Finding Love by Toni Shiloh

Author:Toni Shiloh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Toni Shiloh

Chapter Twelve

Luke held the oars above the water, allowing the current to carry them along the Potomac River. Delaney had a smile of pure delight stretched across her face, her arms wrapped around her knees. She’d been surprised when they arrived at the boating dock, but no less enthused. Yesterday, he called ahead to make sure they had a row boat available for rental. Thankfully, they did. A speed boat would have ruined his plans for a relaxing date.

“This is so peaceful, Luke.”

“Isn’t it?” He watched her as she tilted her head back, letting the sun’s rays caress her face. Never had he been jealous of the sun before.

He dipped the oars in the river and paddled. They were nearing the picnic area. The owner of the boat rentals was fine with him staking claim on a picnic area. He’d already laid out the blanket. Just needed to get the girl to the site.

At first, he’d considered horseback riding for a date, but he’d hesitated. His instincts told him to save it for a time when she could bring her boys along. Despite the fact that being around kids was slightly terrifying. No. It was more than that. They were Jones’s kids. The need to prove himself worthy had increased exponentially with that knowledge.

Delaney leaned forward. “Don’t laugh.”

“Okay.”

“I’ve never been on a boat before.”

“Really? Maple Run is so beautiful. It has a lot to offer outdoors.”

“True, but…” she shrugged. “I guess I’m a walking kind of girl. I’ve been hiking and to some of the national parks, but get me in something other than a car and I usually panic.”

“How come you didn’t panic today?”

“Too busy loving the romance of it all.”

His heart dipped to his stomach. Romance was his aim and apparently he hit the mark. “Are you always this honest?”

She laughed. “Hardly, but you seem to bring it out in me.”

“Likewise.” He winked, loving the way her cheeks took on a pink hue. His stomach interrupted the silence.

“Hungry, huh?” Laughter tinged Delaney’s voice.

“Yes. Thank goodness we’re here.” He pointed behind her toward the dock, lined with trees. He could only imagine what it would look like in the fall or spring time. As it was, the greenery added a coziness that was missing from west Texas scenery.

After he secured the boat, he held her hand as she climbed out. He laced his fingers through hers, rubbing his thumb along the back of her hand. He couldn’t help but note the perfect pit. He led her to the picnic area, where a checkered blanket lay spread out with the picnic basket resting on top.

“Wow,” she murmured. She stopped and looked at him. “Thank you so much. This is wonderful.”

“Anytime.”

He knelt down and begin pulling out the food Ms. Bella had prepared. Next came the patterned, disposable plates. Satisfied with the presentation, he started a playlist on his cell.

Delaney’s eyebrows rose as the music filled the air. “You’ve thought of everything, huh?”

He shrugged, “Maybe.” Okay, so he’d created the playlist last night.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.