Chapter 40

Adam

The glorious, shimmering lake fills my windshield as I drive the Honda along U.S. 50, Lake Tahoe's scenic peripheral road. The last couple of hours have been spent in my head.

When Evie dozed off to my story, I made sure to stay quiet, not turning on the radio. She looks so peaceful, her breath coming softly, her head leaning against the window. She's gorgeous. And kind. And fun.

The truth is having Evie beside me, even sound asleep, feels comforting. Like I'm not alone anymore. Being alone has never bothered me. In fact, it's been my preference for longer than I can recall. But something changed with Evie's unexpected arrival in my life. I realize being with someone I really like is exceedingly enjoyable. Evie has quickly become someone to share both my quiet moments and crazy escapades.

Ronna, not Evie, I chastise myself.

Images from the week fill my mind. Evie singlehandedly beating Zane at pool. Her panic when I nearly roll off the cliff. Fretting when she lost her job. Floating in my pool, eyes closed, in nothing more than her . . .

As if sensing my thoughts, Evie shifts in her seat, then settles down once more.

The week has been incredible. And enlightening.

I still can't believe Evie agreed to drive all the way to Breckenridge with me. If she'd asked, I would have purchased a plane ticket for her and met her in Colorado. But it was never broached and I'm glad for it. I want to spend more time with her, and not only to get our backstories straight.

The truth is I can't seem to get enough of her. There's so much I want to know. Regardless of our ruse.

I think about my mother's words, calling attention to the age gap between me and Evie. Thirteen years to be exact. Evie has two grown sons and an ex-husband. Some would call that baggage. I don't care a whit.

There isn't a soul on the planet without baggage.

As if an angel whispered in her ear, Evie blinks open her eyes and stretches, drawing her arms up and back, behind the headrest, like a lithe cat.

Staring out the window, her jaw drops open, marveling. The lake shimmers under an afternoon sky, boats floating along the sun-drenched waters.

"Where are we?"

"Just pulled into Tahoe. Nice, right?"

Evie yawns. "It's incredible."

"Glad you're awake to see it."

She glances at the clock on the dash. "Wow, is that the time?"

"Yep."

"You were out cold. Didn't want to wake you."

Evie breaks from taking in the magnificent view to face me. "Thanks for letting me rest. I haven't slept this much in years." She turns back to look out the window. "Do we have time to explore the area?"

"I figured you might want to check it out. I allotted a few buffer hours for the trip. Meals, time to stretch our legs, and such." I point to a dock in the distance. "If you want, we can grab a bite over there. Best views in town. And they have amazing burgers."

Evie sits up. "Okay, let's do it."

I park near the pier, a minute walk to the burger stand and take hold of Evie's hand. "Ready, Ronna?"

She smiles. "You bet."