from its surface. I have a strong pull to jump in.

“Caroline?”

“Hmm?”

“It’s not a big deal or anything, but Adam’s younger than I am.”

“That’s okay. It’s in vogue now.”

“Thirteen years younger.”

“Whoa.” Caroline’s voice drops an octave.

Over the phone, I hear noise in the background. “Someone there, Caroline?”

“The nurse. Please go on.”

I open the back door and step out into the cool air. “I’ll have to call you tomorrow.”

“You sure you’re okay?”

“Yep. There’s something I need to do.”

I say goodbye to Caroline and strip down to my underwear. Bracing myself, I count to three and jump into the deep end of the pool.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Evie

Breaking through the water’s surface, I feel the cool air enveloping my wet skin, sending goosebumps dancing across my body. Water droplets glisten on my bare shoulders and cling to my damp hair, cascading down in tiny rivulets. I can’t remember the last time I did something so impulsive and exhilarating.

Pathetic, I think. A spontaneous, early morning jump into a heated pool is the most adventurous act I can recall in recent history. But as I survey my surroundings, an enlightening thought occurs to me, and a smile tugs at the corners of my lips.

I’m in Yosemite, miles away from my usual routine and responsibilities. Despite the last-minute upheaval with Caroline’s accident, I took the trip alone. And here I am, swimming in the pool of a captivatingly handsome man named Adam. It’s a reminder that I took a leap of faith, embraced the unknown, and allowed myself to be daring, for a change.

Floating on my back, I look up at the sky, mesmerized by the fluffy clouds drifting lazily above me. The weight of the world lifts from my shoulders, and a sense of peace comes over me. The worries and stresses that have been consuming me in recent months are replaced by a welcome serenity. My boys are okay, thriving as young adults, making their way in the world. My best friend is on the mend. My fear of getting close to someone again . . .well, the jury is still out on that one.

“Be in the moment,” I whisper.

I imagine the pool water washing away my burdens. I stretch out my limbs, allowing myself to fully focus on the senses. The smell of pine, the rustling leaves, the cool, lapping water cradling me. But lying here, in my meditative state, suspended in this calm oasis, a surge of reality breaks through. I glance towards the house, aware that Adam could wake up at any minute.

I close my eyes, determined to milk the last moments of tranquility. My mind floods with the memory of the epic kiss. No matter what I tell myself, the passion in that kiss was real. As real as the warming sun on my bare torso.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Adam

Istir from my slumber, my mind still tangled in the remnants of a vivid dream. Images of Evie dance through my subconscious, leaving an indelible mark that clings to my waking thoughts. I rub my eyes and the faint sound of splashing water jolts me from my sleepy haze.

Confused, I glance at my phone. 7:47 blinks back at me. Someone is in my pool.