Hot Summer Nights

40

Chapter Forty

Landon

When Leah mentioned reviving our old tradition of returning to her parents' lake house over the summer, I was thrilled. She missed when the eight of us would go there every summer and make new memories, and so did I.

It's the first place she and I started our relationship. So, returning feels like coming full circle for us. It feels right.

That place holds so many memories for all of us so, it was no surprise when everyone got on board right away with the idea of returning.

The familiar drive there was nostalgic. It felt like old times, with one exception. This time, I had my girl riding shotgun with me. Looking over and seeing her smiling face as we returned to the place where it all started warmed me to my core.

This was right.

We were right.

And Leah was exactly where she was always meant to be- by my side.

Pulling up outside the sprawling house feels like taking a breath of fresh air. Everything is exactly as it should be. I put my Jeep in park and hop out, walking over to the passenger side to help Leah out.

She's beaming as the summer sun shines down on her, looking even more beautiful than the first day I saw her. I pull her to my side watching her smile shift to me, and fuck if it doesn't knock the wind out of me. When Leah is this happy, sharing one of those mega-watt smiles with me, nothing in the world comes close to matching her beauty.

I get lost in it, barely registering when our friends pull up behind us. This time, we'll make memories we'll never forget. Ones that will blow the rest out of the water. I'll make sure of it.

There's something I need to do before we go back home. And standing here with Leah, surrounded by our friends, I know it's right. Before we leave, I'm going to lay everything on the line, leave myself bare before her, and tell her exactly how she makes me feel.

The words I've never spoken to anyone outside of family. The ones only she inspires inside me. They're going to be revealed by the end of our time here.

And the look she's giving me now tells me she won't run scared. If anything, it mirrors what I'm feeling. It tells me she feels the same. And fuck, I hope I'm right.

I hear footsteps approach before a tall body stops next to me. "Just like old times," Jason says as he looks at the serene lake.

Charlotte smiles at him, nodding her agreement. "I've missed this place."

"Me too," Leah says, giving the house a wistful glance. "It's been too long."

"Better late than never," I tell her, kissing the top of her head.

"That's true."

She gives my cheek a quick peck before disappearing inside with her bag. Tessa, Char, and Colin follow with armfuls of their own. The rest of us take a minute to appreciate the view and shoot the shit before unloading the rest of the bags and coolers.

Not much about the place has changed since the last time we were here. The layout is still the same and the decorations look familiar. The only difference this time around is the people- we've all grown up since our last visit. Some in more ways than others.

I smile as Tess and Levi claim her old room, beaming at one another as they share a whispered secret. This place is just as important to their story as it is to mine and Leah's. Hell, maybe more so.