Lost in this Moment

The next day dawned bright and beautiful. Shana wandered out the gardens a couple of hours after breakfast. She spotted an old wooden swing and sat down. Looking around the long neglected gardens, she could see the potential beauty it held. No doubt Allie would have the wilderness tamed, restoring the garden to its former glory.

"I thought I might find you out here."

She beamed, "Conrad, come swing with me. There's enough room."

He sat down beside her, "Barely."

They pushed the swing back and forth for a few minutes, enjoying the silence. "Was there something you wanted?"

"I thought you might like to join me on a picnic?"

She laughed, "A picnic?"

"Flint asked me to check out the Folly on the island in the middle of the lake."

"The building looks kind of decrepit."

"Supposedly it's not all that old. The original structure burnt and the existing structure is an exact replica. It may just need a new coat of paint."

"I doubt it."

"It wouldn't hurt you to be optimistic. Besides, a picnic will be fun. It's much warmer today than it was yesterday."

She rolled her eyes, "Anytime you get to eat you think you're having fun."

"I'm a guy-I like food."

"All right, I suppose we have to take a boat to the island?"

"Yep. I left the basket on the steps. We can leave now and explore a bit before lunch."

"Lead the way."

Shana eyed the small rowboat suspiciously. Even resting along the dock it looked like it would sink any minute. "Are you sure that old thing will float?" She crossed her arms in front of her chest and crinkled her brow.

"Yep. Dash and Allie took it out last night for a moonlight gondola ride."

"That's no gondola."

"They used their imaginations. Just look at the island, isn't it beautiful?"

"It does look like a pretty spot for a picnic."

"It'll be perfect-trust me." He waggled his eye bows, pulling a gentle laugh out of her. She'd been quiet this morning which wasn't like her. The silence could also mean she was thinking about him and that was a good sign. She was a direct person; she wouldn't worry over something too long.

He helped her down and then shoved off. As Dash had promised the boat began to leak halfway to the island. By the time they reached the island her feet were propped up on his seat. It was apparent the boat wouldn't be making a return trip.

"Now what are we going to do?" She sat down in the grass and pulled off her soggy boots and socks.

"We look around a little and then have lunch. Dash and Allie will miss us sooner or later."

"Dash and Allie are so wrapped up in each other it may be days before they realize we're gone."

He laughed and tugged her hand, "Come on, it's a beautiful day and we're on vacation. Let's just enjoy the moment."

They spread the blanket out on the grass and unloaded the basket. Real dishes, wine glasses, all her favorites came out of the basket one by one. Spread-big blanket, her favorites, summer wine, chicken salad, scones

"Wow!" her eyes grew large as she laughed with delight. She looked at him consideringly.

He smiled and quirked an eyebrow, "I have a good memory."

"I'll say! Summer Wine from Château Élan in Atlanta, chicken salad, fudge brownies! You had to have brought the wine with you. Wine from Château Élan is great, but Atlanta is not wine country. I'd be shocked if you found a bottle here, especially considering it's my favorite wine," she slowly sipped her wine.

He leaned down and took a slow sip before answering. "Is it so strange that I'd like to do something special for you?"

"This Conrad, is beyond special. This took planning, long range planning."

"I'm good at planning. Shana, just lean back enjoy the view and have a good time. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing!" He teased

She did as she was told but her mind whirled a million miles a minute. Why had he gone to this much trouble? If he were anyone else she'd say he was out to seduce her, but this was Conrad, her best friend! It was almost too much to hope for that he felt the same way about her as she did about him. Friends were great, but wasn't there something more between them than friendship?

They ate in silence, stealing glimpses of each other from half closed eyes. Conrad smiled inwardly. He'd given her plenty to think about. Now, it was time for his big move. "How about a walk?"

"Ok." She sat her empty glass down on the quilt

"Can I offer you a hand up?" He helped her to her feet without waiting for her reply. He kept her hand nestled in his as they walked around the small island.

At some point their fingers laced together and they stopped walking. She glanced up to find him watching her intently. "Shana." He said her name softly and traced her cheek with one hand

She couldn't look away from those deep blue eyes. She leaned closer, resting one hand on his chest. "Conrad…" she said a bit breathlessly

He wrapped his arms around her and slowly bent his head, watching her eyes flutter closed. He brushed his lips gently across hers and sighed when she returned his kiss. He kept the kiss light for a long time before she opened her mouth beneath his. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. The kiss that had been so gentle moments before quickly turned hot and passionate. Even when they had to break apart the fire burned hotter and hotter.

The air heated between them as their hands started roaming over and under clothing which suddenly felt overly warm and restricting. He started backing them up towards the summer house. There was supposed to be a day bed and blankets. It was private and more secluded than where they stood by the lake's edge. The broke apart and Conrad grabbed her hand in a run, rushing as fast as he could. He got to the stairs and pulled her into his arms again, the embrace even more heated than before. Everything was going great until the toe of Shana's boot caught on the riser above and sent them tumbling onto the stairs. He smacked his head against the landing and grunted in pain. Reality had come crashing in on them.

Shana got to her feet and looked around in a daze. She shook her head as her brain overrode her raging hormones. She watched Conrad climb slowly to his feet and reach for her. She jerked back as if shocked. "What the hell were we about to do?"

He laughed morosely, realizing the Shana wasn't interested in picking back up where they left off. "I think that's kind of obvious."

"I didn't even think you felt that way about me!"

"Shana, a blind man could tell I'm attracted to you. I just wasn't sure if you were, or rather if you wanted it to go anywhere."

"Conrad! We just went from first kiss to practically rolling around in the great outdoors!"

"There's a bed inside."

She went stiff, "What, you planned to get me drunk and seduce me?"

"Damn it, Shana! That's not what this was about and you know it! Don't try to cheapen our attraction to each other!"

"Twenty minutes ago I wasn't sure you were attracted to me! Going to bed with you was not in my plans for the day!"

"It wasn't in my plans either." He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, "I think we both need to calm down a little and talk about what happened."

He patted the step next to him.

She eyed him warily as she sat down, with plenty of space between them.

"I admit things moved faster than I had intended but I'm not sorry it happened."

She looked out at the lake and took her time answering, "Me neither. But things moved way faster than I'm comfortable with."

"So maybe you'd be open to seeing where this attraction leads if we take the pace a little slower?"

"How about a lot slower?"

He took her hand, "Shana…" and waited until she looked up. "…I care about you and I really want to see where this road will take us. If you're willing to come with me I'll go at any pace you want."

She rolled her eyes, "You've been around Dash too long, you're starting to sound poetic. Come on Hauser; let's get our picnic packed up. I'll even let you hold my hand."

He chuckled at her teasing tone. It looked like he'd won this round, "Deal."