Lantern Lake Read Online Free Page A

saying, “That’s too bad, since winter just started for real. Sanctuary Island is supposed to be very beautiful in the snow.”
    That brought Cooper focus back to her, sharp and intense enough to make Vivian’s nerves spark. “As beautiful as Central Park in the snow?”
    Nostalgia fluttered in her chest, memories as delicate and worn from repeated handling as the pages of an old love letter. “Beautiful in a different way. Wilder, more solitary. More peaceful.”
    “You never used to like being alone,” Cooper said, studying her.
    Vivian tried to laugh. “Thanks for making me sound like the original party girl.”
    He stared down at her face, and Vivian had to fight not to squirm under his scrutiny. What did he see? Could he read the years of her marriage in her eyes, the constant whirl of empty social engagements and crowded parties where she’d been surrounded by people, yet totally alone?
    She wasn’t sure she could bear to try to explain how much her battered heart craved actual solitude—as if being truly alone would glorify her loneliness somehow.
    But Cooper didn’t push her. Instead, he smiled and arched a brow in that invitation to sin she remember so well from their school days. “Speaking of parties,” he purred. “Let’s get this one started, shall we?”
    Vivian had never been able to resist Cooper Hayes, and she didn’t intend to start tonight—when it was almost certainly the last night she’d ever spend with him.
    And it was a magical night, by anyone’s standards. He introduced her to his friends, the other groomsmen, and she introduced him to the friends she’d made during her extended visits to Sanctuary Island. They didn’t talk about the past, or their families, or her marriage.
    The dinner, catered by the Firefly Café, was course after course of spot-on, perfectly prepared Southern classics. In between the fried chicken and cornbread, there was dancing to the pared down strains of a band of rock gods turning jazz anthems into pure, liquid sex.
    Vivian savored the strength and warmth of Cooper’s muscular arms around her as they swayed to the music. Everything felt surreal, like a dream or a fantasy, and when he leaned down to whisper in her ear, she couldn’t hold back a luxurious, full-body shiver.
    “You were made for dancing, Vivian. I love the way you move.”
    She tipped her head back and blinked up at the brilliant explosion of stars through the clear glass of the roof. “I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe we’re both here, like this.”
    I’ve missed you every day
.
    Vivian bit her tongue. She didn’t want to say anything to break the spell—especially not something guaranteed to remind them both that they could have been together all along…if she hadn’t been such a coward.
    “I learned to believe in destiny while I was traveling.” Cooper’s voice was dark with some emotion Vivian couldn’t name. Then he smiled, seductive and dangerous. “I learned to respect it. Because when the universe gives you a shot at something, you take it—or you regret it forever.”
    The idea struck a chord in Vivian’s chest. She met his gaze with all the boldness she could muster, heart thundering with nerves and anticipation. “Then we definitely shouldn’t let this moment pass us by.”
    Satisfaction blazed bright in Cooper’s eyes for the rest of the evening, even as they saw the bride and groom off in their luxury helicopter then headed down to enjoy the bonfire on the night beach.
    The rest of the party guests began to trickle home. And as the bonfire blazed high, casting a red and orange glow of heat over the few remaining wedding guests huddled in Adirondack chairs around it, Cooper said, “I want to see this house you bought.”
    After one too many champagne toasts, Vivian’s blood felt heavy and warm in her veins. She rolled her head on the wooden lounge chair to peer through the shimmery darkness at him. His face was half in shadow, half