Page 72 of Teach Me How

I’m caught.

Hooked.

I didn’t want to be hooked though, right? It was freedom I was after.

Seems like love and freedom are diametrically opposed.

I just hope it doesn’t pull me apart.

48.

Skyler

The road from Boulder to Nederland winds through the mountains. A clear, rushing river races alongside us as I take the turns in smooth swoops. I’ve got the windows down, breathing in the clear, mountain air. I’m silently congratulating myself for upgrading to the Range Rover over the compact car they tried to offload on us at the rental place. If this SUV is this much fun to drive in the mountains, I’m wondering what it’d be like to be on a motorcycle.

I glance over at Reese. She’s looking cute and cuddly in jeans and a fuzzy white pullover that exposes a tempting slice of her tummy. I’ve got a white Henley on and dark jeans. To the outside observer, it looks like we coordinated. If I chose to change once I saw what she planned to wear, that’s purely coincidental.

She’s got her eyes closed and even though she insists she’s not hungover, there’s a pained furrow between her brows.

She’s got her face turned towards the open window, letting the cool breeze caress her face, tease at her hair. I didn’t know it could get that big and voluminous. She growled all morning about her frizzy hair, but I think it looks adorable. I reach out, running my hand through the soft waves, letting my fingers massage the back of her neck.

She sighs, turning her face towards mine with a gentle smile.

My thumb circles over the stiff tendons in her neck. “How are you feeling?”

She squints at me, looking exasperated. “Fantastic. Couldn’t be better.”

I chuckle. “Mm-hmm.”

She glances over her shoulder, at the Subaru following close behind us. “Why didn’t Mitch ride up with us?”

I shrug. “Probably trying to reserve the ability to flee separately.”

She nods, smoothing her hand over my thigh. “Has he met Uncle Don yet?”

“Nope. Until a few months ago, I’d never seen the man in my life.”

She peers up at me. “But you still recognized him across a bar. That’s just crazy.”

“When you see him, you’ll understand. He’s a carbon copy of my dad.”

We pass through a long tunnel. Reese reaches over, honking my horn with a big grin.

I laugh, batting her hand away. “What are you doing, goofball?”

She shrugs. “My dad always does that whenever we pass through a tunnel.”

The Rover passes through the mountain tunnel, emerging into the blinding sunshine. We round a few more curves and then a valley opens up ahead of us. A shining lake, bright blue like the sky, sits at the base.

Uncle Don’s cabin is perched on an overlook. I park outside and Mitch pulls up behind us.

I stare up at the glitzy cabin, not sure if I’m ready for this. Or if it was a good idea.

But then Uncle Don is stepping out, his partner right on his heels.

“How was the drive?” He strides closer, taking my hand in his firm, callused grip.

“It was good.”