Page 102 of Too Good to Be True

He’d peppered her with questions on the drive up, but she’d said only that it was someplace every visitor to Michigan should see.

He’d probably guessed what it was by now, but he continued to play along, and she loved him for it. Yes, loved. She wasn’t afraid to admit it…in her head. She’d yet to say it aloud, but she’d tell him when the time was right. For now, it made her smile just knowing it.

“You look pretty pleased with yourself,” he said, his deep, warm voice washing over her.

“Um-hmm.” She hadn’t told him about her confrontation with Britney yet, but that could wait. Right now, she simply wanted to enjoy his company.

“Can’t you give me a hint?”

She shook her head. “You just have to see it.”

On the drive, they’d talked about all kinds of things, including her annual family trips Up North. Every summer, her family would choose a different destination in their state to explore. There were so many beautiful places to visit, and she imagined showing them all to Nick.

If this were summertime, the expressway would have been clogged with travelers. However, it was still chilly in April, and they practically had the road to themselves. Maybe they’d come back in the summer, when they could walk hand in hand on the warm sandy beaches and explore the quaint towns that lined the coasts. If he were still here in the summer, that is.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked.

“All the places I want to show you.”

“I want to see them all.”

Does that mean he plans on staying? she wanted to ask, but then their destination came into view. Straight ahead, all lit up against the clear, dark sky, was the majestic Mackinac Bridge, one of Michigan’s most beloved landmarks.

Instead of crossing the bridge, she took the exit for Mackinaw City and parked in the viewing lot near the base of the bridge.

Nick peered out the window, his gaze following the span of the bridge as far as the eye could see. No matter how many times she’d been there, it never got old. She was happy to see he enjoyed it too.

“Wow. Pictures don’t do it justice.”

“I agree.”

“So, are we officially Up North, or is that on the other side of the bridge?”

“The Upper Peninsula is across the bridge, but Michiganders use the term Up North loosely.”

He chuckled. “It’s beautiful. Thanks for bringing me here.”

“I wanted to share it with you, especially if…”

He shifted to face her and reached for her hand. “If what?”

She looked into his gorgeous, dark brown eyes, which had drawn her in from day one.

“This might be the only time you’ll get to see it.”

He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. “I doubt that.”

It wasn’t a promise that he’d stay, but it was enough to make her smile. “We should probably get to the hotel.”

“You’re in charge,” he teased.

She drove slowly through downtown Mackinaw City, with its array of souvenir stores, restaurants, and abundant fudge shops. Most of the places were closed because of the late hour. In a way, it was nice, not having to fight the summer crowds. If only it were twenty degrees warmer!

“What is it with all the fudge?” he asked.

She laughed. “It’s a Michigan tradition. We’ll have to get some tomorrow.”

Soon they reached the hotel, where she’d booked a lakefront room for a discounted price since it was still considered off-season. There were only a few other cars in the parking lot, guaranteeing they’d have plenty of privacy.