I’d expected his lips on mine while we clung to each other. Instead, Vance whispered wistfully about dreams and goals. He admitted to having a trust that would be freed to him upon graduating college. It was enough that he’d never have to work a day in his life, yet he was adamant about family loyalty and working to honor it. He spoke about making the lake house his permanent home since it was closer to the firm he would eventually take over when his father and uncle decided he was ready. He talked long and passionately about his future.

I wasn’t so passionate about the outlook of mine, so I remained quiet and just listened. It wasn’t a hardship. His voice had become deeper in tone and more refined in the last year.

A lifetime passed with us in our little bubble before we made it back to the packhouse. Instead of heading home like he should, Vance pulled me to the sleeping bag and wrapped his arms around me.

“Vance, this ain’t a good idea.” I snuggled closer and placed a kiss on the side of his neck. The scent of summer clung to him. A mix of earth, heat, and water.

“Just let me hold you a little longer; then I’ll head out . . .” He let out a contented sigh. “Promise.”

My eyes grew heavier with each breath. “Seriously . . . you need to go home . . .”

“I will . . . soon . . .”

I woke up surrounded by warmth. Nothing unusual considering most mornings I’d find a kid or two had ended up in my bed. But what was unusual was arms that were holding me in a comforting embrace instead of needing one from me.

Opening my eyes slowly, I took in the wall of maps before me and then the strong arm around my waist as the night before came tumbling back. I wiggled to get from under his arm, but it tightened to hold me against his body.

“Vance.”

Nothing.

“Vance.” I wiggled some more, this time evoking a gravelly groan. “Vance.”

“Yeah, babe,” he mumbled, his voice a sleepy rasp.

I pushed against his forearm as he nuzzled closer. “We fell asleep. You gotta get out of here before Pa catches you.”

“Just hush for a minute . . . please.”

I shivered when his lips skated down my neck. “Why?”

“I want to practice some more.” He cocooned me, slinging a leg over mine.

It was heavenly and extinguished the alarm rising rapidly in my chest. “Practice what?”

“One day . . .” Vance trailed off and remained quiet just long enough for me to wonder whether he’d dozed off again. “One day I’ll get to wake up every day with you in my arms.”

“Says who?”

“God, if he’s willing to answer my prayers,” Vance answered, his husky tone thick with sincerity.