A Touch of Fate (BWWM)

18 | Childhood Sweethearts

──────※ ·❆· ※──────

Imani

Imani was absolutely insane. Was it absurd to visit her childhood sweetheart's house and talk about old times? To get answers, maybe not. Sweat forming on her palms, she concentrated on the road as it curved, headlights swinging across the quiet country road. To her right, the lake sparkled with stars that glistened like diamonds on the water. Tall, thick trees stood like soldiers along the road to her left. She rolled a window down for some fresh air. It was time to clear her mind and focus on what could happen tonight with Garrett.

Why would I go to his house with him? Had I gone insane?

She checked the rear-view mirror. What the hell was she thinking? Once Garrett returned to Holden, her sense of rationality disappeared. She couldn't resist. His influence persuaded her to give him another chance.

She had a mental breakdown because he was at the party earlier, which made her rage worse. Never before had she entertained such dark thoughts about Bethany. Imani loved her sister-in-law and trusted her judgment, but inviting Garrett over for dinner was too much to handle.

What is it about him that draws me in? Is this the reason we're going to his house? To have sex again?

"Fuck. Pull yourself together," she told herself, determined to keep her guard up.

We can't have sex. I need to be strong and listen to what he has to say.

The Beaumont Estate's stone entrance appeared as she turned into the driveway. The road to the house wound through the spruce and pine forest. Stone, brickwork, and windows made it impressive. Perched elegantly atop a hill, the house offered a stunning view of Holden Lake.

A cold sweat broke out as Imani turned off the engine, her stomach dropping. She felt like she was here yesterday, despite the years. She looked up at the house, but then noticed Garrett parked next to her. His headlights went out, leaving only the soft glow of the porch lights above the main entrance to illuminate the surroundings.

Tall slate-gray bowls with greens and berries flanked the double glass doors, and rust, yellow, and burgundy flower pots lined the wide entrance. Imani's face lit up with a gentle smile. Regina.

She contemplated starting the engine and going home. But that thought was difficult to ignore, so she got out of her car with a sigh.

Garrett was leaning against his truck, watching her. The damp, cold air made her shiver as shadows fell over him, obscuring his face from view. The distant sound of an owl made her glance at the trees. Imani forgot how much she enjoyed coming here. The woods. The water. Nestled in a beautiful natural setting that was unlike any other in town. Only the wealthy lived in the country.

An owl's majestic wings provided an enthralling display as it gracefully flew through the sky and hooted. Imani took a few steps toward the house before coming to a halt when she spotted the boathouse. Her heart sank with sadness. Water gently crashed around the dock, glistening like silk. Something about the soft sound calmed her, and her anxiety faded.

She heard Garrett's boots behind her as she slowly walked down the dock steps. She walked to the dock's edge to see the water.

Imani paused, feeling him inches from her back and losing her breath in the wind. She nearly leaned back to feel his arms around her. The sound of the splashes hit her deeply, so she bit her lip and closed her eyes.

"Do you remember our first date here?" Garrett's voice was soft, low, and husky. His voice washed over her like warm, spiced whiskey. And along with it, countless memories.