Page 61 of The Love Hoax

The question is rhetorical and I uncork the bottle, pouring for each of us. We clink glasses.

“To new adventures,” she says, taking a sip.

“How is Caroline’s leg?”

“She’ll be fine. Guessing her doctor will be her nextvictim.”

“Pardon?”

“When Caroline sets her eye on someone, it’s only a matter of time before he succumbs to her wiles. That is, if she ever decides to get back in the saddle.”

“Sounds like an interesting woman.”

“She’s larger than life.”

“I’d love to meet her someday.”

Evie smiles.

I gesture for her to come forward. “Take the controls.”

“Me?”

Evie stands beside me. “I don’t know how to drive a boat.”

“I’ll help you.”

We set aside the glasses and I position myself directly behind her, placing my hand atop hers as we push the throttle forward. “Nice and easy,” I whisper in her ear.

The wind picks up and I feel Evie shiver. I squeeze closer, offering my body heat for warmth. As God as my witness, she melts into me. I smell the faint scent of her hair, my lips a breath away from her neck. I’m weak in the knees. But I remain steady, not moving a muscle, wishing we could remain this way until sunrise.

Chapter Forty-Three

Adam

Our only stops are to fill up on gas and use the facilities. It would be a boring evening drive if not for my all-consuming thoughts.

Evie falling back into my embrace as we navigated the boat back to the pier. Her shuddering beneath my touch. It makes my entire body tingle, even now.

The Captain was waiting for us when we disembarked. I told him about the wine, giving him a generous tip.

“Have a happy life, you two,” he said.

If only.

I’m already dreading when Evie will go back home.

The hours in Tahoe have been wonderful. But duty calls.

I pull up to the hotel’s grand driveway and turn off the smooth jazz, playing on the radio. “Welcome to Salt Lake City, Ronna,” I say, aiming for upbeat.

“Shower and bed,” Evie mumbles.

I know better than to engage with her. We’re both exhausted. And I can tell her back is aching from the long drive. As we took the exit, she downed a couple of pills, turning quiet. After a good night’s rest, we’ll both be energized, ready to finish the drive to Colorado.

The valet takes the car keys, practically grimacing at the Honda like it’s an eyesore sullying the luxury building’s façade. I suspect the vehicle will be parked far from public view.

Evie and I follow a bellhop, pulling a cart with our bags to the reception counter. Evie looks like she’s sleepwalking, her eyes at half-mast.