Promised by Michelle Turner Page A

try and call her again. But before I can press the first button, Dani’s car comes flying into the parking lot, stopping right beside me. I shove the phone back into my pocket and walk to the passenger side to open the door for Wyn. She takes my offered hand and steps out of the car, one long, tanned leg at a time.

    “Sorry, my phone’s battery died or I would’ve called to let you know we were running behind.” She explains softly.

    Pulling my eyes from her mesmerizing leg, I clear my throat before replying. “It’s fine.” I would’ve waited around all night if it meant seeing those legs in those heels. Damn!

    She releases my hand and crosses to the driver’s side of the car where Dani is standing.

    “Are you sure this is ok?” Wyn asks, giving her friend a hug.

    “Of course, go and have fun.” Dani encourages as she hugs her back.

    Wyn pulls back and her eyes find me over her friend’s shoulder and she smiles. “Oh, I will.”

    Dani releases Wyn and turns to face me. She places both of her hands on the roof of the car and leans in with a stern look directed my way. “She needs to be back to me before dawn. Call me and I’ll pick her up; it doesn’t matter what time, and I expect you to bring her back in the same condition she is in now. Understand?”

    Dani is an adorable red head with a very rounded, pregnant belly. She stands at least half a foot below me, but damn if she isn’t an intimidating, little sprite. So nodding my head I say. “Yes, ma’am.”

    She taps the top of the car and her face softens as she says. “Good. Now that that is settled, you two have a good time and be careful.”

    “We will.” Wyn and I both say in unison, which causes us both to laugh and Dani to shake her head.

    Sliding back into the driver’s seat, she grumbles. “You two are such dorks.”

    Wyn leans down, kisses Dani on the cheek, and whispers something I can’t hear. Then she shuts Dani’s door.

    Once Dani’s tail lights are fading into the distance, I turn my attention back to my beautiful date.

    “So…what are we doing tonight?” Wyn asks as she fidgets with the buttons of her black coat.

    “It’s a surprise.” I say, closing the distance between us.

    “I don’t like surprises.” She says quietly when I’m standing directly in front of her.

    “You’ll like this one.” I reply back just as quietly.

    The silence grows between us and I can feel that something’s off, but I don’t push for an explanation because I want this date to be about us. I have a feeling the issue that’s bothering her is about her someone else, and I’m not bringing him with us tonight.

    I grab her hand and walk her to the car. “We better get on the road or we won’t make it in time.”

    *********************************

    An hour later, I pull on to the dirt lane that leads to my family’s cabin. The ride started off quiet, but eventually, Wyn pulled out of her funk and started grilling me with questions about the surprise. Her earlier worries slipped away and I was left with the fun, caring girl that I know I’m starting to love.

    I put the Challenger into park and get out and cross to Wyn’s door to help her out.

    “Linc, this place is breath taking.” She says, turning in a slow circle to take the whole view in. And she’s right, this place is. I’ve been here hundreds of times with my family, but each time I stop to admire the view. A cozy log cabin sits at the end of the driveway with a deck that wraps around the entire house. To the right, you have a view of the mountains. To the left and back, you can see the dark blue waters of the lake with more mountains in the background. But tonight, I don’t take in the glory that is barely touched nature; I watch Wyn and her reaction to one of my favorite places.

    She completes her circle right in front of me and the smile that’s lighting up her face makes the days I spent planning and the hour I spent driving us here, completely worth