She beams at Fox—it’s literally like the sun is shining straight out of her pores. The power that she has, dear god.

Fox angles his head toward Joy. He keeps his gaze down, toward the seat, and waits for Summer to turn her attention back to the front before whispering, “You’re welcome.”

Joy blinks at him, raising one eyebrow like a question mark. Her whisper is warmer than his but just as imperceptible to anyone else. “For?”

“Changing the subject.” He slides his sunglasses back on and resumes his sleepy ruse.

Did he really think he had just helped her?

More important, how had he known she needed it? And why did he care?

Not one to look a grumpy gift horse in the mouth, Joy takes the reprieve, letting the conversation go in favor of looking out the window.

Several narrow tree-lined roads, a few worrisome cliffs, and some mountains later, Malcolm drives them into a valley with a shimmering lake at its center. He turns onto a street of charming rustic houses—a lakefront community comprised of sizeable two-story wooden cabins.

Joy inhales the clean mountain air, cheesing within an inch of her life as Malcolm parks in the gravel driveway. An array of colorful flowers borders the walkway leading up to the front door and the spacious cabin porch even has a bench swing. On the second floor, there’s a large window nestled under a triangular arch. If that perfect east-facing window is in a bedroom, she’ll fight all of them for it. No holds barred, cage-match style.

Malcolm leans against his door, craning his head toward the back seat, catching Joy’s attention. “It’s like you said: I know you hate camping.” The proud twinkle in his eye almost sends her over the edge.

Joy’s smile falters, nearly falling away completely. Why did he have to say something and spoil it? Her almost good mood begins to unspool like a runaway bobbin rolling across the floor, because none of this is for her.

Malcolm rented that beautiful cabin for Summer.

An annoying funny feeling begins whirling in her chest, winding her up again and instantly stressing her out. How long will it take to come back down from this panic? It hasn’t lasted this long in years. Every time she thinks she’s fine, she’s back in control, something happens to remind her no, bitch, you’re still anxious as fuck.

Joy opens her door and jumps out of the Jeep, leaving her phone, purse, and everything else behind. She skips around back, tramping through the grass, rocks, and fallen leaves, ready to explore instead of helping with carrying the suitcases inside. Tall trees encircle the sides of the house, and in the backyard there’s a fire pit, a covered jacuzzi, and a hammock. Farther down, there’s a dock and a small boathouse.