Charming Hannah (Big Sky 1)

“Why are there lines that run under the lake?”

“Because there are homes all around the lake, but not necessarily roads that access it all. The city is currently working on approving a road that would completely circle the lake, but we don’t have that at this time. So, to make it more cost effective to feed power to all of the houses, they ran the lines through the lake, under the bottom of it where it’s the most shallow, at the most narrow points.”

“I see.” I nod, looking out at the lake before us. The sun is just beginning to set, casting the mountains in pink. It’s breathtaking. “And you believe that it’s totally fixed, without any chance of it happening again?”

“I do believe that,” he says, squeezing my hand. “Not only did they fix the problem, they spent weeks surveying every foot of the lines, making sure they’re secure and safe. Hannah, I wouldn’t let my townspeople near anything that could harm or kill them.”

“I know that,” I reply. “Remember, this isn’t rational.”

“It’s okay.” Most of the beach is deserted, except for a family walking their dog about two hundred yards away. The little girl has taken her shoes off and dips her feet in the water, giggling at how cold it is.

“A toddler can do it,” I murmur and then look back out at the water again. “Will you put your feet in with me?”

“So if we die, at least we die together?”

“Not funny.” But then I laugh, unable to help myself. “Okay, it’s funny. Yes. If one of us dies, we both die.”

“I can do that.” I slip out of my flip flops and he takes his shoes and socks off and looks at me. “Are you ready?”

“Hell no.”

“We don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, we do.” I purse my lips and dip my big toe in, then pull back fast. “Not even a zap.”

“All right, the whole foot now. Let’s do this.”

I nod, and we both sink one foot into the water. It’s cold and feels good on my skin, between my toes.

And I didn’t die.

I sigh, feeling like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I sink the other foot in with it and let them dangle, swishing around.

“I’m still here.”

“Thank goodness,” he says, still holding my hand. I don’t feel foolish, I feel powerful. “I’m so proud of you.”

I look up to find his green eyes happy, full of pride, and sexy as hell, just as they always are.

“You know what? Me too. Let’s go home.”