Page 17 of Lex

“I’ll keep you safe.”

She looked up at him…and she believed him.

And it had been a very long time since she’d believed in a man.

The flight was going to take them approximately twenty minutes and to southwest Montana. Once Summer relaxed, she seemed to enjoy the ride. Her grip on the seat loosened and she even leaned forward to look out the windshield at the passing scenery. Lex kept her entertained with a couple of military stories, some old favorites that always got a good laugh. He also found himself sharing things he’d never told anyone else before, abandoning the cocky armor he normally wore. She made him comfortable enough to open up without worrying about judgment. To be truly genuine.

“So where exactly are we going?” she asked.

With a grin, he pointed to a nearby peak. “On the other side of that mountain.” Once he flew over the summit, he pointed down to a crystal blue body of water. “We’re going to enjoy our dinner down on the banks of that lake.”

Summer gasped, her chest rising on the sharp inhale, and she leaned toward the windshield to get a closer look. The sunlight glinted off the dark red highlights in her hair and her eyes crinkled in delight. “Wow,” she murmured, looking as enthralled with the view outside as he was with the even more stunning view inside. He couldn’t resist the urge to reach out and touch her, and he placed a gentle hand on her back.

“Look to the far right,” he directed. “See that small dip at the edge of the woods? Elk like to hang out there and graze. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to see some.”

“Oh, I hope so.” She looked so excited, and that thrilled him. He didn’t share a lot of personal experiences like that with anyone, and being able to confide in her so easily was new. A feeling he could get used to far too easily.

Lex brought the plane around in a wide arc, giving her a perfect view of the pristine valley below, then straightened the aircraft, lining it up with the grassy strip he used as a runway, and expertly landed the An-26. After turning the engine off, they both unbuckled, and he lowered the hydraulic rear cargo ramp. Grabbing their picnic basket, he helped guide Summer down the sloping exit. “Watch your step.”

Her small feet hit the soft grass and she looked around with wide eyes. “It’s so beautiful,” she declared, voice filled with awe. “Like a fairytale world. How did you ever find this place?”

It was truly stunning. Emerald green grass, blue water so clear you could see the fish, and a backdrop of majestic mountains. A sense of tranquility hung in the air, and that’s what he loved most about it. It was a sanctuary from the real world, a place he could escape. A place he’d fallen in love with.

Lex led her over to the grassy bank near the water’s edge. “Sometimes I’ll just go out flying. It helps clear my head. I stumbled across this spot a couple of years ago.” He opened the basket, pulled out the blanket he’d packed, then hesitated. “After my dad took a turn for the worse, this place gave me the peace I needed.”

She nodded, lightly touching his arm. “I understand,” she murmured softly.

And he knew she did. Their recent losses were a sad thing to find connection in, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Lex understood her grief, how it came in waves, and it made him feel closer to her.

Summer helped him spread the blanket out on the sun-warmed grass. They sat down, and she kicked her sandals off, getting comfortable, as he pulled out the meal he’d packed—subs, pasta salad, fresh fruit, and homemade strawberry jam cookies courtesy of Corey. The man was a damn good pastry chef, and Lex was grateful he always came bearing sweets.

The conversation flowed easily as they ate, and Lex couldn’t stop staring at Summer. The way she talked, smiled, laughed and blushed when he complimented her entranced him. Every so often, the breeze would shift and he’d breathe in her tropical scent. He had no doubts that he’d dream about being on an island, surrounded by coconuts, later that night. And if he was really lucky, Summer would be there with him in a tiny bikini. Or better yet, naked in his arms.

As much as he didn’t want to rush anything, he wanted to kiss her again so badly. But he forced himself to refocus. Leaning back on his elbows, long legs stretched out and ankles crossed, he listened to what she shared.

“I didn’t know my dad. Even though my mom never confirmed it, I think I was the result of a whirlwind rendezvous. Maybe even a one-night stand.” She shrugged. “It never really bothered me because my mom and I were so close. She was my best friend.” She bit her lip, and the last thing he wanted was for her to cry.

“Our stories are so similar, but opposite, too,” he told her. “My mom passed away when I was seven, but I remember how she was always so happy and smiling all the time. She had this inner light and she was so pretty. My dad raised me, and he was this big, tough, gruff man. He never remarried, though. Always said Barbie was the love of his life.”

“Barbie?”

“Yep. Ken and Barbie.”

“Oh, my gosh, I love that. It’s like they were meant to be.”

He couldn’t help but smile. “They were definitely perfect together.”

“Do you believe in soulmates?”

A month ago, he would’ve said no. But now? Yeah, he was reconsidering. “I’m starting to see how it could be possible. Extremely rare, but definitely possible. How about you?”

She took a bite of pasta salad and seemed to be considering the question as she chewed. “Honestly, I’ve always thought it was a beautiful concept.”

He sensed some hesitation. “But?”

“But I never thought it could apply to me.”

“Why not?” He could feel her holding back, maybe even hiding something. Especially when she grew noticeably uncomfortable, shifting her legs beneath her and glancing out across the water. “If you don’t want to talk about it…”