In Too Deep (Wildfire Lake 1)

I’m asking a lot of her, I know, but I’m at a point in my life where I need to know whether she can make this commitment or not. I’m aware of the sacrifices she would be making by staying here with me instead of returning to LA and her high-powered job inside a company where she’s respected and well-liked, when people here aren’t one hundred percent on her side.

But I also know what I feel when I’m with her. What I see in her eyes when she looks at me. And I know the people of Wildfire. They’ll not only accept her in time, they’ll applaud all she’s giving back to the community by getting the marina back up and running. I know we could be happy if she’d just believe.

Chloe has moved into the Georgie Pie and KT almost has the plumbing problems with the Cecelia Rose fixed. All three women will have their own space soon. The project is well underway and going smoothly.

We have most of the boats gutted, and once they’re renovated, the girls will be playing musical boats, moving from old to new so the boats they’re using now can be brought up to the same standards. I have a few guys gutting the marina’s market and others grading the land for the restaurant. The road ahead is long but well plotted.

I’m breaking up the rotted floor in one of the older, wooden boats, when Laiyla pokes head in. “Hey, handsome.”

I stop what I’m doing, straighten, and rest my hands on the end of the shovel I’m using to pull up the rotted wood. I’m so happy and relieved she came to me first, I feel like I’m floating. “Hey, beautiful.”

She comes in and looks around. “This is pretty bad. Is it worth renovating?”

“It would cost way more to buy one to replace it. Even a used one.”

“Okay.” She continues toward me and slides her arms around my waist.

“I’m sweaty.”

“I know.” She’s smiling as she presses her body to mine. “I’m at a stopping point in the office. Is there something I can help you with out here?”

I smile, and she laughs.

“I meant with the boats, but yeah, I like your idea too.” She cups my jaw. “I missed you last night.”

The declaration floods my heart with joy. I lay the shovel aside and wrap her tight in my arms. “Me too.” I lower my head and kiss her. “I have to go by Whisper Cove to pick up our power washer. Want to come? I could show you the development.”

“I’d love that.”

We take the short drive up and around the lake with Laiyla tight to my side, our fingers threaded, her kissing my neck.

“Maybe we should take a pit stop.” My suggestion makes her laugh.

She lifts her head. “I was thinking of taking you up on your offer of dinner at your house and a night in a real bed with an amazing man.”

I squeeze her thigh. “I love that idea.”

She presses her face to my neck. “I do too.”

I slow as we approach the development and park in front of the trailer just as Mitch walks out. He lifts a hand, then spots Laiyla and smiles big. When we get out of the truck, Laiyla’s smiling just as big, and she and Mitch hug.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” he says, still holding her. “I was wondering when he was going to bring you by.”

I’m surprised by just how good it feels to see Laiyla reconnect with someone who really cares about her.

She pulls back, her hands still on his arms. “You look amazing.”

“That’s my line, beautiful.” Mitch gestures toward me. “You keeping him in line at Otto’s?”

“I try.”

“That’s all any of us can ask for.”

“I’m gonna show her some of the houses,” I tell Mitch. “And I need to pick up the pressure washer.”

“Kenny has it in one of the Sycamore models about a dozen houses up.”

Mitch’s phone rings. He smiles at Laiyla and gives her arm a squeeze. “We’ve got to catch up soon. Have you over for dinner. You can meet my wife and kids.”