From the start (Joel Miller x Reader)

Chapter 10

The boat rocked gently as you both settled into the rhythm of fishing. The sparkling water stretched out before you, reflecting the clear blue sky and the surrounding pine trees. The tranquility of the lake was punctuated only by the occasional ripple or the distant call of a bird.

Joel, ever the experienced outdoorsman, was a patient and reassuring presence. He provided guidance on the art of fishing, sharing tips and tricks with a warm smile. "Now, you've got to be patient," he advised. "The fish won't always bite right away, but that's what makes the catch so rewarding."

You couldn't help but chuckle at his humor. "Patience isn't my strong suit, but I'm willing to learn from the master, Joel."

Joel's deep laughter echoed across the water. "Well sweetheart, I'll do my best to teach you the secrets of fishing, and maybe some patience will rub off on you in the process."

As you cast your lines into the lake, you found yourself drawn into the peaceful ambiance. The boat gently rocked, and you exchanged stories about your fishing experiences, from childhood attempts to recent escapades. Joel shared tales of epic catches and even the ones that got away, and you listened with genuine interest, relishing the opportunity to learn more about his life.

Throughout the day, you shared laughter and light-hearted banter. The simple pleasure of feeling the tug on the fishing line, the thrill of reeling in a catch, and the joy of observing the fish's vibrant colors were experiences you hadn't expected to enjoy so much.

Joel's gentle and encouraging demeanor made it easy for you to relax into the moment. The hours seemed to pass like minutes as you talked, fished, and found a sense of contentment in the connection you were forming.

At one point, as you cast your line yet again, you couldn't resist asking Joel, "Do you think the fish get tired of our company, Joel?"

He chuckled. "Maybe they're enjoying our stories as much as we are. Who knows, they might be sharing fish tales of their own."

As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, casting a warm glow on the water, you marveled at the unexpected joy of the day.

As the boat gently rocked on the calm lake, you realized that the best catches of the day were not the fish but the laughter and stories that you and Joel had.

With the day of fishing behind you, you and Joel made your way back to the lake house, both of you basking in the contentment that the experience had brought. Joel had a catch of fish ready for dinner, and you were looking forward to a meal that would include the fruits of your shared adventure.

As the scent of dinner preparations filled the air, you excused yourself to take a well-deserved shower. The warm water cascaded over you, washing away the day's fishing and refreshing your spirits. It was a moment of solitude, allowing you to reflect on the unexpected turn of events that had led you to this lakeside retreat.

Once you had showered and dressed, you settled down with your laptop to work on your writing. The lake house provided the perfect setting for creativity, with its serene surroundings and the day's fishing adventure still fresh in your mind.

As you typed away, the first few chapters of your new book came to life on the screen. The words flowed effortlessly, and the world you were creating seemed to take on a vibrant existence of its own. With a sense of accomplishment and anticipation, you attached the chapters to an email and sent them off to the publishing house, a significant step in your writing journey.

It was a moment filled with both satisfaction and nerves. You couldn't help but wonder what the publishing house would think of your work. Yet, as you gazed out at the lake and the golden hues of the setting sun, you felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the path your writing career was taking.