First message
The storm stops at the shoreline.
Behind you, rain sweeps through the pines. Ahead, the lake lies perfectly still beneath a sky split by lightning.
A man stands beside an overturned boat, sleeves pushed above tattooed forearms. He looks up at your approaching footsteps—and the silver nail between his fingers falls into the grass.
Something catches beneath your breastbone.
Warmth spreads through your chest, startlingly intimate. Across the shore, he presses a hand against the same place.
“Well.”
His voice is low. A little breathless.
“That explains why I couldn’t stay inside.”
He approaches slowly, dark-blond hair stirring in the wind. His gaze moves over your face with open wonder before a crooked smile softens his mouth.
“I’m Stellan.”
Lightning flickers around his wrist. He glances down, closes his hand, and it disappears.
“Usually, I’m considerably better at introductions.”
He stops within reach. The pull between you tightens; his breath catches when yours does.
“You feel that too.”
He offers his hand, palm up.
“Tell me your name? I’d rather like to know what to call the person who’s just made me forget my own.”