Chapter 3
Karen
Over a lunch of delicious sandwiches and fresh cookies, I interviewed Drake and Dane, learning their background and why they'd chosen to start an adventure park in Capricorn Cove.
"This has always been home."
I took their picture, sighing a little when I caught them kissing as they started checking our gear, readying it for our afternoon session in the caves.
If I was completely honest, watching their easy, loving relationship stirred something in me.
A large part of me, the part I'd long ago locked away, wanted what they had—companionship, laughter, and the spark.
It showed in every movement, every glance, the loving touches.
But another part of me doubted it would ever happen.
Here I stood, a forty-something-year-old woman who'd never even had a relationship that lasted beyond ten dates.
Not that you want one. You're perfectly happy being alone. And the things technology does these days…
Drake hip-checked Dane on the way to the van, throwing him a laugh.
But oh, to be loved like that.
Will took a seat beside me, dropping his plate to his lap as he settled in.
"Are you from Capricorn Cove, Karen?"
I considered him, finding the grey that peppered his hair and the laugh lines beside his eyes incredibly attractive. I put him at around mid-forties, with the look of a man who was comfortable in who he is and how he lives.
"No, I actually moved here a few years ago after living on the South Island for a few years."
"Ah, my eldest son is going to vet school down South. In Musou, heard of it?”
I shook my head as my gaze discreetly dropped to his ring finger, finding it empty.
No tan line. What does that even mean?
I cleared my throat. "I hope he likes it."
"Loves it. Though I miss him like crazy.”
I grinned. "That's really sweet."
Will flushed, picking up a sandwich to munch, seemingly uncomfortable with my praise.
Okay, this guy is too much to resist. Ah-dork-able.
I searched around, wanting to continue our conversation but unsure of what to say to this beefcake of a man.
"Sorry, again, for earlier."
Will raised an eyebrow. "For falling for me?"
I laughed. "I more mean nearly crushing you, but yeah. Let's go with that."
"You?" He looked me over. "Nah. You've got the kind of curves I love. We should go out sometime."
We both froze, our gazes locking.
Did he just…?