She glances down at where our hands meet and a grin floats to her features. “Me too.”
“Would you like to go for a walk?” I ask as the server clears our plates. “The lake looks beautiful this time of night.”
Carlie’s eyes light up at the suggestion, but then she hesitates. “I’d love to, but fair warning, I might wobble more than walk.”
I smile, reaching out to take her hand. “I’ve got you. We’ll go slow. Let’s go make some memories.”
She grins. “Okay.”
* * *
We walk toward the shore, the rhythmic sound of the waves providing a serene soundtrack. Carlie’s hand in mine feels just right, and as we walk, she leans into me slightly. Her warmth is a welcome presence.
“Adam,” she starts, her voice tinged with humor. “If I accidentally pull you into the lake, just remember, it was nice knowing you.”
I laugh, squeezing her hand gently. “I’ll take my chances.”
Under the starlit sky, with the gentle waves as our witness, I feel a connection with Carlie that goes beyond anything I’ve experienced before. It’s not just about attraction—it’s more than that.
A bond forming.
As we approach the water’s edge, the moonlight dances across the waves, casting a magical glow over our surroundings. I find a spot on the shore, a flat rock that serves as a perfect seat, and help Carlie sit down beside me.
Resting there, with the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore, Carlie turns to me, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight.
“You know, I didn’t expect tonight to be like this. I mean, I didn’t really know what to expect,” she sighs. “It’s ... nice.”
“Nice?” I echo, playfully feigning disappointment.
She nudges me with her shoulder, a smile tugging at her lips. “Okay, more than nice. It’s been wonderful.”
I chuckle, locking my gaze with hers.
The proximity between us narrows as we both lean in, drawn together by an invisible force. Her breath mingles with mine, and the world seems to hold its breath. Just as our lips are about to meet, a fleeting memory flashes in my mind—the sensation of a similar, electrifying moment.
But it’s Carlie’s reaction that pulls me back to reality. She pauses, her eyes widening slightly as she inhales sharply. There’s a flicker of something that crosses her face but it’s gone before I can pinpoint what it means.
“You okay?” I ask, pulling back just a bit.
She nods, but her voice betrays a hint of uncertainty. “Yeah, just ... never mind. It’s nothing.”
I study her for a moment, wondering what’s going through her mind. There’s a sense of familiarity, a connection that seems to reach beyond just this evening. But before I can ponder it further, Carlie leans in, closing the distance between us.
Our lips meet in a tender, hesitant kiss. It’s a gentle exploration—a promise of something more—as her tongue softly caresses my bottom lip.
My heart is ready to drum itself right out of my chest as I raise my right hand to the side of her face and I edge in closer.
There’s something about her kiss …
“Oh, wow,” she breathes out, pulling back just a fraction, her eyes wide and shimmering in the moonlight. There’s something in her eyes—a question, maybe—but she quickly masks it with a shaky smile.
I study her for a moment. “Carlie? Are you sure you’re okay?”
She nods quickly—a bit too quickly. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just ... the moon is really bright tonight, isn’t it?”
Her attempt to deflect is clear, and I decide not to press her, sensing she needs a moment.
“Definitely,” I agree, following her gaze to the moonlit lake.