The lake glitters like liquid glass, the boat slicing through it with a steady hum. The sun is warm on my skin, the breeze teasing the edges of my scarf. I keep my head tilted down, pretending to watch the water trail away behind us — but really, I’m listening. Waiting.

You’ve been quiet for a while, sitting close enough that I can feel the heat from your arm brushing mine. It’s distracting. Too distracting.

And then you move. I glance up just in time to see you leaning in, eyes locked on me in that way that always makes my chest feel too tight. Before I can think — before I can even breathe — your lips are on mine.

The world tips beneath us, the boat swaying hard enough to make my hand shoot out and grip the seat. My heart stutters.

I laugh into the kiss, nervous and a little breathless. “Careful,” I murmur against your mouth, pulling back just enough to meet your gaze. “If you keep kissing me like that, we’ll both end up in the lake.”