“What’s that supposed to mean?” Parker asked.
Jack’s eerie blue eyes crinkled when he laughed. “Well, you know the town is really enjoying watching Lila and Mason’s story develop. I wasn’t talking about the other two.”
“The other two?” Jade frowned. “Is there a new couple I don’t know about?”
Jack and Parker exchanged a look. “Nope,” they said in unison.
She narrowed her eyes at Parker playfully. “Do you know something I don’t?”
“Of course not!” Parker exclaimed as he leaned down to kiss her.
“Lemme get you that canoe.” Jack rushed outside the little cabin to a row of boats and oars.
“Come on.” Parker took her hand in his and followed behind Jack. “We’ve got it from here.” He hooked a thumb over his shoulder toward a group of teens that had just arrived at the rental shop.
Jack shot him a grateful smile. “Thanks, buddy. Appreciate it.”
“Don’t mention it,” Parker assured him before their friend went to tend to his customers.
Working as a team, Jade and Parker took the canoe off its stand, walked it to the water, hopped on, and kicked off from the shore. Jade was taken by how well they worked together. She had seen many couples fighting over similar tasks, but she could remember her parents always working together. A team in tandem.
That was the example of love that her parents had shown her with their marriage, and it was an example she admired. One she would love for herself … with Parker.
They worked well. It was an important realization.
“I still can’t get over how beautiful this place is.” Parker happily sighed as they rowed away from the beach and deeper into the wide-open lake.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was high and bright, reflecting off the water. The air was warm but not humid. All around them, the water glimmered, and off in the distance, the forest bordering the lake was as green as it could be.
She loved Half Moon Key, but seeing it like this with Parker, she felt pride for her small town. “It’s lovely. I love this lake. And honestly, as beautiful as the setting is, the people here are what make it worth your while.”
Parker’s eyes hooked on hers. “I know. You make this place beautiful, Jade. I love this place because this is where you are.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “I’ve always loved my town, but I love it even more now that you’ve made it your home.”
They exchanged a smile, but before things could get any more intense, Jade said, “There are so many other events this summer in Half Moon Key. It’s only just started. Summers here are amazing.”
“And I bet this will be the best summer yet.” Parker’s eyes fell on her again, and she saw the certitude in them.
He was right. Best. Summer. Ever.
SIXTEEN
PARKER
Parker knocked on the little red door. He listened intently for the sound of Jade’s footsteps, and when he heard the soft thudding, he leaned against the door. She opened it, and as soon as she spotted him, she smiled.
“Hey, Parker. Did I know you were coming over?”
“Nope. This is entirely meant to be a surprise. I know it’s your day off, so I thought you would like to join me for the drive into the city. I need to pick up all of the stuff I need to make the bank safer for you. I’m thinking we can do some shopping, and then maybe we can go somewhere outrageous for dinner.”
Jade tossed her hair over her shoulder. “You want to take me to the city just for the fun of it? And make a date out of it?”
He grinned at her. “Yup. Isn’t that something couples do? They go into town together. Make a day out of getting adulting things done?”
“Well, I guess that’s one way of looking at it.” She giggled.
Parker noticed that Jade’s face was quickly becoming red. His heart thundered in his chest. He leaned closer to her and cupped her face in one of his palms. Their eyes met, and Parker couldn’t have looked away even if he wanted to. He was hooked on her. Completely.