Feels Like Summertime (Lake Fisher 1)

Katie

A note stuck to the door lets me know that Dad and Adam have taken the little kids to the store to get baby supplies and food.

Katie,

You have no diapers, no baby clothes, and almost no food. We’re going to buy out the store. Back later.

Adam

PS. We took two good-looking kids with us. And a dog.

Jake waves at me from his perch on the golf cart. “Everything okay?”

I hold up the note. “My parents took the two little kids to the store. They’ll be back soon. I think I might take a nap.” I yawn into my fist. I am tired and my back is killing me.

“Sleep well,” he calls, and then he drives away.

I let myself into the cabin. I haven’t locked the door since we got here. But the moment I step inside, I freeze.

The afghan that’s usually flung haphazardly across the back of the couch is now folded neatly. And the games are all stacked on the table, all with their names facing out, in alphabetical order. The dishes that were in the sink have been washed and put away. And I bet that if I look in the bathroom, all the towels are folded in thirds on the shelf.

My heart gallops in my chest. I turn to run back out the door, but a big body steps out from behind the door, slamming it before I can get out.

“Hi, Katie,” he says.

I take two steps back. “Cole, what are you doing here?”

“Is that how you greet the father of your child, Katie?” he asks. He steps toward me and I force myself to hold my ground, even though I really want to throw up. “It’s nice to see you looking so healthy and relaxed.”

“How did you f-find me?” My voice betrays me with a slight warble, so I clear my throat.

“I followed your dads,” he says. He shrugs. “It was pretty easy.” He takes my chin in his palm and tries to force me to meet his eyes. I look everywhere but at him, until he squeezes my chin so hard it hurts. “I can’t believe you thought you could go without leaving me a forwarding address.”

“I just needed some time–”

“Time’s up,” he says, clapping his hands in my face. “It’s time to go home. I already packed your things.”

A pain clenches across my belly. “What about the kids?”

“I packed their things too.”

I close my eyes tightly.

“What’s the matter, Katie?” he taunts. “Aren’t you glad to see me?”

I step back and he lets me go. I feel like a mouse caught in a maze. No matter where or how I turn, he’ll catch me. I’m certain of that.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I turn toward the kitchen on wobbly legs.

He sits down on the couch and puts his feet on the coffee table, then cups the back of his neck with his palms. He knows I’m trapped. “Who was that man?”

“What man?” I pretend to look in the fridge for something to drink.

“The one who just brought you home,” he clarifies. He’s being friendly. Too friendly.

“Oh, that’s Jake. His dad owns the cabin. He was working on the roof next door.”

“What were you doing with him?”