The Best Part

Turning down the gravel road, I see an old sign in peeling green paint, attached to sturdy wooden posts that reads, "Camp Cowlick".  Chuckling to myself, I think Yep, this name suits him. At the end of the road, I find myself staring at an old lodge.

Climbing off the bike and taking off my helmet, I say, "Wow! Look at this place." 

I walk over to stand in front of the lodge to get a better look. Tilting my head back, I take in the enormity of the place. It's two stories tall with huge cedar logs and giant windows. You can tell it has been around for a while but it is still one of the most impressive places I have ever seen.

I turn my head around to see Jake is still sitting on the bike, helmet in hand. He is watching me as I take in this place. I can tell he is waiting for my reaction.

Smiling, I say, "Jake, this place is amazing! How did you find it?"

The smile he gives me lights up his whole face, like he was hoping that is what I would say. That smile. It's going to get me into SO much trouble. I just know it. He says, "This was a summer camp for boys. My brother and I used to go here when we were little." He shrugs. "I heard it was up for sale and decided to buy it."

"You bought this place?!" I ask, mouth agape. Whoa.

Jake laughs and says, "Close your mouth, Maddie. You'll catch flies."

Ignoring his comment, I state, "It's just such a huge place for one person. What are you going to do with all this room?"

He answers, "Well, actually, Micheal and Quinn live here too. They are helping me with the renovations. And as for the grounds and the cabins, well, I'll eventually get around to fixing those up to. I want to reopen this place one day."

Now I'm really floored. Okay, now THAT was surprising.

"You were right, Jake. This was definitely worth the drive." I say.

Walking towards me, pointing to the lodge, he smugly says, "I knew you'd love it." Oh you did, did you? "Come on. I'll show you around."

Unlocking the door, he swings it open as I follow him inside. To say I am blown away is an understatement. 

I notice exposed wood beams on the ceiling and a large brick fireplace in the back of the great room. There's a flat screen TV over the fireplace, surrounded by two couches, with a leather armchair in the corner. There's the largest bear skin rug I've ever seen laying in the middle. Pictures of different wildlife pepper the walls. Looking down, I see pine wood floors, worn but beautiful.

Walking over to the couches, I say, "This place really is amazing, Jake. I can see you have put a lot of work into it."

He crosses his arms and says, "Well, this room has the giant TV so of course I had to work on this room first." He nudges me with his shoulder. "But, the rest of the house still needs a lot of work."

"Where to next?" I ask.

He leads me to the kitchen next which is right off the main room. "These cabinets need to be sanded, and refinished. I need to put in new counter tops, get new appliances."

"I love the island in the middle. It's huge!" I say. Hopping up on the counter, I joke, "This thing is big enough to have four people sleep side by side. If you run out of beds for the campers, a couple of them can sleep in the kitchen."

Laughing, he says, "I want to show you the best part." Reaching up, he places his hands on either side of my hips and helps me down from the counter.

Landing directly in front of Jake, I'm acutely aware that we are standing very close. Looking up at his face, I'm overcome by the the urge to run my fingers through his hair. I can feel my resolve starting to falter. His hands are still on my hips. His thumbs are moving in slow circles sending warm tingles down my legs. I think my legs are turning to jelly. Can that actually happen? This will be the first documented case.

Swallowing nervously, I say, "So, let's see the best part." Or we could just stay here.

Giving me that lop sided grin, he says, "Right." Stepping back, he heads out of the kitchen down the hallway. "Follow me." he tosses out over his shoulder. That's the problem. I think I WANT to follow you. 

More with Maddie and Jake! Hope you are enjoying reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it!